Coonamble
Town
Population 2550
Coonamble owes its existence to the discovery of artesian water in the area in the 1890s. On the Great Inland Way, the route via Coonamble provides an alternative to the more commonly taken coastal route between Queensland and the southern states. This town lost many of its buildings in the great fire of 1929. Castlereagh Street had to be rebuilt, so most constructions are relatively modern. Coonamble is also the birthplace of Sir Edward Hallstrom, the pioneer of refrigeration.
Visitor Information
26 Castlereagh St; (02) 6822 4532
Nearby national parks
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Warrumbungle National Park
At Warrumbungle National Park rocky spires emerge from the heavily forested valleys and peaks, and gorges slice deep into the landscape....more -
Coolah Tops National Park
Located in the Liverpool Ranges, on the narrow Warung Plateau, Coolah Tops National Park enjoys spectacular views to the Warrumbungle Range...more -
Goulburn River National Park
At the heart of this national park is the Goulburn River, flanked by a deep gorge of sandstone cliffs honeycombed with caves. Wide sandy...more
Nearby towns
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Gilgandra
A historic town at the junction of three highways, 'Gil' is the centre for the surrounding wool and farming country. The 1915 Coo-ee March...more -
Coonabarabran
Coonabarabran is located on the Castlereagh River and is nestled in the foothills of the stunning Warrumbungle Mountain Range. It is known...more -
Walgett
Walgett is the service centre to a large pastoral region. The name Walgett, which means 'the meeting of two waters', is apt, as the town...more
In Town
Historical Museum Housed in the old police station, the museum outlines the rich Aboriginal and pastoral history of Coonamble through photographs, household items and stables. Behind the museum is an authentic Cobb & Co coach and stables. Open by appt (02) 6822 4532; Aberford St.
Warrana Creek Weir: swimming, boating and fishing; southern outskirts of town. Self-guide town walk: takes in historic sites; brochure from visitor centre.
Nearby
Quambone Locally known as the gateway to Macquarie Marshes, Quambone also has Australia's smallest library and the Marthaguy Picnic Races in Sept. 55 km W.Gulargambone: a small town with a restored steam train in Memorial Park; 45 km S. Macquarie Marshes: 80 km W; see Nyngan.
Eco-friendly activities around town
Star-gazing - Coonabarabran 74 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 moreKoala-spotting - Coonabarabran 92 km
Coonabarabran is home to one of the healthiest koala colonies in the state, and the solitary mammals are often seen in and around the town. Try the Porcupine Reserve and while there check out the view over the Liverpool... Find out morePicnicking around Dubbo 144 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 moreWine-tasting - Mudgee 215 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 moreCafes & restaurants around town
Breweries around town
Mudgee Brewing 214 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 moreCampsites around town
The Woolshed camping area 65 km
This is a spacious area catering to small- and medium-sized groups of up to 55 people. It has power, lighting and a composting toilet. Bookings are essential. Note: there’s water here, but it’ll need to be... Find out moreYarragin picnic and camping area 66 km
This is a very basic spot predominantly used for picnics – it’s dry-weather only access and there are no toilets. To get here, take the Ridge Rd south of Baradine. Bring your own drinking water and firewood.... Find out moreBurbie Camp camping area (walk-in camping) 67 km
This walk-in only camping area has very basic facilities – pit toilets and barbecues – accessible along the fire trail to Mt Exmouth from Burbie Canyon carpark. Make sure you register with the visitor centre... Find out moreCamp Wambelong camping area 67 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 moreDanu Camp (bush camping) 68 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 moreCamp Walaay camping area 68 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 moreCamp Blackman camping area 68 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 moreOgma Camp (bush camping) 69 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 moreBush camping walk-in sites 69 km
Find out morePincham Camp camping area 69 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 moreCaravan parks around town
Gilgandra Caravan Park 88 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 moreJohn Oxley Caravan Park 92 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 moreTandara Caravan Park 126 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 moreRiverside Caravan Park 133 km
The park is set in a quiet riverfront location on the western side of Nyngan, strategically located near the junction of the Mitchell and Barrier highways. It has most of the normal park facilities and, while it has... Find out moreWest View Tourist Caravan Park 143 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 moreDubbo City Holiday Park 145 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 moreBIG4 Dubbo Parklands 146 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 moreBig Sky Caravan Park 151 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 moreWellington Riverside Tourist Park 184 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 moreWellington Valley Caravan Park 186 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 moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
On the banks of the Castlereagh River, the Coonamble Motel has 21 guest rooms offering traditional motel accommodation, including four queen rooms and three family rooms that fit a double bed and up to four single beds.... Find out more
Rest areas around town
Tooraweenah Rest Area 76 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 moreCollie East Rest Area 78 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 moreHickey Falls Rest Area 84 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 moreGilgandra Park Area 89 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 moreWarren North Rest Area 94 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 moreNorth Gowan Rest Area 94 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 moreWarren Park Area 98 km
East side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 41.817 E147 50.414 ... Find out moreYaminba Rest Area 103 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 moreSandy Creek Rest Area 105 km
7 km SW of Warren (L) or 12 km NE of Nevertire (R) Small area just off the highway among some large shady trees. GPS: S31 44.56 E147 47.01 ... Find out morePilliga Rest Area 112 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 moreOxley's Crossing Rest Area 112 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 moreTrangie Park Area 125 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 morePilliga No. 2 Rest Area 130 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 moreNyngan Park Area 133 km
North-west side of town Large parking area well off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 33.459 E147 11.073... Find out moreTerramungamine Camp Area 136 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 moreBrocklehurst Rest Area 137 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 moreDubbo West Rest Area 139 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 moreNarromine East Rest Area 143 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 moreWhat's on around town
Rodeo and Campdraft: largest combined event in Southern Hemisphere; June.
Gold Cup Race Meeting: Oct.
