Bingara

Population 1205

Located in the centre of an area known as Fossickers Way, Bingara is an old gold- and diamond-mining town in the Gwydir River Valley. Gold was discovered here in 1852. Prospectors have been attracted to the town ever since, drawn by the chance of discovering their own fortunes in gold, tourmaline, sapphires and garnets, and by the peaceful cypress-covered mountain surrounds.

Visitor Information

Roxy Theatre Building, Maitland St; (02) 6724 0066 or 1300 659 919

www.bingara.com.au

Nearby national parks

  • Warrabah National Park

    The Namoi River winds its way through the heart of the tranquil Warrabah National Park as it fl ows towards the Western Plains. Giant granite...more

  • Guy Fawkes River National Park

    Guy Fawkes National Park in the state’s north-east is isolated, extensive and wild. The Guy Fawkes River winds its way through the...more

  • Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

    Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, much of it World Heritage-listed, is a stunning environment of majestic gorges, deeply incised river...more

Nearby towns

  • Warialda

    Warialda is a historic town in a rich farming district. Its location on Warialda Creek gives the town a charm and contributes to its lush...more

  • Inverell

    This town on the Macintyre River at the centre of the New England tablelands is known as the 'Sapphire City'. It is also rich in other...more

  • Barraba

    The tree-lined streets of Barraba lie in the valley of the Manilla River. Surrounded by the Nandewar Ranges, Horton Valley and undulating...more

In Town

Orange Tree Memorial Orange trees along Finch St and Gwydir Oval stand as a memorial to those who have fallen in war. It is a town tradition that during the Orange Festival, Bingara's children pick the fruit and present it to hospital patients and the elderly.All Nations Goldmine: a stamper battery is the only visible remnant; Hill St. Bingara Historical Museum: slab building (1860) displays gems and minerals and 19th-century furniture and photographs; Maitland St. Visitor Information Centre: set in the beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco Roxy Theatre complex; Maitland St. Gwydir River Rides: trail rides; Keera St. Gwydir River: walking track along the bank, and reportedly the best Murray cod fishing in NSW. Self-guide historical/scenic town walk and drive: contact visitor centre for maps.

Nearby

Three Creeks Goldmine: working mine open to the public for gold panning, crystal fossicking and bushwalking; 24 km S. Myall Creek Memorial: monument to 28 Aboriginal men, women and children killed in the massacre of 1838; Delungra–Bingara Rd; 27 km NE. Rocky Creek glacial area: unusual conglomerate rock formations; 37 km SW. Sawn Rocks: pipe-shaped volcanic rock formations; 70 km SW. Birdwatching and fossicking: maps available from visitor centre.

Fishing spots near town

Lake Copeton 40 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


Eco-friendly activities around town

Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 113 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


Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 127 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


Koala-spotting - Coonabarabran 199 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


Star-gazing - Coonabarabran 212 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


Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 223 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


Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 244 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


Cycling around Armidale and Coffs Harbour 250 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


Golf courses around town

Bonville Golf Resort 244 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


Campsites around town

Gwydir River camping areas 9 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


Rocky Creek Glacial camping areas 30 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


Cranky Rock Recreation Reserve 35 km

Located 8 km east of Warialda on the Gwydir Hwy, Cranky Rock Recreation Reserve is characterised by a visually arresting assembly of granite boulders, picnic facilities, a kiosk and bush shower. Visitors can follow a... Find out more


Copeton Waters State Park camping area 39 km

What can’t you do here? Canoeing, sailing, golf, fishing, walking and cricket are just a few of the activities on offer for daytrippers or multi-day visitors alike. There’s even a water slide. There are... Find out more


Northern Foreshore Reserve camping area 42 km

On the northern shores of Copeton Dam, across the water from Copeton Waters State Park, this is a wonderful spot for fishing, waterskiing, fossicking, boating and birdwatching. There are powered and unpowered sites... Find out more


Little Creek Recreation Reserve 51 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


Horton Falls camping area 56 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


Dawsons Spring camping area 60 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


Bark Hut camping area 63 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


Glenriddle Reserve camping area 65 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


Caravan parks around town

Gwydir Carapark 82 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


Big Sky Caravan Park 91 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


Glen Rest Tourist Park 113 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


Craigieburn Cottages 113 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


Fossicker Caravan Park 113 km

Only 200 metres from the centre of town, this park is within easy walking distance of most town services. It is one of the best parks in Glen Innes. A minimum-length stay applies at Easter, long weekends and special... Find out more


Uralla Caravan Park 124 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


Country Road Caravan Park 124 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


Pembroke Tourist and Leisure Park 129 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


Kootingal Kourt Caravan Park 138 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


Paradise Caravan Park 141 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


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Bingara Fossickers Way Motel

Celebrated for its warm and relaxed atmosphere, this motel is located a stone’s throw from the centre of town. Encircled by a lovely garden, guests stay in simple, comfortable guest rooms catering for everyone... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 231 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


Rest areas around town

Dumboy Creek Rest Area 34 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


Kooligur Rest Area 36 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


Warialda Rest Area 36 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


Bells Rest Area 40 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


Runnymede Rest Area 56 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


Gum Flat Camp Area 65 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


Tookey Creek Rest Area 76 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


Boolooroo Rest Area 81 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


Moree Park Area 84 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


Swan Brook Rest Area 84 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


Gil Gil Creek Rest Area 94 km

39 km N of Moree (L) or 85 km S of Goondiwindi (R) Large area just off the highway. GPS: S29 09.864 E150 00.798  ... Find out more


Celtic Country Rest Area 113 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


Pilliga No. 2 Rest Area 114 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


North Star Rest Area 118 km

85 km N of Moree (R) or 39 km S of Goondiwindi (L) Large area just off the highway among a few trees. GPS: S28 50.420 E150 13.536... Find out more


Beardy Waters Rest Area 119 km

10 km N of Glen Innes (L) or 82 km S of Tenterfield (R) Large grassed area well off the highway. Good facilities and some reasonable shade.  GPS: S29 39.7 59 E151 46.509... Find out more


Beardy Waters Woodland Park Area 119 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


Kentucky Rest Area 125 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


Bendemeer Park Area 125 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


Thunderbolts Rock Park Area 126 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


Woolbrook Rest Area 136 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


Airport Rest Area 137 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


Pilliga Rest Area 138 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


Red Bank Rest Area 140 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


Tamworth Park Area 142 km

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


Meridian Rest Area 143 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


What's on around town

Bingara Cup Race Meeting: Feb.

Bingara Fishing Competition: Easter.

Campdraft: Apr.

Orange Festival: Aug.

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