welcome to
north west new south wales
gunnedah coonabarabran narrabri moree
JUST BRILLIANT GUIDES
welcome to
gunnedah You will marvel at the natural beauty of the district, learn the history and culture, feel the natural charm and enjoy the hospitality and comfort that only Gunnedah people can offer.
Image by Gunnedah Shire Council
Thanks to the special tree corridors that have been planted throughout the town, Gunnedah is home to Australia’s largest and healthiest population of koalas who are regularly spotted strolling along the streets and bush tracks. The best places to spot a furry friend include the Anzac Park river gums, Gunnedah Golf Course, Porcupine Lookout Reserve, the Stock Road walking track and the Showground, close to the Kennel Club grounds.
If you’re keen on water sports, be sure to catch the action at Lake Keepit State Park, just a short drive from Gunnedah. Whilst in Gunnedah you can visit perhaps the best rural museum in Australia or take in an auctioneer’s call at the Gunnedah Saleyards. Check out the downtown precinct for a range of delicious eating options and boutique shopping. For more information on Gunnedah, go to www.visitgunnedah.com.au.
Image by Gunnedah Shire Council
GUNNEDAH
Wild open spaces SWEEPING LANDSCAPES U N I Q U E AT T R AC T I O N S KOALAS LOOKOUTS POETS DRIVE WA L K S & T O U R S MUSEUMS & GALLERIES FINE FOOD & COFFEE
V I S I T O R I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T R E 83 Chandos Street Gunnedah NSW 2380 Freecall: 1800 KOALAS T: 02 6740 2230 F: 02 6740 2119 E: tourism@infogunnedah.com.au W: www.visitgunnedah.com.au
GUNNEDAH
© John Batman Group
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gunnedah
SEE & DO family & recreation
riverside precinct
The Memorial Swimming Pool caters for everyone during all seasons. A kiosk serves food and drinks, and the expansive lawns allow ample room for families to gather and play. The Lions Hospital Park is a perfect spot to enjoy a break or a friendly gathering with a modern playground and BBQ facilities.
The Namoi River forms the northern edge of Gunnedah. The precinct becomes a focal point every Australia day during the popular Raft and Craft Race. Located in proximity to the river, the Woolshed Reserve is a leash-free area for pets with seating, BBQ facilities and a small playground. The Donnelly Fields are used for a variety of sports including cricket, golf practice and boot camps.
One of the best ways to explore Gunnedah is to follow the great cycleway paths. Don't forget to spot koalas along the way.
history & memorials The Cumbo Gunnerah Memorial, Miner’s Memorial and Breaker Morant Drive are well worth viewing as are the Cenotaph, other war memorials and the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial. Gunnedah’s first main street reveals some of the township's oldest buildings. Other buildings in town include the Court House, the Sisters of Mercy Convent and Chapel, St Joseph’s Catholic Church and heritage buildings in Conadilly and Barter Street.
lookouts
Image by Gunnedah Shire Council
At 420m above sea level, Porcupine Lookout is Gunnedah’s main lookout with panoramic views across the nearby Breeza and Pullaming Plains. The Bindea Walking Tracks provide a range of walks for all fitness levels plus the opportunity to see some spectacular views and a variety of local fauna including koalas. With large, strategically placed sandstone sculptures and Aboriginal totems, a visit to Pensioners’ hill provides a truly unique cultural experience and, at an eleveation of 310m, expansive views across the town and nearby Namoi River.
museums For history buffs, the Rural Museum is a must-see. Opened in 1992, the museum houses around 18,000 items – one of the largest collections of memorabilia in Australia. See vintage cars, tractors, farm machinery and a range of other artefacts and collectables. The Water Tower Museum is a converted 1908 water reservoir. The museum features four floors and an observations deck, plus a large mural painting of Aboriginal and early European history. Open Saturday 10am to 2pm, or by appointment. The Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council hold a significant collection of stone artefacts, carved trees, weapons and utensils at the Cumbo Gunnerah Museum and Keeping Place along Chandos Street. By appointment only. Call 6742 3602.
cultural precinct The cultural precinct entails the Gunnedah Town Hall, The Creative Arts Centre and Mooki Room, and the Civic Theatre. The arts centre provides the opportunity for local artists to display their artwork while the Civic Theatre showcases movies and a range of live theatre and music productions.
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coonabarabran The Coonabarabran and the Warrumbungle region is one of the best areas to interact with nature. Coonabarabran is nestled at the foothills of the stunning Warrumbungle Mountain Range, beneath some of the clearest skies in Australia, hence the designation of Australia’s first International Dark Sky Park.
explore the skies Seeing why and learning how to discover new horizons. By day, visit Siding Spring to see Australia’s largest optical research facility in action. By night, be an astronomer yourself at one of the privately operated observatories.
Set aside a few days and discover the unique attractions that make Coonabarabran and the Warrumbungle region so special!
astronomy capital Siding Spring Observatory and Exploratory Centre is home to more than 40 telescopes and provides visitors with an insight to our vast and magnificent universe. The centre is open weekdays 9:30am to 4pm and weekends 10am to 4pm. For more information, call 6842 6363.
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Donna Burton, speaker and astronomer from Coona Astro Ventures, provides an intimate introduction to the stars. For bookings and information, call Donna on 0428 288 244. Warrumbungle Observatory is operated by Peter Starr. Through powerful telescopes you can marvel at the wonders of the evening sky from sunset each day. Bookings are required.
Image by David Kirkland
coonabarabran
SEE & DO warrumbungle national park Just 36kms from Coonabarabran, the Warrumbungle National Park boasts a large network of walking trails or you can simply enjoy the tranquillity and scenery of nature at its best!
Crystal Kingdom Peruse the fascinating displays of local fossils and minerals at Crystal Kingdom. Open daily except for Christmas Day. Entry is free.
Pilliga Pottery
Image by Destination NSW
Located on the periphery of the picturesque Pilliga Forest, Pilliga Pottery boasts a collection of unique handmade thrown and glazed pottery, which reflects the natural surrounds. Open daily from 9am to 6pm.
food & drink to suit all tastes The Coonabarabran and Warrumbungle region offers an array of sumptuous dining options. The Coonabarabran and Warrumbungle region offers a great choice of dining and drinking options. From bistro to a la carte dining, Chinese and Thai restaurants, wood fired pizzas and Italian cuisine, the region has many options for dining out. Light snacks and lunch are also available at the many cafes dotted throughout the area. Try a cold beer and meet a local at one of the pubs, or even visit a hands-on distillery. For more information on eateries in Coonabarabran and the surrounding region, pop into the visitor information centre and grab an 'Eating Out Guide'.
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narrabri The Narrabri Shire is truly an agricultural wonderland. Combined with a wealth of tourist attractions, visitors are sure to be entertained for days. Covering 13,000 km2, the Narrabri Shire is the heart of the rich Namoi Valley and is renowned for the production of some of the world’s highest quality wheat, cotton, fat lambs and beef. It’s also home to several research facilities. One glimpse of a clear night sky will leave you with no doubts as to why this region is known as “Big Sky” country. The seemingly endless horizons have facilitated the growth of the CSIRO Australia Telescope
Compact Array. The natural wonder of the Nandewar Ranges and Mt Kaputar National Park will keep even the most reluctant of bushwalkers enthralled, while the seemingly endless fields of cotton and wheat are sure to impress. For more information, visit www.visitnarrabri.com.au. Alternatively, drop into the Narrabri Visitor Information Centre located along the Newell Highway.
NARRABRI
© John Batman Group
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narrabri
SEE & DO Narrabri Lake A recreational playground for swimmers, canoeists, picnickers and windsurfers. For the energetic at heart, take the walking track which loops around the lake.
Narrabri Gaol and Museum The Narrabri Gaol and Museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts of historical, archival and cultural significance. It’s open Wednesday 10am to 2pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm, or by appointment.
Mt Kaputar National Park Explore the rugged island of wilderness that is the Mt Kaputar National Park, an ancient footprint left behind by a series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.
CSIRO Australia Telescope The Dish times six! Satisfy your scientific curiosities at the most advanced radio telescope in the southern hemisphere, located 25kms west of Narrabri at the Paul Wild Observatory.
Fishing
Image by Paul Foley & Destination NSW
The picturesque Namoi River meanders through Narrabri Shire. The best fishing spots along the river are available from the visitor information centre.
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moree Whenever you choose to visit Moree Plains Shire, there will always be a warm welcome waiting for you. Sitting atop the Great Artesian Basin, the Moree Plains is located just below the Queensland border on wide, black-soil plains threaded with a tapestry of rivers, creeks, billabongs and wetlands. As a major national agricultural centre, Moree Plains Shire is doubly blessed by Mother Nature, with earth-born mineral spas earning the region a reputation as “Australia’s Artesian Spa Capital”. Business, agriculture, history and culture provide a dynamic foundation for the network of towns and villages in the shire with each location displaying a unique community and character.
Image by Paul Foley & Destination NSW
Why not start your day with a rejuvenating dip in our Artesian spa pools while you contemplate which adventure to go on next? Perhaps you’d like to take in the history of the town on a Guided History Tour, explore the historic buildings in the CBD or browse in the local art galleries as you do a little shopping at the many boutique stores. When it’s time for a break, we’ve got you covered with a variety of excellent cafes and restaurants. A walk through one of the lovely green parks, some of which are bordered by the Mehi River, is
a great refresher any day of the year. Perhaps you’re keen to learn more about the agriculture of the area with one of our seasonal AgriTours? You can discover how to grow a pair of jeans, wander through the largest commercial pecan nut farm in the Southern Hemisphere, or visit an olive grove or the first winery. It’s all here on your doorstep. Long before our region was known as Moree Plains Shire, the Kamilaroi people called this place home. With a history stretching back over 40,000 years, the proud culture of the Indigenous custodians will enlighten and fascinate you when you visit the Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre in the CBD. There are so many fabulous aspects to the Moree Plains Shire but the best of all is the people. Generous, community minded, laid-back, hard working with huge hearts, the people of Moree Plains will welcome you to be part of their community, enjoying the best of country living whether you’re passing through, visiting or relocating.
MOREE
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Vis i t
Bank Art Museum Moree Monday–Friday 10am–5pm Saturday 10am–1pm 25 Frome St, Moree NSW 2400 info@bamm.org.au www.bamm.org.au
moree
SEE & DO Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
EXPLORE the REGION
The Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) underwent a $7 million redevelopment. The outdoor section now features a 50m FINA Standard Olympic swimming pool, two new hot artesian pools, a program pool, children’s Hidroplay area and splash pad, and a 10m water slide for all who are young at heart. There are also 2 new areas: MAAC Fitness and MAAC Wellness and Day Spa. Make sure you treat yourself to an appointment with one of the health and wellness specialists today.
Stroll through the many beautiful parks and gardens in the region or explore the rich hinterland. Take a guided tour of the largest pecan nut farm in the Southern Hemisphere or one of the state-of-the-art cotton gins. Hike through the spectacular Waa Gorge in Kaputar National Park, set up your tent and drop in at one of the many waterholes, or stop in for a beer at one of the historic village pubs.
Art Deco town centre
Image by Moree Tourism
Moree’s exquisite Art Deco town centre provides a spectacular old-world ambience. Browse through the specialty boutiques, explore the regional art gallery, or taste test some of the pecans, olives, wines and other specialty regional produce. Enjoy a self-guided heritage walk through the township. Pick up a copy of the Moree Heritage Trail at the visitor information centre.
Indigenous History The town library plays host to a fascinating history of the local indigenous Kamilaroi tribe with the purpose constructed ‘Indigenous Unit’.
DINING OUT With so much quality goods produced in the region, Moree offers many sumptuous dining options across its cafes, clubs, pubs, bistros and restaurants. Mouthwatering char-grilled steaks, traditional Thai, awardwinning Chinese, superb seafood and inspirational Italian… the list just goes on!
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Old Warrah C John Batman Group.
events
essential
calendar
services
January
Gunnedah Police Station
6742 9099
• National Tomato Contest, Gunnedah • Australia Day Raft Race, Gunnedah
Coonabarabran Police Station
6842 7299
Narrabri Police Station
6792 7199
Moree Police Station
6757 0799
Gunnedah Hospital
6741 8000
February • Gunnedah Fete and Flower Show, Gunnedah • Pacific National Chopper Cup Charity Race Day, Moree • Dunedoo Show, Dunedoo
2 Marquis Street, Gunnedah Gunnedah Rural Health Clinic
March
27 Marquis Street, Gunnedah
• • • • • • • •
Coonabarabran Hospital
Dunedoo Bush Poetry Festival, Dunedoo Baradine Show, Baradine Coonabarabran Show, Coonabarabran Family Race Day, Moree Fairview on Trawalla, Moree Narrabri Twilight Rodeo, Narrabri Nosh on the Namoi, Narrabri Narrabri Picnic Races, Narrabri
6826 6100
101-103 Edwards Street, Coonabarabran Warrumbungle Medical Centre
6842 3333
59 Cassilis Street, Coonabarabran Narrabri Hospital
6799 2800
66 Gibbons Street, Narrabri Narrabri Medical Centre
April • • • • •
6742 1222
6792 2949
Shop 3 Tourist Building, Doyle Street, Narrabri
Gunnedah Bird Expo and Sale, Gunnedah North-West Autumn Classic Dog Show, Gunnedah Gunnedah Show, Gunnedah Moree Agricultural Show, Moree Narrabri Innovations Festival, Narrabri
Moree Hospital
6757 0000
35 Alice Street, Moree Balo Street Medical Centre
6752 2600
72 Balo Street, Moree
May
Karen Carter Chemist
• • • • • • •
270-274 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah
Narrabri Show, Narrabri Art Unlimited, Dunedoo Gunnedah Eisteddford, Gunnedah Gold Cup Race Day, Gunnedah Moree On a Plate, Moree Mallawa Picnic Races, Moree Narrabri Veterans Golf Week, Narrabri
Coonabarabran Pharmacy
6742 0024 6842 1815
41-43 John Street, Coonabarabran Narrabri Pharmacy
6792 2105
127 Maitland Street, Narrabri Moree Pharmacy
June
6752 2577
97 Balo Street, Moree
• Keepit Kool Regatta, Gunnedah • Vintage Car Rally, Gunnedah • Picnic Races, Moree
July • NAIDOC Week Celebrations, Narrabri • Opal & Gem Expo, Lightning Ridge • Opal Queen Ball, Lightning Ridge
August • • • • •
Camp Draft, Gunnedah AgQuip Rodeo, Gunnedah Fairview Fete, Moree Galloping Gully Polocrosse Carnival, Narrabri Narrabri Antique Machinery Exhibition, Narrabri
September • • •
Warrumbungle Wildflower Week Warrumbungle National Park, Coonabarabran North West Swap Meet, Gunnedah Northern Regional Dog Show, Gunnedah
• Annual Porchetta Day, Gunnedah • St Philomena’s Fete, Moree • Moree Mototrade Expo - Show and Shine, Moree
October • • • • •
Gunnedah Art Exhibition, Gunnedah Coolah Spring Garden Festival, Coolah Starfest, Coonabarabran Coonabarabran Cup, Coonabarabran Narrabri Spring Festival, Narrabri
November • Melbourne Cup Race Day, Moree
December • Moree Community Carols, Moree • Christmas Mardi Gras, Narrabri
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This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines. John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Binders Compendiums Menu Covers Pty Ltd. © Copyright all rights reserved. JBG–S John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket. PO Box 726, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia 3134. Tel: (03) 9879 8588 Fax: (03) 9879 8688 Email: info@johnbatman.com.au Web: www.johnbatman.com.au Compiled with the assistance of Tourism Gunnedah, Warrumbungle Shire Council, Narrabri Shire Council and Tourism Moree. Front cover image courtesy of Paul Foley & Destination NSW.
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