Coonabarabran

Information centre The Australian Museum worked with Warrumbungle Shire Council to produce the unique Diprotodon and Megafauna Exhibition. The diprotodon is the largest marsupial that ever lived and the skeleton on show was found in a creek bed 40 km east of town in 1979; daily 9am–5pm; Newell Hwy. Crystal Kingdom: unique collection of minerals, including zeolite crystals and fossils, from the Warrumbungle Range; 8am–5pm Oct–April, 9am–5pm May–Sep; Newell Hwy; (02) 6842 1927. Newcastle Hats: hat factory outlet store; 8am–4.30pm Mon–Fri; Ulan St; (02) 6842 5864.  

Warrumbungle National Park Forested ridges, rocky spires and deep gorges coupled with excellent camping and visitor facilities have made this one of the state's most popular parks. Highlights include the Breadknife, a 90 m high rock wall, and the Grand High Tops walking trail with fabulous views of ancient volcanic remains. The park is outstanding for rock climbing, but climbing is prohibited on the Breadknife and permits are required for other areas (contact visitor centre). The Crooked Mountain Open Air Concert takes place here in Nov. Guided nature walks are conducted during school holidays or by appt. 35 km W.

Warrumbungle Observatory: night-sky viewing of the stars through computerised telescopes; 841 Timor Rd; 0488 425 112; 10 km W. Siding Spring Observatory: Australia's largest optical telescope, with a hands-on exhibition, science shop and cafe. No night viewing but open during the day; 9.30am–4pm Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm Sat–Sun; Timor Rd; (02) 6842 6255; 27 km W. Goanna Tracks Motocross and Enduro Complex: a range of tough motocross courses; Kurrajong Rd; 18 km NW. Pilliga Pottery: terracotta pottery, showrooms and tearooms in an attractive bushland setting, pottery workshops, horseriding and guided birdwatching tours; Dandry Rd; (02) 6842 2239; 34 km NW. Sandstone caves: formed by natural erosion of sandstone, these impressive caves are not signposted, so visitors are advised to seek directions from the visitor centre; 35 km N. Pilliga Forest: 450 000 ha of white cypress and ironbark trees, with plains of dense heath and scrub. It is an excellent habitat for koalas, which can be spotted from signposted viewing areas. Also scenic forest drives and walking trails; maps available from the visitor centre; 44 km NW. Sculptures in the Scrub: four magnificent sculptures that overlook Dandry Gorge, with picnic and camping facilities and a walking track; via Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre, Wellington St Barradine; (02) 6843 4011; 50 km NE. Local wineries: open for tastings and cellar-door sales; contact visitor centre for details.

Lake Copeton 223 km

Lake Copeton has an excellent catchment area, fed by the Gwydir River and runoff from the New England Tablelands. The lake is about 46 km west of Inverell on the Gwydir Highway. Its dam wall was constructed primarily to... Find out more

---

Lithgow to Mudgee 249 km

Early settlers following in the footsteps of Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson took three weeks of hard trudging to cross the majestic Blue Mountains. These days the drive from the Penrith plains in western Sydney takes... Find out more

---

Star-gazing - Coonabarabran 20 km

Because of its combination of clear skies, altitude and distance from city lights, Coonabarabran is the astronomy capital of Australia. There are various ways to explore space here, from simply gazing skyward with a pair... Find out more

---

Picnicking around Dubbo 125 km

Throw a rug down in the 167-hectare Burrendong Botanic Gardens and Arboretum near Wellington, and take in the fragrance of an estimated 2500 native plant species.... Find out more

---

Wine-tasting - Mudgee 150 km

Mudgee is probably best known for its vineyards and wine, and there are a growing number of organic wineries, including Botobolar, Lowe Family Wines, Martins Hill and Thistle Hill. Broombee also has organic fruit and... Find out more

---

Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 167 km

Forget global warming for a while and marvel at this coal seam, about 30 metres underground, that has been burning as hot as 1700°C for an estimated 5500 years. A 3.5-kilometre walk to the top of the mountain through... Find out more

---

Barrington Tops National Park 231 km

Best known for its superb bushwalking among ancient Antarctic beech forest and rainforest that receives snow several times a year, this 83 403-hectare park is one of the highest spots on the Great Dividing Range and even... Find out more

---

Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 244 km

Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum, a dozen blocks from the centre of town, has thousands of native plants, walking tracks, picnic shelters and aquatic gardens with a waterfall.... Find out more

---

Blue Wren Cafe

After you have finished browsing the wares at the pottery, pop into the cafe for a morning or afternoon Devonshire tea, served on homemade pottery and featuring homemade jams. If the wood-fired oven has been fired up,... Find out more

---

Amber Court Restaurant

Located at the Amber Court Motor Inn, this restaurant offers homestyle country dinners to satiate big appetites. ... Find out more

---

Mudgee Brewing 149 km

When the last brewery closed down in 1956 the local drop was referred to, unkindly, as Mudgee Mud; since then, the area has boomed as a wineproducing region and Mudgee Brewing came to the party in mid-2007. Started by... Find out more

---

Hurleys Camp (bush camping) 27 km

Sleep beneath the imposing monolith of Belougery Spire at this walk-in campsite, accessible from Pincham carpark. Named for famous Australian photographer Frank Hurley, this is a popular spot for walkers and climbers.... Find out more

---

Camp Blackman camping area 27 km

This is the big, main camping area in the national park, with 70 sites (32 with power), hot showers, gas/electric barbecues and a public telephone. Many of the park’s walking tracks start a short drive away, and... Find out more

---

Camp Walaay camping area 27 km

It’s not far from popular Camp Walaay to the many amenities of Camp Blackman. There are 5 spacious camping areas here that can fit up to 200 people; however, the road isn’t suitable for camper trailers or... Find out more

---

Pincham Camp camping area 27 km

It’s 200 m from the Pincham carpark to the camping area, one of the original Warrumbungle campgrounds. It’s a good place to use as a base for walking to the Breadknife and Grand High Tops. There’s a... Find out more

---

Balor Hut camping area (walk-in camping) 27 km

This old walkers’ hut is at the base of The Breadknife and Grand High Tops, and is accessible via a fairly strenuous 6 km walk from Pincham carpark. The hut sleeps 8, but you’ll need to bring everything with... Find out more

---

Camp Wambelong camping area 29 km

Camp Wambelong is about 1 km past the visitor centre, and is close to the Split Rock, Grand High Tops and Mt Exmouth walking tracks. There are 30 sites here – if you’re in a large group you’ll need to... Find out more

---

Dows Camp (bush camping) 29 km

Dows Camp is situated between the Grand High Tops and Mt Exmouth, at the junction of Bluff Mountain Trail and Western High Tops. It’s a long walk from Pincham carpark – campers will need to be self-sufficient... Find out more

---

Ogma Camp (bush camping) 29 km

Ogma Camp is at the junction of the West Spirey Creek Trail and Western High Tops, between the Grand High Tops and Mt Exmouth. It’s a walk-in campsite, accessed via the Pincham Trail and the Grand High Tops or West... Find out more

---

Bush camping walk-in sites 29 km

Find out more

---

Danu Camp (bush camping) 30 km

It’s a long walk to Danu Camp from either Pincham, Split Rock or Burbie Canyon carparks. The camp is between the Grand High Tops and Mt Exmouth, on the Western High Tops. Campers must be self-sufficient with food... Find out more

---

John Oxley Caravan Park 1 km

A large council park with good facilities, this place is conveniently located on the Newell Highway close to the town centre. It is ideal for an overnight stay.... Find out more

---

Gilgandra Caravan Park 75 km

Located alongside the highway on the northern side of the Castlereagh River, this budget-priced park is set on an impressive expanse of lawn with large shady trees. Enjoy the pool, cook a barbecue or take your dog for a... Find out more

---

Big Sky Caravan Park 116 km

Conveniently located in the heart of town, this is a large grassy caravan park within walking distance of the main street and close to the RSL club. It is a good friendly place close to the highway and is ideal for a few... Find out more

---

West View Tourist Caravan Park 125 km

Located alongside the Mitchell Highway on the western approach to town, this is a convenient overnight stop. It is budget priced and dog friendly. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

---

Dubbo City Holiday Park 125 km

Enjoy the sights of Dubbo from this centrally located park. It is conveniently situated on the Newell Highway about 2 km from the city centre and just a short drive from the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. This park has a... Find out more

---

BIG4 Dubbo Parklands 127 km

This is a very good park at the southern entrance to the city, the closest to Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The place has a large selection of accommodation and very good amenities. Winter months can be very busy as... Find out more

---

Wellington Riverside Tourist Park 144 km

This is a well-maintained park on the banks of the Macquarie River, close to the highway and just a short walk to the centre of town. The park has good facilities at a budget price. Bookings are required at peak times... Find out more

---

Wellington Valley Caravan Park 146 km

On the Mitchell Highway on the eastern approach to Wellington this older park has been renovated and transformed. The convenient drive-through sites and grassy camping areas are a feature.... Find out more

---

Tandara Caravan Park 149 km

This owner-operated park is in a quiet offhighway location. Seasonal workers in the cotton industry often stay here. It has good amenities and a well-stocked shop. This is a good, budget-priced park.... Find out more

---

Wellington Caves Holiday Complex 152 km

Relax and let a few days slip by at this spacious park, located 6 km south of the town centre alongside the Wellington Caves, a popular tourist attraction. It is a quality park and makes an ideal stopover. Bookings are... Find out more

---

Acacia Motor Lodge

Modern, spacious four-star accommodation is available in 18 units of various sizes, from spa units through to two-bedroom family units. There is a good licensed à la carte restaurant at the lodge, or guests can... Find out more

---

Amber Court

Situated on leafy surrounds, Amber Court is a popular choice and an excellent base for exploring the Warrumbungle National Park. There are 21 ground-floor units, each sleeping a maximum of six guests, with a licensed... Find out more

---

El Paso Motel

Located a short walk from the centre of town and close to the racecourse, astronomy centre and showground, El Paso Motel offers convenient accommodation in a range of ground-floor suites (with parking at the door, even... Find out more

---

Pilliga Pottery Old Schoolhouse

This old schoolhouse has been renovated with an architect’s eye, creating a novel retreat surrounded by 11 old gum trees. Light infused, spacious and appointed with fabulous timber details and features –... Find out more

---

Clonturkle Sanctuary 247 km

Join the experiment in sustainable living and tourism at Clonturkle Earth Hamlet and Forest Sanctuary. Located at Yetholme, there are four cabins set on 240 hectares of mostly eucalypt forest, with 15 kilometres of... Find out more

---

North Gowan Rest Area 8 km

8 km N of Coonabarabran (L) or 110 km S of Narrabri (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 13.081 E149 19.586... Find out more

---

Hickey Falls Rest Area 26 km

55 km NE of Gilgandra (L) or 39 km SW of Coonabarabran (R) Large area just off the highway among some large trees. Good shade. GPS: S31 25.841 E149 04.101... Find out more

---

Oxley's Crossing Rest Area 30 km

75 km SW of Gunnedah (R) or 31 km NE of Coonabarabran (L) Very small area adjacent to the highway surrounded by trees. GPS: S31 07.929 E149 32.661... Find out more

---

Tooraweenah Rest Area 40 km

39 km NE of Gilgandra (L) or 55 km SW of Coonabarabran (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S31 28.147 E148 55.246  ... Find out more

---

Yaminba Rest Area 50 km

52 km N of Coonabarabran (R) or 66 km S of Narrabri (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S30 51.213 E149 27.426 ... Find out more

---

Pilliga Rest Area 66 km

66 km N of Coonabarabran (R) or 52 km S of Narrabri (L) Large area just off the highway surrounded by scrub. Good shade. GPS: S30 43.345 E149 31.486... Find out more

---

Meridian Rest Area 73 km

27 km SW of Gunnedah (R) or 79 km NE of Coonabarabran (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S31 03.809 E150 00.00 ... Find out more

---

Red Bank Rest Area 76 km

63 km W of Tamworth (R) or 13 km E of Gunnedah (L) Large area adjacent to the highway on the banks of a small creek. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S30 59.40 E150 22.40... Find out more

---

Gilgandra Park Area 77 km

South side of town Large parking area at the information centre. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 43.286 E148 39.393  ... Find out more

---

Collie East Rest Area 90 km

22 km W of Gilgandra (R) or 63 km E of Warren (L) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 39.462 E148 26.858... Find out more

---

Pilliga No. 2 Rest Area 93 km

95 km N of Coonabarabran (R) or 23 km S of Narrabri (L) Large area just off the highway among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S30 29.653 E149 38.180  ... Find out more

---

Brocklehurst Rest Area 117 km

9 km N of Dubbo (L) or 57 km S of Gilgandra (R) Large area just off the highway around a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S32 10.299 E148 37.151   ... Find out more

---

Terramungamine Camp Area 119 km

T/O 8 km N of Dubbo (L) or 58 km S of Gilgandra (R) Large area 4 kilometres west of the highway on the bank of the river. GPS: S32 10.124 E148 35.198 ... Find out more

---

Dubbo West Rest Area 124 km

8 km W of Dubbo (R) or 32 km E of Narromine (L) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 12.243 E148 32.358 ... Find out more

---

Geurie North Rest Area 131 km

24 km NW of Wellington (L) or 27 km SE of Dubbo (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 23.306 E148 48.978... Find out more

---

Panai Rest Area 138 km

106 km NE of Parkes (L) or 14 km SW of Dubbo (R) Secluded area just off the highway among some large trees. Good shade. GPS: S32 19.800 E148 30.504  ... Find out more

---

Warren North Rest Area 142 km

81 km SW of Gilgandra (R) or 4 km NE of Warren (L) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 40.005 E147 51.473... Find out more

---

Narromine East Rest Area 144 km

36 km W of Dubbo (R) or 4 km E of Narromine (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 14.618 E148 16.179... Find out more

---

Warren Park Area 144 km

East side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 41.817 E147 50.414  ... Find out more

---

Trangie Park Area 148 km

South side of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S32 01.45 E147 59.672... Find out more

---