Barraba

Heritage walk The walk takes in a heritage-listed organ and historic buildings such as the courthouse, church, clock tower and the visitor centre itself. The Commercial Hotel on Queen St was once a Cobb & Co changing station.

Clay Pan and Fuller Gallery: exhibits art, craft and pottery; Queen St. The Playhouse: accommodation including a theatre and exhibition space; Queen St; (02) 6782 1109.

Mt Kaputar National Park This park is excellent for hiking, rising as high as 1200 m, and is the site of the now extinct Nandewar Volcano. The diverse vegetation ranges from semi-arid woodland to wet sclerophyll forest and alpine growth. Wildlife is abundant, especially bats, birds and quolls. Access to the park from Barraba is by foot only, although permission for 4WD access can be granted by the visitor centre. 48 km W.Adams Lookout: panoramic views of the town and countryside; 5 km NE. Millie Park Vineyard: organic wine cellar-door tastings and sales; 5 km N. Glen Riddle Recreation Reserve: on Manilla River north of Split Rock Dam, for boating, fishing and picnicking; 15 km SE. Ironbark Creek: gold and mineral fossicking, with ruins of old village; 18 km E. Horton River Falls: 83 m waterfall, swimming and bushwalking; 38 km W. Birdwatching trails: the 165 species in the area include the rare regent honeyeater. Guides are available from the visitor centre.

Lake Copeton 64 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

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South-West Rocks 238 km

When it comes to popularity, there are two types of fishing destinations: those that are hot all the time and those that wax and wane depending on the season. South West Rocks is in the first category. For as long as I... Find out more

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Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 244 km

My introduction to fishing north of Sydney was at Coffs Harbour, an area with a diverse range of options. The first time I fished here I was into land-based game and spent most of my time on the ledges of Mutton Bird... Find out more

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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 103 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

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Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 104 km

There are a couple of top birdwatching spots in the New England area. One of the most spectacular is an all-weather bird hide among masses of waterbirds at Quipolly Dam, about 18 kilometres north-east of Quirindi. Mother... Find out more

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Koala-spotting - Coonabarabran 161 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 more

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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 165 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

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Star-gazing - Coonabarabran 177 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

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Barrington Tops National Park 205 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

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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 221 km

Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre at Gloucester offers an exciting one-day tour down the Barrington River. Guides can tailor the trip for beginners or family groups, choosing a quieter part of the river where there are... Find out more

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Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 225 km

Sample some Australian bushfoods at Valley of the Mist near Macksville, a farm dedicated to sustainable methods. You will taste bush fruits, nuts, herbs and condiments and have a tour of the farm. You can also take a... Find out more

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Houseboating on the Macleay River 226 km

Although large chugging houseboats can be an environmental no-no, Macleay River Houseboats at Kempsey are small – designed for just two people – use relatively clean four-stroke petrol motors, have... Find out more

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Cycling around Armidale and Coffs Harbour 241 km

A 5-kilometre bicycle track leads from Harris Park in Armidale to the University of New England. Bikes can be hired from Armidale Bicycle Centre or the University’s Sports Union. The 26-kilometre-return ride from... Find out more

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Bonville Golf Resort 234 km

Bonville is Australia’s most beautiful inland course. Carved from 250 hectares of flooded gums and blackbutt forest, with small pockets of subtropical rainforest, Bonville is often described as Australia’s... Find out more

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The Little Brewing Company 248 km

Australia’s new breed of brewer can arrive at the craft by sometimes circuitous routes. For Warwick Little, that included 20 years as an ambulance officer, home brewing, a wine science course and a pair of... Find out more

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Glenriddle Reserve camping area 10 km

Glenriddle Reserve is set in the northern reaches of Split Rock Dam, 15 km south of Barraba and roughly 100 km north of Tamworth on the Fossickers Way. The dam is popular with fishing and boating aficionados, and the... Find out more

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Little Creek Recreation Reserve 19 km

You'll find this small camping area 20 km north-west of Barraba via Trevallyn Rd. Barraba is on the Fossickers Way, and offers visitors plenty of activities such as swimming, boating and fishing at Split Rock Dam.... Find out more

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Split Rock Dam camping area 23 km

Another worthwhile stop off on the Fossickers Way, 64 km north of Tamworth. The town of Manilla, 20 km south of the dam, is a popular hang-gliding and paragliding spot. The dam is stocked with Murray cod, golden perch... Find out more

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Horton Falls camping area 27 km

This is a small and simple camping spot 39 km west of Barraba, which is on Fossickers Way. It’s 2WD access in dry weather only, via Mt Lindsay Rd off Trevallyn Rd. Bring drinking water and firewood and be prepared... Find out more

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Warrabah camping area 36 km

Hiking, swimming, fishing and canoeing are possible at this campground, on the Namoi River beside the park’s southern boundary. Campers are asked to stick to numbered campsites. For those seeking some bush... Find out more

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Dawsons Spring camping area 44 km

Just past the Mt Kaputar summit on the main access road, Dawsons Spring is a larger camping area with access to the medium-difficult Summit Walk (2 km, 1.5 hrs) and Bundabulla Circuit Track (3 km, 3 hrs), and the easy... Find out more

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Bark Hut camping area 47 km

There are 15 camping spots here, on the main access road about 6 km from Mt Kaputar. This is the starting point for the demanding Scutts Hut walk (19 km, 6 hrs), which should only be undertaken by fit, experienced and... Find out more

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Rocky Creek Glacial camping areas 50 km

Rocky Creek is a picturesque string of placid waterholes formed by glacial activity about 290 million years ago. There are numerous camping areas scattered along the creek, but they’re pretty basic; bring your own... Find out more

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Gwydir River camping areas 53 km

Bingara is a quaint and friendly town, 38 km east of Narrabri on the Gwydir River. There’s a 10 km area eastward from the town on Keera Rd where casual riverside bush camping is available. You can swim, fish and... Find out more

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Lake Keepit State Park camping area 57 km

This is a great family camping spot, 54 km west of Tamworth and 38 km east of Gunnedah via Keepit Dam Rd off the Oxley Hwy. It’s a little slice of outdoor paradise: everything from hang-gliding lessons and golf to... Find out more

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Big Sky Caravan Park 79 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

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Kootingal Kourt Caravan Park 84 km

Conveniently located alongside the New England Highway, this tidy park is ideal for an overnight stop. It is also a good base for those attending the Tamworth Country Music Festival during January, when a booking is... Find out more

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Paradise Caravan Park 85 km

The park is within walking distance from the centre of Tamworth and is extremely popular during the country music festival. Bookings are required at peak times, however bookings are not accepted during the month of... Find out more

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Austin Tourist Park 88 km

This large park just 4 km from the town centre offers a range of facilities. A minimum booking period of 14 days applies during the country music festival. Bookings are also required at other peak times. Small dogs only... Find out more

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Country Road Caravan Park 90 km

A popular stopover on the New England Highway, this park has good facilities and is an ideal base for exploring the area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Uralla Caravan Park 90 km

Located one block from the New England Highway and within easy walking distance of the town, this is a clean and tidy park suitable for short or longer visits.... Find out more

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Pembroke Tourist and Leisure Park 104 km

A lovely spot with shady trees and wide expanses of lawn, this park is only 3 km from the town centre. There are two kennel areas where guests can leave their dogs while enjoying the local attractions or catching up on... Find out more

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Gwydir Carapark 124 km

This park is located on the southern approach to Moree, about 3 km from the town centre. It has good amenities but its most attractive feature is the hot mineral spa and pool. A relaxing dip in a thermal pool is very... Find out more

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Glen Rest Tourist Park 128 km

Located 3.5 km south of Glen Innes, in a pleasant rural setting, this park is an ideal stopover for travellers passing through the region. Bookings are required during peak periods and festivals and a minimum-length stay... Find out more

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Craigieburn Cottages 129 km

On the southern outskirts of town, this park is in a picturesque setting with green lawns, shady trees and enormous granite boulders.... Find out more

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Barraba Motel

The secluded Barraba Motel, set back from the main road but just a 200-metre walk from the post office, is an ideal base for exploring the sheep-laden New England area, or enjoying the town’s 70-metre water slide... Find out more

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Playhouse Hotel

The word ‘playhouse’ refers to the on-site theatre, rather than a child’s dream come true. This sweet boutique accommodation includes a sunny restaurant, leafy courtyard and studio-style, 80-seat... Find out more

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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 217 km

The owners of this stylish B&B have spent seven years revegetating and securing wildlife corridors along the riparian zone here, planting some 4000 trees and 2000 reeds, resulting in an increase in bandicoots,... Find out more

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Bendemeer Park Area 76 km

On the road into town Parking area just off the highway at the Memorial Park. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S30 52.762 E151 09.459  ... Find out more

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Bells Rest Area 80 km

46 km E of Warialda (R) or 15 km W of Inverell (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S29 44.172 E150 57.717... Find out more

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Airport Rest Area 80 km

9 km W of Tamworth (R) or 70 km E of Gunnedah (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 04.670 E150 51.042... Find out more

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Dumboy Creek Rest Area 85 km

25 km E of Warialda (R) or 36 km W of Inverell (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S29 38.380 E150 47.835... Find out more

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Runnymede Rest Area 85 km

4 km E of Inverell (L) or 63 km W of Glenn Innes (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S29 46.860 E151 08.788... Find out more

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Kentucky Rest Area 85 km

72 km N of Tamworth (L) or 39 km S of Armidale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S30 45.189 E151 23.039... Find out more

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Tamworth Park Area 87 km

East side of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S31 06.528 E150 57.245... Find out more

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Thunderbolts Rock Park Area 89 km

82 km N of Tamworth (R) or 29 km S of Armidale (L) Small area just off the highway. GPS: S30 41.726 E151 28.157... Find out more

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Woolbrook Rest Area 90 km

T/O 30 km W of Walcha (R) or 20 km E of Bendemeer (L) Large grassed area 1 kilometre off the highway on the riverbank. Limited shade. GPS: S30 55.010 E151 18.988  ... Find out more

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Red Bank Rest Area 92 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

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Kooligur Rest Area 93 km

3 km E of Warialda (R) or 58 W of Inverell (L) Small area among some trees. Good shade. GPS: S29 32.961 E150 35.452... Find out more

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Warialda Rest Area 93 km

78 km E of Moree (L) or 2 km W of Warialda (R) Large area around a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S29 32.759 E150 33.429... Find out more

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Pilliga No. 2 Rest Area 94 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

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Meridian Rest Area 95 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

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Tookey Creek Rest Area 97 km

52 km N of Narrabri (L) or 48 km S of Moree (R) Large area adjacent to the highway surrounded by scrub. Good shade. GPS: S29 52.28 E149 47.19... Find out more

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Swan Brook Rest Area 105 km

33 km E of Inverell (R) or 34 km W of Glen Innes (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S29 46.295 E151 26.149  ... Find out more

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Pilliga Rest Area 111 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

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Gum Flat Camp Area 114 km

T/O 25 km E of Moree (L) or 55 km W of Warialda (R) Secluded area 3 kilometres north of the highway on the riverbank. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S29 27.930 E150 04.916 ... Find out more

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Bowling Alley Point Camp Area 119 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large area on the shores of the reservoir 14 kilometres north of Nundle. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 21.669 E151 08.186 ... Find out more

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Walcha East Rest Area 120 km

159 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 5 km SE of Walcha (L) Large open area just off the highway. GPS: S31 00.477 E151 38.171  ... Find out more

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Yaminba 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 more

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Boolooroo Rest Area 126 km

8 km N of Moree (L) or 116 km S of Goondiwindi (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S29 25.235 E149 54.285  ... Find out more

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Moree Park Area 127 km

North side of town Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 27.301 E149 50.758  ... Find out more

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Celtic Country Rest Area 127 km

92 km N of Armidale (R) or 7 km S of Glen Innes (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 47.244 E151 43.942  ... Find out more

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Swamp Creek Camp Area 127 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Grassed area on the riverbank 4 kilometres north of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Access part unsealed. GPS: S31... Find out more

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Wallabadah Rest Area 129 km

North end of town Large area by Quirindi Creek behind the Memorial Gardens. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Toilets close at 5:00 pm. GPS: S31 32.169 E150 49.906... Find out more

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Oxley's Crossing Rest Area 131 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

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Apsley Falls Camp Area 133 km

T/O 145 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 19 km SE of Walcha (L) Large campground is situated 1 kilometre north of the highway in a pleasant bush setting near the falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Good facilities and... Find out more

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Ponderosa Park Camp Area 135 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large camp area in the forest 17 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 27.817 E151 15.433  ... Find out more

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Beardy Waters Woodland Park Area 135 km

6 km E of Glen Innes (R) or 154 km W of Grafton (L) Large grassed area well off the highway among the trees. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S29 43.568 E151 47.362... Find out more

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