Narrabri

Park Wild Observatory, Tourism New South Wales

Population 6104

The fledgling town of Narrabri was devastated by a flood in 1864, but was rebuilt and grew in regional importance from 1865 when the newly constructed courthouse took over local services from Wee Waa. Cotton was introduced to the area in 1962 and the region now enjoys one of Australia's largest yields. This success has brought prosperity to Narrabri and surrounding towns. The town is located between the Nandewar Range and Pilliga Scrub country in the Namoi River Valley.

Visitor Information

Newell Hwy; (02) 6799 6760 or 1800 659 931

www.visitnarrabri.com

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

  • 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

Nearby towns

  • Wee Waa

    Wee Waa is a dynamic rural community near the Namoi River and also the base for the Namoi Cotton Cooperative, the largest grower-owned...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

  • Gunnedah

    At the heart of the Namoi Valley, Gunnedah is instantly recognisable by the grain silos that tower over the town. The area is abundant...more

In Town

Narrabri Old Gaol and Museum: historic museum with local artefacts. Night tours of the gaol on offer; Barwan St. Riverside park: pleasant surroundings next to the Namoi River with barbecue and picnic facilities; Tibbereena St. Self-guide town walk: historic buildings including the original courthouse (1865) and police residence (1879); leaflet from visitor centre.

Nearby

Paul Wild Observatory Here you'll find an impressive line of 22 m diameter antennas all facing the sky. They are connected on a rail track and are moved around to get full coverage. A sixth antenna lies 3 km away, and all 6 are sometimes connected with telescopes at Coonabarabran and Parkes. The visitor centre features a video, displays and an opportunity to view the telescope; open Mon–Fri (weekends during school holidays); 25 km W.

Yarrie Lake: birdwatching, waterskiing and windsurfing; 32 km W. Scenic drive: includes Mount Kaputar National Park (see Barraba) and cotton fields; leaflet from visitor centre.

Fishing spots near town

Lake Copeton 125 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 116 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 125 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


Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 182 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 182 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


Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 200 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


Picnicking around Dubbo 240 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


Campsites around town

Yarrie Lake camping area 25 km

There are a number of camping areas around the shoreline. Note that the lake can be dry at times, so if you’re keen to partake in the fishing, swimming, sailing and paddling that’s available when the lake is... Find out more


Bark Hut camping area 34 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 37 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


Horton Falls camping area 53 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


Schwagers Bore camping area 54 km

This is a quiet spot tucked away near the bore, 51 km west of Baradine via Cumbil Rd and Pilliga Forest Way. It’s dry-weather access only, and you’ll need to bring your own drinking water. ... Find out more


Rocky Creek Glacial camping areas 61 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


Little Creek Recreation Reserve 63 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


Salt Caves picnic and camping area 66 km

This is a relatively informal camping area with picnic tables and wood barbecues. There’s a short walk to a nearby dam, where you’ll have a chance to spot some of the 240 bird species found in the area. This... Find out more


Rocky Creek Mill camping area 75 km

Once the site of a thriving timber-mill community, this is now a quiet and spacious camping area 29 km north of Baradine. To get here, take the Cumbil Rd from Baradine and turn onto Pilliga Forest Way. Note: this is... Find out more


The Aloes camping area 79 km

Keep your eyes peeled for koalas and the remains of a historic homestead at this camping spot, 23 km north of Baradine near Etoo Creek. To get here, follow Cumbil Rd from Baradine and take the Pilliga Forest Way. Note:... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Big Sky Caravan Park 1 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


Gwydir Carapark 93 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


John Oxley Caravan Park 115 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


Paradise Caravan Park 140 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 143 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 146 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


Country Road Caravan Park 168 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 169 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


Pembroke Tourist and Leisure Park 184 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


Gilgandra Caravan Park 187 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 more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town


Dawsons Spring Cabins

Dawsons Spring’s three self-contained cabins are situated in Mount Kaputar National Park. Manning and Logan cabins sleep six guests, while Dickson cabin is ideal for smaller families. The cabins are especially... Find out more


Nandewar Motor Inn

Nandewar Motor Inn offers clean and friendly motel accommodation just a couple of blocks from the centre of town, and a short drive from tourist sites such as Mount Kaputar National Park. Set on 1.2 hectares of open... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Pilliga No. 2 Rest Area 23 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


Tookey Creek Rest Area 50 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


Pilliga Rest Area 50 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 66 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


Red Bank Rest Area 83 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 84 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


Oxley's Crossing Rest Area 92 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


Moree Park Area 97 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


Gum Flat Camp Area 100 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


Boolooroo Rest Area 101 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


North Gowan Rest Area 108 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


Warialda Rest Area 114 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


Kooligur Rest Area 116 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


Dumboy Creek Rest Area 124 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


Gil Gil Creek Rest Area 130 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


Bells Rest Area 131 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


Airport Rest Area 132 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


Hickey Falls Rest Area 140 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


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


Runnymede Rest Area 145 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


Bendemeer Park Area 145 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


What's on around town

Rodeo: Mar.

Nosh on the Namoi: food and wine festival; Mar.

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