Dear Rhi,
With all the interest in the Cranky Rock Dam and as a resident of Cranky Rock Road, I have often wondered about the origin of the name. I researched TROVE and came across the attached article from the Cowra Free Press in 1913 which suggests the road was originally called “Craggy Rock Road”. There is also reference to “craggy masses of limestone rock” in the Belubula Caves in a report from Mr C S Wilkinson, Government Geologist to the Minister for Mines in September 1876 which may suggest the rock formations in the area were described in geological terms as “craggy”. The First Edition Map of the Parish of Chaucer dated 1883 does not mention “Cranky Rock” but the Second Edition Map of the Parish of Chaucer dated 1895 shows the property “Cranky Rock”.. The article from the Cowra Free Press was part of a report on a tour from Cowra to Canowindra and back to Cowra by the local councillors with the Shire Engineer and a reporter from the Canowindra Star- you can view the article via this link- http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/99613530?searchTerm=(cranky rock culvert) Perhaps other people may be able to confirm the origin of this unique name.
Regards,
Michael Lindsay
Leitrum
Canowindra