Gilgandra
Town
Population 2679
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 in which 35 men, given no support from the army, marched the 500 kilometres to Sydney to enlist for World War I left from here. Along the way they recruited over 200 men, announcing their arrival with a call of 'coo-ee!' The march sparked seven other such marches from country towns.
Visitor Information
Coo-ee Heritage Centre, Coo-ee March Memorial Park, Newell Hwy; (02) 6817 8700
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 -
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 -
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
Nearby towns
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Dubbo
One of Australia's fastest growing inland cities, Dubbo is most famous for its world-class open-range zoo. The city, on the banks of the...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 -
Coonamble
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...more
In Town
Coo-ee Heritage Centre Memorabilia from the 1915 Coo-ee March, and items relating to the Breelong Massacre, which took place after an Aboriginal man was insulted for marrying a white woman, and on which Thomas Keneally's The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith was based. Coo-ee Memorial Park, Newell Hwy.
Rural Museum: vast collection of agricultural artefacts including antique farm machinery and early model tractors on display; Newell Hwy. Hitchen House Museum: the home of the Hitchen brothers, who initiated the Coo-ee March. The museum has memorabilia from WW I, WW II and Vietnam; Miller St. Orana Cactus World: almost 1000 different cacti on display collected over 40 years; open most weekends and by appt; Newell Hwy; bookings (02) 6847 0566. Gilgandra Observatory: Newtonian reflector and refractor telescopes and a sundial; open 7–10pm (8.30–10pm during daylight saving) Mon–Sat; Cnr Wamboin and Willie sts; (02) 6847 2646. Tourist drives: around town; brochure from visitor centre.
Nearby
Warren Its location on the Macquarie River makes Warren a popular spot with anglers. For a stroll along the riverbank take the River Red Gum Walk, for birdwatching go to Tiger Bay Wildlife Reserve, and for a day of picnicking and swimming visit Warren Weir. The racecourse is known as the 'Randwick of the west' and hosts some fantastic race days. 85 km W.
Gilgandra Flora Reserve: 8.5 ha of bushland, perfect for picnics and barbecues. Most plants flower in spring, making the park particularly spectacular Sept–Nov; 14 km NE. Emu Farm: raised for oil, leather and meat, guided tours; Tooraweenah; 40 km NW.
Fishing spots near town
Lithgow to Mudgee 231 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 moreEco-friendly activities around town
Picnicking around Dubbo 59 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 moreStar-gazing - Coonabarabran 62 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 76 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 moreWine-tasting - Mudgee 132 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 moreBurning Mountain Nature Reserve 213 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 moreCafes & restaurants around town
Don’t you just love it when a classic cafe serves a classic breakfast all day? Favourites such as sausages and eggs and bacon and eggs come with great coffee. As well as standard takeaway fare such as burgers and... Find out more
Breweries around town
Mudgee Brewing 131 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
Gunneemooroo Campground 48 km
This is the only camping area in the southern end of the park – to get here, follow John Renshaw Parkway from Coonabarabran, turn towards Tooraweenah and then onto Dooroombah Rd. The access road is 2WD, dry-weather... Find out moreDows Camp (bush camping) 52 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 moreDanu Camp (bush camping) 52 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 moreBush camping walk-in sites 53 km
Find out moreOgma Camp (bush camping) 53 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 moreBalor Hut camping area (walk-in camping) 53 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 moreHurleys Camp (bush camping) 54 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 moreBurbie Camp camping area (walk-in camping) 54 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 morePincham Camp camping area 56 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 moreCamp Wambelong camping area 56 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 moreCaravan parks around town
West View Tourist Caravan Park 58 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 60 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 61 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 moreTandara Caravan Park 74 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 moreJohn Oxley Caravan Park 76 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 moreWellington Riverside Tourist Park 96 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 98 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 moreWellington Caves Holiday Complex 104 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 morePeak Hill Caravan Park 120 km
This owner-operated park offers a range of accommodation and is ideal for an overnight stay. It is a small, budget-priced park, located off the main highway and just a short walk from the town centre. The owners supply... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Clonturkle Sanctuary 222 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 moreDargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 246 km
At the soft end of ecotourism, this pleasant lodge and wellness retreat has advanced eco-certification. It is surrounded by a mountain ash forest dotted with waratahs, the habitat of wombats and wallabies. With a maximum... Find out moreRest areas around town
Gilgandra Park Area 1 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 moreCollie East Rest Area 21 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 moreTooraweenah Rest Area 36 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 moreHickey Falls Rest Area 50 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 moreBrocklehurst Rest Area 51 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 moreTerramungamine Camp Area 51 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 moreDubbo West Rest Area 56 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 70 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 morePanai Rest Area 70 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 moreTrangie Park Area 73 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 moreGeurie North Rest Area 76 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 moreWarren North Rest Area 76 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 moreWarren Park Area 78 km
East side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 41.817 E147 50.414 ... Find out moreSandy Creek Rest Area 83 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 moreNorth Gowan Rest Area 84 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 moreTomingley Creek Rest Area 97 km
74 km NE of Parkes (L) or 46 km SW of Dubbo (R) Large area just off the highway surrounded by trees. Limited shade. GPS: S32 31.283 E148 16.763 ... Find out moreWellington South Rest Area 105 km
56 km N of Molong (R) or 9 km S of Wellington (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 37.413 E148 56.885... Find out moreOxley's Crossing Rest Area 106 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 moreTomingley South Rest Area 106 km
64 km N of Parkes (R) or 56 km S of Dubbo (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S32 35.698 E148 13.176 ... Find out moreYaminba Rest Area 122 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 moreTwo Mile Creek Rest Area 127 km
32 km N of Molong (L) or 33 km S of Wellington (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 50.029 E148 54.404... Find out moreBell River Rest Area 135 km
23 km N of Molong (R) or 42 km S of Wellington (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 54.712 E148 53.429 ... Find out morePilliga Rest Area 137 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 moreNyngan Park Area 141 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 moreMeridian Rest Area 146 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 moreRed Bank Rest Area 150 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 moreWhat's on around town
Rodeo: Oct.
Coo-ee Festival: Oct.
