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Entrance to the Tambar Springs War Memorial — Image credit: Gunnedah Shire Council

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Tambar Springs War Memorial

Discover Australia's Earliest Country War Memorial Standing proudly in the heart of Memorial Park, Tambar Springs, this historic monument is said to be the first memorial erected in rural Australia to honour World War I servicemen. The centrepiece is an elegant Italian marble obelisk topped with a striking sculpture of a young soldier—eyes downcast, resting with quiet dignity. It's a moving tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who served. Local history tells a remarkable story: 94 men from Tambar Springs and the surrounding district enlisted during World War I, the highest number per capita from any rural village in Australia. Their commitment reflects the deep sense of patriotism that shaped this community. Later additions include impressive Memorial Stone gates at the park entrance, where the names of all servicemen and women from the district are etched in stone—a lasting reminder of their legacy. Take a moment to visit this significant site, reflect on its history, and appreciate the role Tambar Springs played in Australia's wartime story.

Tambar Springs NSW

20 km away

Diprotodon Drive sculpture — Image credit: Gunnedah Shire Council

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Diprotodon Drive - Tambar Springs

On the edge of the ancient Warrumbungle Range lies Tambar Springs – a tiny village with a big personality and two big stories to tell. Settled in the 1860s after early grazing began in the 1830s, today it's known for rich farmland, relaxed country living, and one very impressive discovery. In 1987, local farmer Louise Friss uncovered the fossilised bones of a Diprotodon – an extinct, wombat-like giant that once roamed the region. Estimated to be around 33,500 years old, the skeleton now resides at the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre. To celebrate this rare find, locals created the Diprotodon Drive – a quirky self-guided trail marked by corrugated iron sculptures that guide visitors through the village and its historic highlights. Tambar Springs also Tambar Springs may be small, but it ticks all the essentials: a general store (with petrol and takeaway!), a pub, ag services, and a local police station keeping things in check. Drop into the Tambar Springs General Store for a good coffee and a bite, then wander to the Royal Hotel for a cold drink and a yarn with locals overlooking black-soil country. Tambar Springs – where the past walks with giants and the present rolls at a country pace.

Tambar Springs NSW

20 km away

Bundella lookout — Image credit: DPIE

Natural Attractions

Bundella lookout

Perched atop a lofty outcrop, Bundella lookout is a magical place for nature lovers. From the carpark at the end of Pinnacle Road it's an easy 160 metre stroll through mountain gum and stringybark forest to the grassy area at the lookout. Spread out a picnic, paint a picture, or practise yoga surrounded by the sounds of nature. You'll want to come back again, as the light offers ever-changing views of the Liverpool Plains, farmland, and Warrumbungle Range stretching as far as Mount Kaputar, on the horizon. Visit at sunset for close encounters with wombats and swamp wallabies. Bring a torch to spot greater gliders and feather tailed gliders moving among the treetops at nightfall. For a different view, the easy 1.6 kilometre return walk to Pinnacle lookout starts from the carpark. If you're feeling energetic, explore by mountain bike, or hike Bundella track along the escarpment, around 6.6 kilometres one-way. There are plenty of options if you'd like to linger longer for more Coolah Tops adventures. Set up camp at the tranquil forest retreat of The Barracks campground or stay at Coxs Creek campground to discover the magnificent waterfalls nearby.

Bundella NSW

24 km away

Black Stump Rest Area

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Black Stump Rest Area

Coolah is one of several towns to claim bragging rights as the home of the legendary Black Stump. It was here that the colloquial saying ‘Beyond the Black Stump’, meaning ‘beyond the limits of civilisation’ is said to have originated. Supporting Coolah’s claim is a document showing land boundaries declared by Governor Darling in 1826. This boundary line passes through the centre of a property known as ‘Black Stump Run’. The local Aboriginal Gamilaraay people called the area ‘Weetalibah-Wallangan’, meaning ‘the place where the fire went out and left a burnt stump’. In 1905, a fire engulfed the Black Stump Wine Saloon, which was said to be the location of the original black stump. Today, a rest area and replica stump mark the historic location. It contains picnic shelters, an electric barbecue and flushing toilets. Be sure to visit the township of Coolah, which is close by and offers accommodation and great food choices.

Coolah NSW

26 km away

Cunninghams Campsite and Pandoras Pass

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Cunninghams Campsite and Pandoras Pass

Take some time to explore the route of the well-known explorer Allan Cunningham and his party. Starting at the memorial plaque where they spent the night and moving further up the valley to discover Pandora Pass. This picturesque campsite is adjacent to Coolah Creek, about 20 kilometres east of Coolah. Stop and enjoy a picnic lunch and experience the true wonder of being an explorer. Coolah township is only 20 minutes away to stay the night or enjoy a great country meal throughout the day or night.

Coolah NSW

28 km away

King Togees Grave

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

King Togees Grave

If you have a keen interest in Aboriginal history, the grave of King Togee is to be found 29 kilometres west of Coolah on the left-hand side of the Neilrex Road, just past the 'Langdon' homestead. There is a weather-worn sandstone headstone surrounded by four white posts with a sign overhead reading 'Togee King of the Butheroe Tribe'. King Togee was friendly with the early settlers but was speared to death by a young man named Cuttabush, who later became the king of a Coonabarabran sub-tribe. Please contact Pandora Gallery at Coolah for more information.

Coolah NSW

34 km away

Coolah Crafts

Shopping and Markets

Coolah Crafts

Take a stroll through a unique and exquisite craft shop at Coolah Crafts, where you will find a large variety of locally made country handcrafts, including woodwork and ceramics. You will also find patchwork and jewellery designed by local artisan Annette Piper. Sample delicious homemade condiments and treats or make a purchase from their beautiful wool and haberdashery display. Coolah Crafts is a must-see when visiting or travelling through town, and Thursday is cake day. Make some time and call in!

Coolah NSW

35 km away

Pandora Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Pandora Gallery

The Pandora Gallery provides regional artists with the opportunity to exhibit in Coolah located along the Black Stump Way in Central West New South Wales. The gallery features enlargements of renowned photographer Max Dupain (circa 1947) permanently mounted for public viewing, with exhibits changed on a monthly basis. Pandora Gallery is situated in the Art-deco style of the 1930s, where renovations have enhanced the personality and charm of the period. Also within the complex is the Information Centre, local library, meeting rooms, and gym.

Coolah NSW

35 km away

Self Drive Geology and Nature Trails

Natural Attractions

Self Drive Geology and Nature Trails

Discover ancient lava flows, wonderful wildflower displays and evidence of the rich geological history of the Warrumbungle Region on one of these rewarding self-drive nature trails. Gamble Creek Nature Tour, is a 70 kilometre return trip to Binnaway. Greenbah Creek Nature Tour is a 30 kilometre return trip to Binnaway. Please note the touring route is unsealed.

Binnaway NSW

35 km away

Peppermint Tree Cottage Crafts

Shopping and Markets

Peppermint Tree Cottage Crafts

Peppermint Tree Cottage Crafts is nestled in the main street of Binnaway. Take time to explore this charming craft shop and book exchange. Here you will find an interesting range of homemade local arts and crafts including hand-knitted jumpers, wooden toys, and beautiful patchwork quilts. There is also a great range of Binnaway souvenirs available including t-shirts, caps, coffee mugs, glasses, and magnets. You can also pick up information on the Warrumbungle region for day visits or if you would like to stay on and take your time visiting the local attractions. Also available at Binnaway are cafés and hotels for yummy meals.

Binnaway NSW

35 km away

Coolah Tops National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Coolah Tops National Park

Sitting at the junction of the Warrumbungle and Liverpool ranges, Coolah Tops National Park is a beautiful landscape of giant grass trees, tall eucalypt forests and stands of huge snow gums. Take in spectacular views and see magnificent waterfalls on walking trails like The Falls link track, Racecourse track or Grasstrees track. Explore the Bundella track and Mullion track on your mountain bike. Birdwatchers should keep their eyes open, as Coolah Tops is home to an abundance of wildlife and birdlife, so you might see wallabies, eagles, gliders and rare owls. You may need to spend a weekend discovering everything that Coolah Tops has to offer. There's remote camping, so you can spend the night stargazing, or after a day of walking and mountain biking, perhaps you'd prefer to sleep soundly at rustic Bracken's Cottage.

Bundella NSW

42 km away

John Oxley Monument — Image credit: Gunnedah Shire Council

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

John Oxley Monument

Discover the John Oxley Monument. Nestled at the base of Mullaley Mountain along the scenic Black Stump Way—connecting Mullaley, Tambar Springs, and Coolah—the John Oxley Monument stands as a proud tribute to one of Australia's pioneering explorers. This historic landmark commemorates Oxley's journey through the Gunnedah district and his naming of the Liverpool Plains, a vast expanse of fertile black soil stretching east and southeast of Mullaley. On 27 August 1818, Oxley and his expedition crossed Bowen's Rivulet (now Cox's Creek), just three kilometres southwest of the monument's location. By mid-October, the party reached the mouth of the Hastings River, naming it Port Macquarie. The Liverpool Plains were named in honour of Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool, Prime Minister of England from 1812 to 1827. Today, the monument offers visitors a glimpse into Australia's rich exploration history and a perfect stop for those travelling through this picturesque region.

Mullaley NSW

44 km away

Worlds Largest Virtual Solar System Drive

Observatories and Planetariums

Worlds Largest Virtual Solar System Drive

Launch into Coonabarabran, on the World's Largest Virtual Solar System Drive and explore the planets as if you were hurtling through space. Journey through the Solar System and picturesque countryside on one or all of the five drives that lead to Australia's largest optical astronomy centre (where you will find the sun), Siding Spring Observatory is one of the country's largest centres for optical astronomy research. Stop and visit each sign to learn fascinating facts about the universe along the way. The colourful three-dimensional planets on the billboards are scaled in size relative to the huge observatory dome, and the location of the billboards is scaled in distance, just as you'd find the planets in outer space - only 38 million times smaller! The World's Largest Virtual Solar System Drive is a daytime experience. Visitors are encouraged to stop at each planet in a safe manner, taking care when pulling off and back onto the roadway.

Coonabarabran NSW

51 km away

Australian Museum Diprotodon Exhibition

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Australian Museum Diprotodon Exhibition

The Australian Museum Diprotodon Exhibition is housed at the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre, conveniently located on the Newell Highway at the southern end of town. The exhibition displays the skeleton and skull of a Diprotodon, the largest marsupial ever to have lived. It is often likened to a giant-sized wombat. The remains of the Diprotodon were found in the creek bed of Cox's Creek near Tambar Springs in 1979. The exhibition also provides information on another megafauna that were believed to have existed at around the same time. Free guided tours of the display are available for groups with advance notice. Please contact the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre for more information. There is also an area located in the Museum which showcases artwork from local artists, as well as the Aboriginal Keeping Place.

Coonabarabran NSW

51 km away

Woodpecker Gun

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Woodpecker Gun

The Woodpecker Gun is a War Memorial to those who served in the Second World War. The Japanese Machine Gun, which is at the front of the Memorial Swimming Pool, adjacent to the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre, was captured on August 3, 1945, during combat in New Guinea and is a free attraction to visit. There is an information board at the gun site with details of the capture and a listing of the Coonabarabran men and women who served in World War Two and the Vietnam War. After exploring this attraction, stroll just 110 meters south to the Coonabarabran Visitor Centre, where you can gather information about other attractions in the Warrumbungle Region.

Coonabarabran NSW

51 km away

Mural Artwork Shop Front — Image credit: The Lighthouse, Coonabarabran

Shopping and Markets

The Lighthouse, Coonabarabran

The Lighthouse is a unique boutique offering books, jewellery, gifts, and clothing inspired by the Warrumbungles region. The store caters to seasonal women's fashion trends across a wide range of styles and sizes. It also serves as a welcoming community space where visitors can stop by, sit down, and enjoy a friendly conversation. The Lighthouse provides an inviting atmosphere for both locals and travellers alike.

Coonabarabran NSW

52 km away

Wide shot inside of store — Image credit: Packman Collectables

Shopping and Markets

Packman Collectables

Packman Collectables is the Warrumbungle region's newest hobby hub, bringing a style of specialty card and toy store usually only found in major regional centres and cities. The store caters to trading-card enthusiasts, collectors of unique treasures, LEGO fans, and anyone who enjoys gaming culture. Visitors can join live pack breaks, take part in raffles, build LEGO, play classic RPGs such as Dungeons & Dragons, or enjoy regular gaming nights. It's a welcoming space for youth and adults alike, offering a friendly place to meet, connect and share a passion for collecting and games.

Coonabarabran NSW

52 km away

Crystal Kingdom

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Crystal Kingdom

Crystal Kingdom is the home of one of the world's most unique mineral collections, the 'Minerals of the Warrumbungles'. See the world's rarest and most colourful Zeolite Crystals and learn about how the Coonabarabran area was once home to not one, but two volcanoes. Experienced staff are available to explain the fascinating origin of these extinct local volcanoes. More than 500 examples of local minerals and fossils are on display. Not only are these treasures of the earth on show, but their origin and use are also explained and fact sheets are available. The educational exhibition displays a range of fossils from 300 million years ago to the recent age of the Australian Megafauna. Jewellery lovers and collectors will love browsing through the crystal shop. Here you will find quality gemstone jewellery, crystals, and fossils. Guided group tours are available. Prior booking is required.

Coonabarabran NSW

52 km away

Coonabarabran, Warrumbungle, Tooraweenah Drive — Image credit: Photo: OEH

Natural Attractions

Coonabarabran, Warrumbungle, Tooraweenah Drive

Fancy a leisurely drive through the iconic Warrumbungles, taking in some of the sights that have put this area on the world map? The 70-kilometres Coonabarabran – Warrumbungle – Tooraweenah drive combines views, lookouts, and easy walks on a spectacular day trip. Starting in Coonabarabran, you’ll drive through the picturesque Timor Valley. Highlights worth a visit include Timor Rock and the Anglo-Australian telescope at Siding Spring. Arriving at the entrance to Warrumbungle National Park, a pit stop at the accessible Whitegum lookout is on the cards. Here, you’ll enjoy a wonderful panorama over the ‘crooked’ mountains across to the impressive Breadknife and Belougery Split Rock. If you’re feeling like stretching your legs, try the easy Gurianawa walking track or unpack the hamper at the nearby Canyon picnic area. Continue through the park towards Tooraweenah keeping an eye out for majestic Mount Exmouth on your left.

Coonabarabran NSW

57 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

59 km away

Breeza lookout

Natural Attractions

Breeza lookout

This lookout is well worth the 26km drive from the park entrance along The Forest Road, to the head of Jemmy's Creek catchment. Simply park and stroll over to the lookout. Perched 1000m above sea level, this lofty spot on the Great Dividing Range gives you expansive views across the patchwork of farmland and forest on the plains. It's a great stop on a scenic drive in Coolah Tops, especially if you're camping overnight. Combine Breeza lookout with the drive along Gemini Loop Road, and a visit to Cattle Creek Hut, before looping back to The Forest Road. Please note that The Forest Road east of the Hildegard Road intersection is closed during winter (June, July and August).

Cassilis NSW

59 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

61 km away

Liverpool Plains Sunflower Trail — Image credit: The Plains Inc

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

The Plains Inc.

Plains Inc. is a vibrant agritourism network based in the Liverpool Plains, connecting visitors with authentic farm-based experiences across the region. The network brings together individual agritourism operators offering farm accommodation, tours, workshops, events and hands-on rural experiences that celebrate local agriculture and community. An online events calendar showcases seasonal experiences and member-hosted events throughout the year. One of the most popular attractions is the region's iconic sunflower experiences, with selected members planting sunflower paddocks specifically for visitors to enjoy. Stroll through fields of gold, capture stunning photographs and, at some locations, pick a sunflower to take home. Sunflower season often features a complementary program of events including long lunches, art and cooking workshops, agronomist talks, open-farm days and guided farm tours. While the peak season generally falls in January and February, flowering times vary each year depending on natural conditions. Visitors are encouraged to follow Plains Inc. on social media for the latest updates. The network also offers distinctive rural venues for workshops, weddings and special events, including the heritage-listed Windy Woolshed at Pine Ridge, the Art Shack in Wallabadah and Little Willow Lavender at Willow Tree. Authentic, seasonal and grounded in place — this is agritourism with genuine paddock-to-plate appeal.

Pine Ridge NSW

61 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

62 km away

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