Gunnedah

Gunnedah, Explore Australia Publishing

Population 7541

At the heart of the Namoi Valley, Gunnedah is instantly recognisable by the grain silos that tower over the town. The area is abundant with native wildlife, especially koalas. Gunnedah claims to be the koala capital of the world, with one of the largest koala populations in the country; they are often seen wandering around town. A large centre, Gunnedah still manages to keep a laid-back atmosphere and has been home to famous Australians such as Dorothea Mackellar and Breaker Morant.

Visitor Information

Anzac Park, South St; (02) 6740 2230 or 1800 562 527

www.infogunnedah.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

  • 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

  • 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

Nearby towns

  • Manilla

    This rural town is located at the junction of the Manilla and Namoi rivers and surrounded by attractive rural countryside. Its location...more

  • Tamworth

    Tamworth is a prosperous city and the self-proclaimed country music capital of Australia, an image that has been carefully cultivated...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

Anzac Park The Water Tower Museum here, housed in the town's main water tower, has a mural and display of early explorers, memorabilia from several wars and schools, and an Aboriginal history display (open 2–5pm Sat and most Mon). Dorothea Mackellar, the renowned Australian poet responsible for My Country, has a memorial statue in the park. Memorabilia of her life and of the annual national school poetry competition in her name can be viewed at the park's visitor centre. South St.

Rural Museum: early agricultural machinery and the largest privately owned firearm collection in the country; Mullaley Rd. Red Chief Memorial: to Aboriginal warrior Cumbo Gunnerah, of the Gunn-e-dar people of the Kamilaroi tribe; State Office building, Abbott St. Old Bank Gallery: local art and craft; Conadilly St. Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre: art and pottery display and the watercolour series 'My Country' by Jean Isherwood; open 10am–4pm Fri–Sun; Chandos St. Plains of Plenty: local craft and produce; South St. Eighth Division Memorial Avenue: with 45 flowering gums, each with a plaque in memory of men who served in the Eighth Division in WW II; Memorial Ave. Breaker Morant Drive: a plaque tells the story of Henry Morant, known as 'the breaker' because of his skill with horses. A 500 m path shows sites where he jumped horses; Kitchener Park. Poets Drive: celebration of Australian Poetry, the Poets Drive is a self-guide drive tour inspired by Gunnedah's iconic landmarks and local heroes. Bindea walking track and town walk: memorials, koala and kangaroo sites, lookouts and porcupine reserve; brochure from visitor centre.

Nearby

Lake Keepit This lake is great for watersports, fishing and boating, and there is even a children's pool. If you want to stay a while longer, there is the Keepit Country Campout. The Campout provides all the facilities needed to camp without roughing it too much, including tents, a kitchen and showers and toilets, and there is a campfire amphitheatre for evening entertainment. For the daytime, there is all the equipment needed for canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, gliding and bushwalking. 34 km NE.

Porcupine Lookout: views over town and surrounding agricultural area; 3 km SE. Waterways Wildlife Park: abundant with native animals such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats and emus; Mullaley Rd; 7 km W. 150° East Time Meridian: the basis of Eastern Standard Time, crossing the Oxley Hwy; 28 km W.

Fishing spots near town

Lake Copeton 138 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

Koala-spotting - Coonabarabran 99 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


Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 115 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


Star-gazing - Coonabarabran 118 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


Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 145 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


Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 159 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


Barrington Tops National Park 170 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


Wine-tasting - Mudgee 190 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


Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 198 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


Picnicking around Dubbo 210 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


Houseboating on the Macleay River 246 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


Golf courses around town

The Vintage Golf Club 220 km

Hunter Valley semillon, with its zesty aromas and flavours, is sometimes described by wine experts as ‘Australia’s wine gift to the world’. Its appeal also lies in its capacity to age well. The same... Find out more


Pacific Dunes Golf Club 250 km

Advances in club and ball technology, aimed at helping players hit longer and straighter, have had a big effect on golf course architecture since the early 1990s. Many new developers have urged designers to stretch... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Two Rivers Brasserie

Located at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club, Two Rivers Brasserie is a great option for a hearty meal with the locals, in a traditional club atmosphere. There is a wide variety of standard bistro food available for... Find out more


The Verdict

Trendy, modern and serving delicious breakfasts and afternoon teas, the Verdict also has a fantastic daily specials board. All the food that is served is homemade, from light quiches to devilishly dense cakes and slices.... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Hunter Beer Company 227 km

Potters Brewery, as this microbrewery is also known, might seem like a rather odd addition to this convention-based accommodation complex, which is named after the historic beehive-shaped pottery kilns scattered around... Find out more


Bluetongue Brewery 247 km

Set up in 2004 by a consortium of Hunter region identities, including wine man Bruce Tyrell and hotelier Ian Burford, Bluetongue Brewery soon established a significant regional market for its premium lager and alcoholic... Find out more


Campsites around town

Lake Keepit State Park camping area 27 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


Split Rock Dam camping area 61 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


Glenriddle Reserve camping area 72 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


Horton Falls camping area 73 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


Little Creek Recreation Reserve 76 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


Bark Hut camping area 78 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


Dawsons Spring camping area 78 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


Warrabah camping area 78 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


Cockburn River campsite 85 km

This pleasant, grassy, treed area makes a relaxing place to camp, swim and fish. The river’s a bit chilly in winter but very refreshing in hot weather. It’s about 30 km north-east of Tamworth and 11 km east... Find out more


The Barracks camping area 86 km

The Barracks camping area is reached via Pinnacle Rd off The Forest Rd, 36 km east of Coolah. This is the more extensive of the park’s camping sites, with an information bay and sites for caravans. A 600 m walk... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Paradise Caravan Park 66 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


Austin Tourist Park 69 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


Kootingal Kourt Caravan Park 77 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


Big Sky Caravan Park 85 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


John Oxley Caravan Park 99 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


Pages River Caravan Park 102 km

On the northern edge of town, this small neatly maintained park is easily accessible from the New England Highway and is ideal for an overnight stay at an attractive price.... 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


Uralla Caravan Park 125 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


Lake Glenbawn State Park 143 km

The park is 14 km from Scone or easily accessible from Aberdeen. The powered sites do not front the lake but there are unpowered sites available with lake frontage. This is a popular fishing spot where anglers catch... Find out more


Pembroke Tourist and Leisure Park 146 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


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Alyn Motel

One of Gunnedah’s newest motels, this is a comfortable and centrally located haven, offering queen-sized bed guest rooms and rooms for up to four people. Breakfast is available but not included in the room rate.... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 211 km

With three self-contained lodges of various sizes and a recreation room that includes an environmental centre, this eco-accredited resort keeps nature as its focus. Even the nine-hole minigolf course weaves around the... Find out more


Somewhere Unique, Wollombi 233 km

The two stand-alone, couples-only cottages here are stylish, contemporary and have passive solar design. They are eco-accredited, on an 8-hectare bushland reserve, and use only renewable energy and Greenfleet vehicles.... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Red Bank Rest Area 23 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


Meridian Rest Area 26 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


Airport Rest Area 58 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


Tamworth Park Area 68 km

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


Oxley's Crossing Rest Area 70 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


Pilliga Rest Area 76 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


Yaminba Rest Area 78 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 No. 2 Rest Area 80 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


Wallabadah Rest Area 82 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


Bendemeer Park Area 87 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


North Gowan Rest Area 93 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


Bowling Alley Point Camp Area 94 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


Swamp Creek Camp Area 98 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


Teamsters Rest Camp Area 99 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Secluded area by the creek 14 km south of Nundle via Crawney Road. Good shade. NOTE: Part unsealed access. GPS: S31 33.399 E151 03.390... Find out more


Woolbrook Rest Area 101 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


Sheba Dams Camp Area 106 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large secluded area on the shore of the dam 11 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 29.890 E151 11.843 ... Find out more


Blandford Park Area 107 km

North end of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 46.675 E150 53.547 ... Find out more


Ponderosa Park Camp Area 109 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


Kentucky Rest Area 111 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


Burning Mountain Rest Area 115 km

24 km N of Scone (R) or 108 km S of Tamworth (L) Large grassed area well off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 51.383 E150 54.016... Find out more


Thunderbolts Rock Park Area 120 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


Hickey Falls Rest Area 124 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


Tookey Creek Rest Area 131 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


Walcha East Rest Area 132 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


Scone Park Area 133 km

At the information centre Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 03.401 E150 52.174... Find out more


Tooraweenah Rest Area 138 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


Apsley Falls Camp Area 144 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


Aberdeen Park Area 144 km

North side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 09.641 E150 53.343... Find out more


Stoney Creek Rest Area 145 km

141 km NW of Wauchope (L) or 23 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area adjacent to the highway on the banks of the creek. GPS: S31 04.594 E151 46.655... Find out more


What's on around town

Market: Wolseley Park, Conadilly St; 3rd Sat each month.

National Tomato Competition: search for Australia's biggest tomato, and related celebrations; Jan.

Week of Speed: races include go-karts, cars, bikes and athletics; Mar.

Gunnedah Bird Expo and Sale: Apr.

Ag Quip: agricultural field days; Aug.

North-West Swap Meet: vintage cars; Sept.

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