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Nickname Hall of Fame — Image credit: Coonamble Shire Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Nickname Hall of Fame

The Nickname is a mystifying tradition and a national phenomenon. Nowhere are nicknames thicker on the ground than across Australia's remote rural regions and Coonamble is the capital. You have entered a realm where the 'real' names of most of the men and many of the women and children have been forgotten, even by their mothers. Nothing and no-one is safe. Anything is fodder for the nicknaming wits of Coonamble - a personal mannerism, a once-mentioned mistake, one mis-pronounced word, an unusual physical characteristic, a fashion faux pas, a sporting slip-up, or a midnight misjudgement. A nickname may last a day, a week on the job ... or many generations. Coonamble is the Nickname Hall of Fame. Take a stroll to see the billboards scattered around the streets and get to know some of their stories. Or stay for a while and get to know the locals.

Coonamble NSW

1.8 km away

Outback Arts — Image credit: Outback Arts

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Outback Arts

The Outback Arts Gallery is a non-profit organisation located on the main street of Coonamble. It provides local and regional artists with the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work in-store and online. Displayed in the gallery are artworks as well as a wide range of art supplies. Outback Arts is one of 15 Regional Arts Development Organisations in New South Wales, servicing the seven contributing local government areas of Bourke, Brewarrina, Bogan, Cobar, Coonamble, Walgett and Warren. The region covers an area of 163,886 square kms and has a population of 26,400 residents. Outback Arts supports and promotes arts and culture in the far west by working across a broad range of regional community arts development programs and initiatives. It works directly with artists, individuals, community groups and local government, supporting communities and sectors that have limited access to arts and culture.

Coonamble NSW

2.3 km away

Outback Arts Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Outback Arts Gallery

The Outback Arts Gallery is located in the main street of Coonamble and provides local artists with the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work. Outback Arts supports and promotes arts and culture in the far west by working across a broad range of regional community arts development programs and initiatives. Displayed in the gallery is art work produced by local and regional artists. Some of the local community's Indigenous artists also have their art work on display.

Coonamble NSW

2.3 km away

1965 Freedom Ride Blue Plaque Trail - Gulargambone — Image credit: Heritage NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

1965 Freedom Ride Blue Plaque Trail - Gulargambone

Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known. This blue plaque commemorates the 1965 Freedom Ride where a group of university students journey on a bus through country New South Wales to expose and challenge discrimination faced by Aboriginal people. The 1965 Freedom Ride Blue Plaque Trail stops at 8 significant locations along the original 1965 Freedom Ride bus route.

Gulargambone NSW

40 km away

Warrumbungle Environmental Education Centre

National Parks and Reserves

Warrumbungle Environmental Education Centre

For some fascinating insights into the historic heritage and landscapes of the Warrumbungles area, visit this exciting education centre located right in the heart of Warrumbungle National Park. Set up with a dedicated classroom and principal, it’s a fantastic place for a school excursion and a hands-on way for students to learn about the unique landscape, plants and animals of the Warrumbungles. Students can also learn about the historic heritage of the region and local Aboriginal culture. Operated by the Department of Education and Communities, the centre offers a range of education-based activities for school groups and teachers. They have short programs suitable for school groups travelling on a day excursion, as well as longer programs for groups planning to stay overnight.

Tonderburine NSW

56 km away

Emu tour in progress

Agritourism

Emu Logic

Emu Logic is a working emu farm that has a farm shop where you can buy emu oil, emu eggs and other emu products. You also have an opportunity to take an emu encounter tour of the farm, meet the emus and learn about these wonderful birds. Located just 15 minutes from the Warrumbungle National Park or Tooraweenah on the scenic road from Gilgandra/Tooraweenah to Coonabarabran. Seasonal activities will impact what is included in the tour. In winter visitors get to meet and feed the adult emus and hold the young chickens but all year round there are friendly adults and growing chicks to meet.

Tonderburine NSW

56 km away

Guinema Road Tourist Drive

National Parks and Reserves

Guinema Road Tourist Drive

The Guinema Road Tourist Drive shows the stunning geological formations located in the rugged volcanic landscape of the Warrumbungles. This is a pretty area of the Warrumbungles that can be viewed by car along Guinema Road. The turn off is about 20 kilometres north west of Coonabarabran, where you will discover some amazing views of the mighty ancient escarpments of the National Park. Due to the January 2013 bushfires that burnt most of the Warrumbungle National Park, new rock faces have been revealed along with columnar structures and volcanic dykes and plugs. You can now see the margins of the tuffaceous deposits and massive trachytes flows or domes which couldn't be seen before because of the heavy covering of trees and undergrowth. Part of this drive is dirt road but can be accessed by both car or four wheel drive, weather permitting. Travelling from East to West will eventually take you to the township of Baradine. For further enquiries contact Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre.

Baradine NSW

65 km away

Pilliga Forest

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Pilliga Forest

Pronounced pilly-gah, Pilliga Forest is an iconic Australian landscape offering rugged beauty on a grand scale. Explore the trail network by car or on foot, take a guided tour and camp out. One of the iconic landscapes of inland Australia, Pilliga Forest (or sometimes called the Pilliga Scrub) is made up of Pilliga Nature Reserve, Timmallallie National Park, Pilliga West, and East State Conservation Areas. Close to the town of Baradine, Pilliga is a vast forest that spans more than half a million hectares and features 2,000km of public access trails, so there’s a lot to explore either by walking or car touring. You can set up camp at the free Sculptures in the Scrub campground in Timmallallie National Park. Be sure to take a guided Discovery tour of Sandstone Caves to find out about this important Aboriginal site and the Gamilaroi people’s connections to this ancient landscape. As you walk or drive, keep your eyes out for some of the park’s resident birds and wildlife, including rare barking owls and malleefowls.

Baradine NSW

65 km away

Pilliga Forest Lookout Tower

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Pilliga Forest Lookout Tower

The Pilliga Forest Lookout Tower is located at the Salt Caves visitor area in Timmallallie National Park, about 45 kilometres north-east of Baradine. The visitor area has a free gas barbecue, picnic tables, interpretive signage, shelters, and a toilet. Camping is available, but you need to be self-sufficient. Camping must be booked online prior to staying. Enjoy a short hike up the escarpment to the Pilliga Forest lookout tower where you'll be treated to breathtaking views across the vast Pilliga Forest. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Warrumbungles to the south-east, and Mount Kaputar Park in the north-east. For a shorter stroll, take the one-kilometre walk to Salt Caves Dam, a popular watering hole for the native wildlife and a great spot for bird watching. The cave itself is an important Aboriginal site and is an excellent example of shelter used by the traditional Gamilaroi people.

Baradine NSW

65 km away

Baradine Local Aboriginal Land Council and Keeping Place

Natural Attractions

Baradine Local Aboriginal Land Council and Keeping Place

Come in and look at the local artefacts at the Baradine Local Aboriginal Land Council building. After visiting this building, take a stroll down the main street of Baradine and visit the Pilliga Discovery Centre, which will also give you opportunities to immerse yourself in the visual history of this land or just relax back and have a great country meal at the local or local cafés.

Baradine NSW

65 km away

Burbie Canyon walking track — Image credit: Photo: Sue Brookhouse

Natural Attractions

Burbie Canyon walking track

Avid birdwatchers will love Burbie Canyon walking track, which offers a gentle two kilometre stroll past a creek and through a narrow sandstone gorge. Indeed, the birdlife is so varied here, you can’t help but go birdwatching, trying to spot peregrine falcons nesting in hollows of the rock-face, or rare turquoise parrots darting overhead. This is a terrific track for families and kids as well. Though Burbie Canyon walking track is good to visit at any time of year, spring is particularly beautiful, surrounded by an abundance of wildflowers like the common parrot pea, guinea flower, and five corners, a popular bushfood. Bring the camera and enjoy the stunning ambience of the native forest. This is also a great place to see swamp and red-necked wallabies, and, if you’re particularly lucky, you may even spy a koala dozing in a eucalyptus tree.

Warrumbungle NSW

66 km away

Belougery Split Rock Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Sue Brookhouse

Natural Attractions

Belougery Split Rock Walking Track

One for experienced bushwalkers and the older kids, Belougery Split Rock walking track is a moderate challenge with a big reward at the end. Climbing up and around one of Warrumbungle National Park’s most distinctive peaks, an ancient lava dome, the rough path threads around many obstacles along the way. The final stretch to the summit, for example, involves a scramble up steps carved into the side of a rocky knoll. Be sure to bring plenty of water. Nevertheless, once you reach the top of Split Rock, all thoughts of exertion fall away. The 360-degree views are spectacular here, showing off Warrumbungle mountain and the seemingly infinite Western Plains stretching off into the distance over an ancient volcanic landscape. Pack a camera, and maybe a small picnic, so you can settle down and soak up the ambience. You might like to carry some binoculars too, as wedge-tailed eagles live in the area, making this a popular haunt for birdwatching. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a shy red-necked wallaby or wallaroo, lazing in the many wildflowers during spring.

Warrumbungle NSW

66 km away

Canyon picnic area

Natural Attractions

Canyon picnic area

Canyon picnic area is a great spot for a family picnic or barbecue, and you can either lay out your picnic blanket and relax on the grass, or take advantage of one of the picnic tables. The picnic area is accessible to everyone, including curious creatures who might like the look of your lunch. If you'd like to stretch your legs after cooking up your barbecue lunch, take a short walk downstream where you may see woodland birds and perhaps a lounging koala hiding in the trees. If it's a warm day, you might like to dip your toes in the cool water of Wambelong Creek. Take a virtual tour of Canyon picnic area captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Warrumbungle NSW

67 km away

Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk

Natural Attractions

Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk

This iconic Warrumbungle National Park walk is famous for its wildlife and vistas of rugged volcanic landscape. Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is the jewel in the glistening crown and is a must-do for bush walkers who love a challenge with their scenery. The track follows Spirey Creek before climbing steeply to give close encounters with iconic formations such as Belougery Spire, Bress Peak and Crater Bluff. Passing Balor Hut campground on your way up, stop for a picnic and take in one of the best panoramas in NSW. After the breathtaking Grand High Tops summit, continue on towards Western High Tops and the Ogma Gap campground. You'll pass Dows Camp on the way for a look at the impressive Bluff Mountain. To complete the 14.5 kilometre loop, follow the West Spirey track back to Pincham carpark. Alternatively, you can take a shorter 12.5 kilometre return to Pincham carpark via Dagda Shortcut. In spring, walkers will be treated to a wildflower display of purple hoveas, white daisy bushes, yellow wattles and orange pea flowers.

Warrumbungle NSW

68 km away

Warrumbungle National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Warrumbungle National Park

The Breadknife, easily the most recognisable feature within the park, towers 90m above the valley floor and is a symbol of the park's enduring importance and resilience. The Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is recognised as one of the best walks in NSW, with close up views of the park's iconic rock formations. Whether you're into camping, walking, birdwatching or astronomy, the park's big sky, amazing light and dramatic rock formations make it an outstanding place for amateur and professional photographers. Wildfires in 2013 marked yet another chapter in this great park's history. NPWS has worked hard to rebuild its facilities for generations to come. Walking tracks, campgrounds and other visitor sites have been rebuilt with new modern facilities. Drop into the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre for park information or buy a star chart to enjoy our starry nights.

Warrumbungle NSW

69 km away

Whitegum lookout

Natural Attractions

Whitegum lookout

Spectacular views of the volcanic landscape of Warrumbungle National Park await you at Whitegum lookout. Be sure to take a hamper or thermos flask if you want to relax at the picnic tables near the carpark after taking in the view and snapping some photographs. It is a 500m stroll from the carpark to Whitegum lookout along a sealed pathway. Although there is a slight incline, the path is suitable for wheelchairs and prams and it is an easy walk for children.

Tonderburine NSW

72 km away

Tooraweenah Park

Parks and Gardens

Tooraweenah Park

Tooraweenah Park sits in the centre of this historic village, known for its early 20th-century buildings and views toward the Warrumbungle National Park. The park features modern play equipment, shaded picnic areas, barbecues and public toilets—ideal for a family stop or road-trip break. Visitors can also enjoy the cricket nets, tennis courts, hit-up wall, basketball ring and open sporting field. While in Tooraweenah, visit the country pub across the road and follow the town's historic walking trail to the GK Rohr Warrumbungle Viewing Platform for standout mountain views.

Tooraweenah NSW

72 km away

Siding Spring Observatory

Observatories and Planetariums

Siding Spring Observatory

Siding Spring Observatory is Australia's premier optical astronomical research facility. Located 27 kilometres west of Coonabarabran on the edge of the Warrumbungle National Park, it is home to Australia's largest optical telescopes, including the 3.9-metres Anglo Australian Telescope, the 2.3-metre Advanced Technology Telescope and the two-metre Faulkes Telescope South. Visitors are able to access the Visitor Gallery in the AAT dome. Guided tours are available, and guests can contact Beyond the sky Stargazing for information on tours. Siding Spring is closed to the public at nighttime. The annual Star Fest celebration at Siding Spring Observatory is held on the Labour Day weekend in October. It's your chance to explore the whole site, talk with astronomers about the universe and the research they are undertaking. You might even get a chance to take a look through a telescope yourself!

Coonabarabran NSW

73 km away

Pilliga National Park — Image credit: Rita Enke

National Parks and Reserves

Pilliga National Park

Pilliga Forest, sometimes called Pilliga Scrub, is one of the iconic landscapes of inland Australia. It's made up of Pilliga Nature Reserve, Timmallallie National Park, Pilliga West, and East State Conservation Areas. Close to the town of Baradine, Pilliga is a vast forest that spans more than half a million hectares and features 2,000km of public access trails, so there's a lot to explore either by walking or car touring. Explore along the Coonabarabran-Baradine-Warrumbungle scenic drive. You can set up camp at the Sculptures in the Scrub campground in Timmallallie National Park. Be sure to take short walk at Sandstone Caves to find out about this important Aboriginal site and the Gamilaraay People's connections to this ancient landscape. As you walk or drive, keep your eyes out for some of the park's resident birds and wildlife, including rare barking owls and malleefowls. Other species that live here include eastern pygmy possums, swamp wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, squirrel gliders, and the south-eastern long-eared bat.

Gwabegar NSW

78 km away

Sculptures in the Scrub Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Rob Cleary

Natural Attractions

Sculptures in the Scrub Walking Track

Sculptures in the Scrub walking track, in Timallallie National Park, takes in the award-winning Sculptures in the Scrub, a project that was four years in the making. Each sculpture is the result of an artist collaborating with local Aboriginal Elders and young people on a piece that tells a story of local Aboriginal history and culture. Take some time to look at these works - you’ll find some information about the artist’s background and the methods used to create the sculpture, along with its deeper meaning. Sculptures in the Scrub picnic area and campground is near the walking track, which is a good place to stop if you have time, and you may even see some of the local wildlife. If you’re walking the track in spring, you’ll likely be treated to a colourful and vibrant display of wildflowers.

Baradine NSW

81 km away

Emu in the Sky — Image credit: Milroy Observatory

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Donna the Astronomer at Milroy Observatory

Come and join Donna the Astronomer or her team on an amazing and entertaining journey through the Southern Night Sky at Milroy Observatory. Donna is a research astronomer who has discovered two comets and worked at Siding Spring Observatory for many years. The show starts with a tour of the evening sky, and then several bright and deep-sky objects are observed with the outdoor telescope. See planets, galaxies, nebulas and star clusters, amongst other amazing night sky wonders. Shows go for 75-90 minutes and are outside - so please rug up! There are only two rules-have fun and ask questions! Shows are child friendly and suitable for all ages 5-103! Donna has been sharing her love of the sky for over 20 years and enjoys nothing better than inspiring young and old to enjoy and appreciate our unique southern skies. Milroy Observatory is available for public viewing and is open every clear night. Contact Donna for further details on viewing times. Milroy is located 10 kilometres northwest of Coonabarabran on the Baradine Road.

Coonabarabran NSW

81 km away

Warrumbungle National Park Discovery Program

Natural Attractions

Warrumbungle National Park Discovery Program

Discover nature's classroom on Discovery Ranger-guided walks, talks, and tours in the Warrumbungle National Park. Discovery Programs operate during autumn winter and spring seasons. Bookings are essential for activities so contact the Warrumbungle National Park Visitors Centre for further details on the contact number supplied or you can self-book tours on the national parks website. The Discovery Program caters for adults, children and families. Itineraries will be available direct from the Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre.

Coonabarabran NSW

81 km away

Mount Exmouth walking track

Natural Attractions

Mount Exmouth walking track

This long trek is also an extremely rewarding one: the 360-degree views from Mount Exmouth, the 1206m peak of Warrumbungle Range, are truly outstanding. Along the way to the summit, you’ll encounter beautiful scenery, a varied vegetation community, and basalt rock formations that comprise some of the few remaining pieces of the original volcanic shield. Following Mount Exmouth walking track is to walk back in time, experiencing the best that Warrumbungle National Park has to offer. You won’t be alone, either. Kangaroos, wallabies and wallaroos are common sights along the track. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a rare koala in the trees along ‘The Boulevarde’, a stretch of scenic woodland between Camp Burbie and Danu Gap. Don’t forget your binoculars, too – turquoise parrots can be seen in small flocks around the same area. The vegetation on the summit is sparse, and only the hardiest of plants like the mallee eucalyptus can survive here. But in spring, the wildflowers are out down below, including pink hyacinth orchids and nodding greenhood.

Coonabarabran NSW

84 km away

Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths

Natural Attractions

Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths

The natural health-giving waters that flow into the Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths have been doing so for well over a century. This facility is found just East of the village of Pilliga along the Pilliga Road (approximately 56 kilometres from Wee Waa/sealed road). There is no charge to enter the Bore for a day visit. A fee does apply per site per night for the primitive campground, which is RV-friendly. The maximum stay at the campground is four nights. Facilities include a toilet block and cold shower, an electric barbecue, and shelters. A roof covers the pool area, and it has lighting for nighttime bathing. There are also parking areas for caravans and motorhomes. The water temperature is about 37.1 degrees Celsius, and many people come to bathe in it for therapeutic value.

Pilliga NSW

85 km away

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