They were among more than 900 poor British children sent to Australia without their parents from 1938-1974 to live and work at Fairbridge Farm near Molong.

It was an often tough, and sometimes abusive, upbringing in a vastly different land to where they were born.

The park, designed by leading landscape architect Leonard Lynch, consists of a timeline trail telling the four stages of the children's lives from leaving England to living at Fairbridge and then their lives afterwards.

Signs and displays include two 'pillowless' metal beds, a map of a dormitory and the former Fairbridge bell (a length of train rail belted with a metal stick).

The next stage, a war memorial to the many Fairbridgians who joined the armed services, is still to be built.

Cabonne Shire Council mayor Kevin Beatty said it was a "milestone event" for the region.

"This is a very significant day for all those who passed through the old Fairbridge Farm," he said.

Orange City Council mayor Reg Kidd said the park would become a venue for tourists and travellers.

"This will be a park that pulls you in," he said.

"I am sure this will be one of those places you must visit."

Member for Orange Phil Donato said it would allow visitors to learn the history of Fairbridge.

"It played a significant role in the migration story of Australia," he said.

Member for Calare Andrew Gee said it was a "day of national and international significance.

"The story of child migration is a mixed story," he said.

"It is a compelling history and at times traumatic. Also an uplifting story.

"There was also great cruelty administered there by people who should not have been working with children."

Mr Gee referred to a book by the chair of the Fairbridge Childrens Park David Hill in which he said one former Fairbridge girl reflected on what was missing at the farm.

"No one ever put their arm around you to give you warmth and love," the girl said.

The former Fairbridge Farm area was also open to visitors to inspect.

Much of it is now heavily damaged by vandals, one building is destroyed by fire and others have documents and items strewn across the floors.