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First Fleet Sign — Image credit: Liverpool Plains Shire Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

First and Second Fleet Memorial Garden

Eleven garden beds representing the ships of the First Fleet lead by Arthur Phillips to settle Australia are arranged around a garden bed in the shape of Australia. Each little garden features sand-stone tablets with the names inscribed of the persons who sailed that particular ship. A winding cobblestone path connects all the gardens and leads to a storyboard with a list of all participants and some personal logs and memoirs of convicts and sailors. The personal accounts bring the privations and difficulties faced by the early settlers to life and bring a human face to those epic journeys. The Second Fleet Section of the Garden explains the difference between the two journeys and adds continuation to the First Fleet Story. This Memorial Garden is a great reminder of Australia's colonial past and a tribute to the hard work of the forefathers who made this country to what it is today.

Wallabadah NSW

0.4 km away

Quirindi Library

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Quirindi Library

The Quirindi Library precinct is a Contemporary Community, Art and Cultural Hub that is innovative and increases the livability of communities through improved social infrastructure and community programs. The redeveloped Quirindi Library enables a greater range of activities and services for young children, young adults, and adults through the provision of digital facilities, meeting spaces, and areas for group activities (including art activities) within the Library, creating a community hub for art and culture for the Liverpool Plains community and visitors. Aboriginal culture is central to the cultural fabric of Liverpool Plains, the building’s main colours of Black and Red represent the proud heritage and culture of the Kamilaroi people. The building itself represents the innovation and art and culture of the community with a dedicated public art gallery. The building is environmentally sustainable with all building materials and services being energy efficient and compliant with the relevant codes. Solar-powered skylights in the roof provide natural light into the building.

Quirindi NSW

15 km away

Front view of the silo art — Image credit: Quirindi Silo Art Committee

Landmarks and Buildings

Quirindi Silo Art, Light and Sound Show

Experience the magic of the award-winning Quirindi Silo Art, Light and Sound Show, where a towering industrial icon has been transformed into a breathtaking canvas of culture and history. Renowned artist Peter Ryan has masterfully captured the spirit of Quirindi, creating a stunning visual narrative that earned top honours—including Best of the Best—at the 2023 Australian Street Art Awards. By day, visitors are captivated by the vibrant depiction of Yurrandaali, the tree goanna. As the sacred Totem of the Liverpool Plains and protector of the land, this central figure anchors a profound Dreaming story that weaves through time, embracing the arrival of settlers, the growth of agriculture, and the enduring legacy of the railway. As twilight descends, the silos undergo a spectacular metamorphosis. The art breathes with life during an immersive nightly light and sound show. The wisdom of the Grey Bandaarr Kangaroo and the swift agility of Yiluwidi Bandaarr, the blue kangaroo, unfold across the mural as they protect the land, sharing stories in a mesmerising display of light and sound. Visitors can relax in comfort on the provided lounges to immerse themselves in the experience. The site also features a unique, artistic rain gauge constructed from poly-pipes and convenient picnic facilities. Follow the Silo Art on Facebook for updates.

Quirindi NSW

15 km away

Bob's Shed

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Bob's Shed

Take a stroll down Memory Lane in Bob's Shed where you can find an old time General Store stocked with authentic 40s and 50s items, admire the collection of historic pub items in the Railway Hotel and visit Peter Brocks World - an amazing tribute to an Australian icon. Learn stories attached to the collection, which just adds to the quirk of the place. If you have been to Bob's Shed before, visit again! New items or sections can be found all the time, so maybe it's time to revisit!

Quirindi NSW

16 km away

Fowler Steam Traction Engine — Image credit: The Mannion Family

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Quirindi Rural Heritage Village and Miniature Railway

The Quirindi Rural Heritage Village is set on 18 acres, just three kilometres from Quirindi on the Gunnedah road, in the heart of the Liverpool Plains a rich farming area in NSW. Site has free access but the Museum, Cafe and Mini-Railway are normally charged in order to maintain the facility. Originally the site was an old gravel quarry, the area has been given a new lease of life. The Heritage Village has been designed to collect preserve, restore, interpret and exhibit artefacts that relates to the history, heritage and culture of the regional area. Some of these displays consist of by-gone era ways of life from horse drawn carts, farming implements, tractors, shop displays, a blacksmith shop and model train displays with many more displays to see. There is a charge for the Museum. The Heritage Village also has a coffee shop, a men's shed and a miniature railway. The men shed operates Tuesday's and Thursday's. The Coffee shop has EFTPOS and operates with Snacks and Drinks. Miniature railway operates on the fourth Sunday of the month and circles the lake with 1.2 kilometres of track and charges a small fee for rides.

Quirindi NSW

17 km away

Northern Entry Gateway to Murrurundi by Fran Wachtel — Image credit: Suzannah Jones

Landmarks and Buildings

Northern Gateway to Murrurundi

As you enter Murrurundi from the northern end, you're met by a corten steel sculpture created by local artist Fran Wachtel. It shows two farmers sitting on a fence, looking out over the surrounding farmland — a familiar rural scene that reflects the region's agricultural roots and country pace of life. Fran Wachtel has been a part of the Murrurundi arts community for over 40 years. Her work spans clay, bronze, oil painting and drawing, but she is perhaps best known for her sculptures made from corrugated iron and other found metals. Her artworks often feature farm animals, working dogs, utes and other symbols of country life. This entry sculpture is one of several public works by Wachtel across the Upper Hunter. Her pieces often welcome visitors or bring character to local gardens and homes. She works from a corrugated iron shed that reflects the materials and themes of her practice — grounded in everyday rural life and full of personality. The Murrurundi gateway sculpture invites visitors to take a moment, connect with the landscape, and get a sense of the people and stories that shape this creative regional town.

Murrurundi NSW

24 km away

Mosaic Mural Murrurundi — Image credit: Suzannah Jones AUH

Landmarks and Buildings

Murrurundi Mosaic Mural

If you're travelling through the Upper Hunter and in need of a break, make time to stop in Murrurundi and visit the striking mosaic mural located along the New England Highway at Professional Row Park. Installed and created by the Murrurundi Arts and Crafts Council, this vibrant public artwork is a welcoming and informative feature in a park setting with amenities. The mural tells the story of Murrurundi's past through an engaging mosaic of tile and handcrafted ceramic pieces. Designed to celebrate the region's rich cultural tapestry, the artwork offers a tactile, colourful interpretation of the events that shaped the town. The mural highlights local geology and key historic developments—from early European settlement and infrastructure to the township you see today. Importantly, it also acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the area, the Wonnarua and Gamilaroi peoples, honouring their long connection to Country. This is more than just a mural—it's a tribute to a creative, community-minded town with a deep respect for its roots. Whether you're interested in local history, community art, or just looking for a quiet place to stretch your legs, this mural offers an inspiring glimpse into what makes Murrurundi unique.

Murrurundi NSW

24 km away

Murrurundi's Pioneer Cottage — Image credit: Murrurundi Historical Society Inc

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Murrurundi Pioneer Cottage

The Murrurundi Pioneer cottage came to Murrurundi from a farm called Allston out of Timor Way and was built in 1889. The cottage was taken piece by piece from the farm and resettled in Murrurundi in the late 1990s. The cottage is of slab wood construction and corrugated iron roof housing four rooms including a kitchen, dining/lounge room and two bedrooms. All the items housed in the cottage from the milk and butter churns to the newspaper-lined wall are original and still of sound construction. The exterior is coated in whitewash paint (lime, salt and warm water). Accompanying the structure is an outside toilet (dunny) and a stables holding the original mangle and a one-horse dray used for carting goods along with a sulky for transport into Murrurundi to buy supplies. This is a real and complete step back in history with all the implements used by farmers in the country including wax candlestick makers, wire wove beds, lanterns, hanging meat safes, food coolers, treadle sewing machines and other 19th-century living items. The cottage was built by the Ivin family and donated to the community by the descendants, the Musgrave family.

Murrurundi NSW

25 km away

Floral Banner (Flowering Iron bark) by Fran Wachtel, Turning the Pages Project, Murrurundi — Image credit: Suzannah Jones AUH

Landmarks and Buildings

Turning the Pages

Set along the banks of the Pages River in Murrurundi, Turning the Pages is a sculptural installation celebrating local flora and community creativity. The pathway features striking metal banners, many created by local artist Fran Wachtel, depicting native plants such as Grey Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) and Flowering Iron Bark (Eucalyptus sideroxyen rosea). These vibrant, laser-cut designs offer a meaningful connection between art and the environment. The installation continues the legacy of the River Quiver project, an environmental art initiative led by Jennifer Turpin in 2007. That project engaged 180 students from five local schools in science and art workshops to create a 170-metre, wind-activated installation exploring themes of ecological balance and biodiversity. Funded by the NSW Government's City and Country Environment Restoration Program, it aimed to foster environmental awareness through creative expression. Turning the Pages extends this vision, offering a quiet, reflective walk through a landscape shaped by local stories and stewardship. The banners, unveiled in 2015, were supported by community organisations including Hunter Regional Landcare Network, Community Mutual, Hunter Local Land Services, Turning the Pages, and the Murrurundi District Arts and Crafts Council. The installation was officially launched with a tree planting by Deputy Mayor Cr. Maurice Collison and a community barbecue hosted by the Lions Club—an event reflecting the strong local spirit behind this enduring cultural landmark.

Murrurundi NSW

25 km away

Murrurundi Southern Entry Sculpture — Image credit: Suzannah Jones AUH

Landmarks and Buildings

Gateway to Murrurundi

As you enter the southern gateway of Murrurundi, you'll be greeted by an eye catching corten steel sign, crafted by local sculptors Fran Wachtel and Charlotte Drake-Brockman. This playful sculpture depicts sheep leaping over the town name ‘’Murrurundi’’ while being herded by a cattle dog, and its backstory is truly memorable. After a community group had long planned and created this sign, their patience wore thin waiting for local Council approval. So, taking matters into their own hands, they installed it themselves in the dead of night – a clandestine operation that showcased genuine community spirit and pioneering initiative. Murrurundi Artists Charlotte Drake Brockman and Fran Wachtel have worked collaboratively for decades. Charlotte Drake Brockman made her way to Australia in 1964 after completing her education at the Farnham School of Art in England. Accompanied by her partner, Viv Carter, a notable jazz drummer, Charlotte left Sydney in pursuit of a different lifestyle. Upon settling in Murrurundi, Charlotte took up a position distributing the census, where she crossed paths with fellow artist Fran Wachtel, igniting a collaborative partnership that spanned decades. Together, they crafted impressive steel sculptures that adorned the town's entrance and other locations across the region and curated various exhibitions. Additionally, they managed the former Chicken in the Window gallery, specializing in recycled tin work.

Murrurundi NSW

25 km away

Australian Railway Monument and Rail Journeys Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Australian Railway Monument and Rail Journeys Museum

Werris Creek is the first and last railway town in NSW and is located on a major railway junction. The Werris Creek railway station is the third largest in NSW. It houses the Werris Creek Rail Journeys Museum, which brings this town's railway past back to life. The stunning displays are a credit to the tireless volunteers who made this museum happen. Constant upgrades and new displays will make the visitor come back again and again. The latest addition is a model railway showing Werris Creek in its railway heydays. The entry donations go towards upgrading and maintaining the museum. The Australian Railway Monument commemorates railway men and women who have lost their lives in railway accidents since 1850. The landscaped monument area features six three metre stainless steel sculptures of railway workers created by Australian Artist Dominique Sutton, an amphitheatre for public concerts and over 2,400 names on walls of remembrance.

Werris Creek NSW

27 km away

Blandford Signal Station Mural — Image credit: Suzannah Jones AUH

Landmarks and Buildings

Blandford Signal Station Mural

As you journey towards Murrurundi, you'll be greeted by murals adorning signal stations along the railway line. This initiative was sparked by the disappointment of local railway worker Justine Witney upon witnessing graffiti-covered signal boxes, prompting her to start this innovative mural project. Collaborating with the Australian Rail Track Corporation, and the local community, artist Jack Wachtel and his team from Binary Creative were engaged to conceive a mural design for the signal and communications box in Blandford, NSW, part of the Hunter Valley Network railway. Drawing inspiration from the local environment they chose to depict the striking imagery of a Monarch Butterfly, also known as the Wanderer. Although not native to Australia, Wanderers grace the eastern coast of Australia during the summer season, extending to southwest Western Australia. These butterflies are drawn to warmth, embarking on extensive migrations covering hundreds of kilometers. As temperatures cool, Wanderers migrate toward the coast, gathering in large clusters of thousands on the same trees year after year. Cluster sites are recognized in various regions including the Upper Hunter, near Timor. Artist Jack Wachtel originally hails from Murrurundi and is an artist and illustrator now based in Thailand. He is the Creative Director of Binary Creative is responsible for four of the signal/weigh stations across the Upper Hunter region, including Blandford, Murulla and Willow Tree.

Blandford NSW

29 km away

Odgers and McClelland Exchange Stores owners Megan and Duncan Trousdale. — Image credit: Odgers and McClelland Exchange Stores

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Odgers and McClelland Exchange Stores

Visit historic village store, Odgers and McClelland Exchange Stores, at Nundle in New England north-west NSW for beautiful and practical kitchen and garden essentials with vintage appeal. Listed among international blog and social media account The Shopkeepers' shops worth travelling for and book 'The World's Most Beautiful Shops'. Inspired by a century of retail heritage, Odgers and McClelland stocks brands that stand the test of time and contemporary goods with traditional roots. Falcon and Romanian enamelware, Mason Cash mixing bowls, Fowlers preserving gear, Redecker brush ware, classic shaving supplies and gardening tools built to hand on to the next generation. Their natural fibre and reusable housewares offer plastic-free alternatives for environmentally conscious consumers. The store, established by John Odgers and William McClelland, began trading in the early 1890s, selling everything necessary for the surrounding farming community and acting as gold and produce exchange. The doors closed in the late 1970s until Duncan and Megan Trousdale reopened them in 1999, responding to people's keen interest in the building and its history. The original packing case shelving, timber floorboards, tin-lined walls and weatherboard facade are uniquely preserved and continue to serve customers throughout Australia. You're sure to find something you need through the new online store or a much-loved old store.

Nundle NSW

30 km away

Nundle Prospecting

Agritourism

Nundle Prospecting

Nundle Prospecting is the perfect starting point for families looking to experience the excitement of gold panning in historic Nundle. Located in the heart of town, this welcoming specialty store offers equipment, local knowledge and plenty of inspiration for your next outdoor adventure. Discover the region's fascinating gold rush history, pick up everything you need for a day of fossicking, and learn about nearby locations where you can try your luck. Whether you're introducing the kids to gold panning for the first time or spending quality time together exploring the great outdoors, Nundle Prospecting helps visitors create memorable family experiences while uncovering a little piece of local heritage.

Nundle NSW

30 km away

Everyone loves our 1947 Chevy Truck — Image credit: Nundle Woollen Mill

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Nundle Woollen Mill

Just 50 minutes from Tamworth, Nundle Woollen Mill offers one of regional NSW's most distinctive day trips. Welcoming around 30,000 visitors each year and recognised at both the NSW and Australian Tourism Awards, the Mill has earned a reputation as a memorable regional experience. Step inside a working woollen mill where historic machinery still performs its original purpose, transforming Australian wool into yarn before your eyes. The sights, sounds and movement of the production floor bring Australia's wool and manufacturing story vividly to life, making the experience fascinating for families, history lovers, makers and anyone curious about how things are made. Join a guided weekday tour, meet the people keeping these traditional skills alive, then explore the Mill store, filled with colourful Australian yarns, pure wool clothing, famous Nundle socks, accessories and thoughtful gifts. You do not need to be a knitter to enjoy it. Come for the machinery, craftsmanship and country hospitality, then stay to explore Nundle's heritage village, local eateries, independent stores and beautiful surrounding landscapes. Nundle Woollen Mill is not history behind glass. It is a living Australian wool story, and it is well worth the drive.

Nundle NSW

30 km away

Nundle Crafts

Shopping and Markets

Nundle District Craft Inc

Experience the ritual of a weekend visit to the Nundle Craft Shop which has been in operation for 30 years and was initially run by a small group of local women but has since grown to the amazing retail outlet it is today. With ever-increasing member numbers, the shop has grown to now incorporate the old library premises attached to the Nundle Memorial Hall in Jenkins Street. The shop is run by volunteers and has donated more than AUD75,000 to local charities. Saturday mornings at the shop resembles a mini farmers market with fresh baked goodies like cakes, biscuits and slices together with locally grown seasonal fruit, vegetables and plants. Opening Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, the shop also offers your favourite jams and pickles together with arts and crafts such as knitting, crochet, sewing, handmade soaps, jewellery, woodwork, beautiful handmade cards, rustic art furniture, lanterns and bird houses, the list goes on and on.

Nundle NSW

30 km away

Gaba-baa Gallery founder, Gamilaroi artist Debbie Taylor-Worley, welcomes visitors to the gallery — Image credit: Debbie Taylor-Worley

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Gaba-baa Gallery and Studio

Gaba-baa Gallery welcomes visitors to enjoy the art of local artists and artisans. Featuring Gamilaroi artists, it is a place to share culture, history and stories. In addition to the gallery, Gaba-baa (meaning "Good Place" in the Gamilaraay language) Studio runs art making workshops, including pottery, weaving and print making. You can watch the Gaba-baa Instagram page for upcoming workshops, or gather a group and book your own.

Nundle NSW

30 km away

Chaffey Dam

Natural Attractions

Chaffey Dam

Chaffey Dam provides valuable public recreation in an attractive setting in the Peel Valley. Water sports such as swimming, sailing, boating and fishing are popular activities in the area, and there are beautiful parks and reserves around the dam where bushwalking and picnicking can be enjoyed. The dam supports diverse wildlife varieties; fish found there include yellowbelly, trout and catfish, while waterbirds such as pelicans, plovers, cormorants, ibis and wild duck grace the surface and banks of the dam. Campsites are unpowered and are provided at the Chaffey Dam Camping Reserve and Bowling Alley Point Recreation Reserve with barbecue and toilet facilities.

Bowling Alley Point NSW

34 km away

Towarri National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Towarri National Park

Towarri is a diverse landscape of various vegetation types. Pockets of rainforest, stands of large grass trees and sections of snow gum co-exist within the park. There's also a wide range of birds, including the endangered speckled warbler and the vulnerable glossy black cockatoo. Sandstone outcrops and the tall Liverpool Range mountains offer sweeping scenic views of the Upper Hunter. A lack of defined tracks allow hikers the freedom to independently explore the park's landscapes. Camp or picnic beside Middle Brook, enjoy the scenery from the viewing platform and take a refreshing dip in the Washpools waterhole.

Middle Brook NSW

35 km away

Burning Mountain Nature Reserve

National Parks and Reserves

Burning Mountain Nature Reserve

Sometimes, the quiet corners of a state hold the biggest surprises. Burning Mountain Nature Reserve is tucked away off New England Highway, but make the stop in your car and what you'll discover is an ancient phenomenon right beneath your feet. To traditional Aboriginal owners, it's the fiery tears of a woman long since turned to stone by Biami, the sky god. Early explorers assumed Burning Mountain's billowing smoke and peak of grey, smouldering ash was an active volcano. It's actually a combusting coal seam, that's been smouldering under the surface of the earth for an estimated 5,500 years. The main attraction isn't all though; it's also the perfect place for a day walk, with scenic views across the valley. A popular pit stop with travellers, Burning Mountain Nature Reserve is a great place to pause for a break and soak up the unusual geological conditions. In fact, there's nothing else quite like it in Australia. Bring binoculars for birdwatching, a water bottle, and sturdy shoes for a walk into the heart of the action. There's even an information rotunda, ensuring you get the most out of your visit to this special place.

Wingen NSW

37 km away

Windy Station Woolshed

Agritourism

Windy Station

Windy Station is located on the vast and abundant Liverpool Plains region of northern NSW. The region boasts the most fertile soils in Australia and is surrounded by a unique blend of year-round food and fibre production. Beef, cotton, and grains are produced at Windy Station, which is also home to the famous state heritage list Windy Station Woolshed, built in 1901. Visitors from far and wide are welcome to explore the stunning array of colours from the sunflowers to red sorghum, wander through 120 years of history in the woolshed, wake up to the sunrise in the refurbished shearers quarters, or spend an hour touring the farm with one of the farmers and learning about Australian agriculture across 65,000 acres! Windy Station is located an easy 4.5 hours north of Sydney, three hours north west of Newcastle, or an hour from Tamworth airport, linking it directly to Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

Pine Ridge NSW

39 km away

Washpools waterhole

Natural Attractions

Washpools waterhole

It doesn't really matter how hot the weather gets when you've got a place to cool off. Washpools waterhole is a deep, natural rock formation in Middle Brook, 500m upstream from the Washpools picnic area and viewing platform. It's good for a dip when it's hot and the water is running. Middle Brook also provides gentle riffles and shallow pools good for lying in and letting the water run over you. Take a dip following a challenging hike or after a barbecue. You could even spread a picnic blanket out beside Washpools waterhole and enjoy lunch right there. If you're camping at Washpools campground, then it's a great location for a daily swim. The bushland surrounding this tranquil spot is river oak forest and box woodland. As you soak in the fresh water, try and count how many distinct birdcalls you hear. Woodland birds you might listen for include the grey fantail, brown-headed honeyeater and the endangered speckled warbler. Though if the kookaburras or cockatoos are going off, then you might as well splash around until they've finished because nothing else can compete with their mighty calls.

Middle Brook NSW

40 km away

Burning Mountain Walk

Natural Attractions

Burning Mountain Walk

You would expect a fire sizzling below ground for 5,500 years to have some fairly dramatic effects on the vegetation, and the remarkable phenomenon of Burning Mountain is reflected in the plants and animals adapted to life around it. As you set out from the carpark on a moderate walk to the head of the coal seam, expect to pass through eucalypt groves and other types of Upper Hunter woodland. Plenty of dead trees and hollow logs provide homes for lots of wildlife. As the fire moves one metre every year, the landscape changes: red gums grow along subsidence cracks, and later you’ll come across narrow-leaved stringy bark, tea trees, and stunted grey gums. There are loads of birds in the area, too, so bring the binoculars if birdwatching is an interest. Anybody interested in the story of what’s going on below ground won’t be disappointed either: information panels along the track unpack the story of Burning Mountain, including its science and fascinating Aboriginal heritage. A viewing platform is located at the climax of Burning Mountain walk.

Wingen NSW

40 km away

Washpools picnic area and viewing platform

Natural Attractions

Washpools picnic area and viewing platform

Washpools picnic area and viewing platform are set within river oak forest and box woodland beside the tranquil Middle Brook. Come and enjoy a relaxing barbecue lunch and take in the scenic views across the Upper Hunter. Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for the park's various birds. When you see a red flash flying through the bushland, is it a king parrot or a crimson rosella? After lunch, go for an easy walk along the banks of Middle Brook to Washpools waterhole. The kookaburras may start laughing when you strip down for a swim, but don't shy away. This natural waterhole is a lovely way to cool down. If you stay overnight at Washpools campground, visit the picnic area very early in the day, or leave late and you may see grazing wallabies, kangaroos, or even a wombat.

Middle Brook NSW

40 km away

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