Wee Waa
Town
Population 1692
Wee Waa is a dynamic rural community near the Namoi River and also the base for the Namoi Cotton Cooperative, the largest grower-owned organisation in the country. Cotton has only been grown here since the 1960s, but the town claims to be the 'cotton capital of Australia'. Wee Waa, meaning 'fire for roasting', comes from the local Aboriginal language.
Visitor Information
Narrabri Shire Visitor Information Centre, Newell Hwy, Narrabri; (02) 6799 6760 or 1800 659 931
Nearby national parks
-
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 -
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
Nearby towns
-
Narrabri
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...more -
Moree
Moree sits at the junction of the Mehi and Gwydir rivers and is the centre of the thriving local farming district. Thanks to its rich...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
Wee Waa Museum: fascinating display of machinery, artefacts and documents pertaining to the history of the Wee Waa district. Open Wed–Sat at various times; Rose St; (02) 6796 1760.
Nearby
Guided cotton gin and farm tour First the tour visits a local cotton farm to view the picking and pressing of cotton into modules ready for transporting to the cotton gin. At the gin the cotton is transformed from modules into bales and then goes to the classing department for sorting. Runs Mar–Aug; bookings (02) 6799 6760. Cuttabri Wine Shanty The slab-construction shanty was built in 1882 and was once a Cobb & Co coach stop between Wee Waa and Pilliga. It was issued the second liquor licence in Australia and is the only wine shanty still operating in the country. 25 km SW.Yarrie Lake: boating, swimming and birdwatching; 24 km S. Cubbaroo Cellars: cellar-door tastings and sales; 48 km W. Barren Junction: hot artesian bore baths (over 100 years old) in a pleasant location surrounded by tamarind trees; 51 km W.
Fishing spots near town
Lake Copeton 153 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 moreEco-friendly activities around town
Koala-spotting - Coonabarabran 117 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 moreStar-gazing - Coonabarabran 122 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 moreBirdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 215 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 moreArmidale Bicentennial Arboretum 217 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 moreBurning Mountain Nature Reserve 228 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 morePicnicking around Dubbo 237 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 moreCafes & restaurants around town
The aroma of freshly baked bread wafts from this hot bread shop, where light meals and snacks are served at the bakery cafe, and customers line up for takeaway pies, sausage rolls and sandwiches. The cafe is also open in... Find out more
Campsites around town
Yarrie Lake camping area 18 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 moreSchwagers Bore camping area 43 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 moreArtesian Bore Baths Reserve 46 km
If you’re on the New England Hwy between Walgett and Narabri and feel like washing off the outback dust, pop in to Burren Junction, 55 km west of Wee Waa. You can put up a tent or book a cabin – and plunge... Find out moreSalt Caves picnic and camping area 59 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 moreRocky Creek Mill camping area 61 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 moreThe Aloes camping area 66 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 moreBark Hut camping area 67 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 moreDawsons Spring camping area 70 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 moreHorton Falls camping area 87 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 moreRocky Creek Glacial camping areas 87 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 moreCaravan parks around town
Big Sky Caravan Park 35 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 moreGwydir Carapark 91 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 moreJohn Oxley Caravan Park 116 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 moreParadise Caravan Park 173 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 moreAustin Tourist Park 176 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 moreKootingal Kourt Caravan Park 179 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 moreGilgandra Caravan Park 181 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 moreCountry Road Caravan Park 203 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 moreUralla Caravan Park 203 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 moreGoondiwindi Tourist Park 206 km
This park has shown great improvement and we are happy to now include it as an Authors’ choice. Located 3 km north of town and best accessed from the Leichhardt Highway, it is well laid out and ideal for an... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Rest areas around town
Pilliga No. 2 Rest Area 35 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 moreTookey Creek Rest Area 51 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 morePilliga Rest Area 56 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 moreYaminba Rest Area 70 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 moreMoree Park Area 94 km
North side of town Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 27.301 E149 50.758 ... Find out moreBoolooroo Rest Area 100 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 moreOxley's Crossing Rest Area 101 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 moreGum Flat Camp Area 105 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 moreRed Bank Rest Area 107 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 moreMeridian Rest Area 107 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 moreNorth Gowan Rest Area 110 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 moreGil 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 moreWarialda Rest Area 132 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 moreKooligur Rest Area 134 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 moreHickey Falls Rest Area 138 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 moreDumboy Creek Rest Area 146 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 moreTooraweenah Rest Area 146 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 moreWhat's on around town
Wee Waa Show: May.
Village Fest: food, music and games; June.
Rodeo: Sept.
Christmas Mardi Gras: Dec.
