Our Country Towns

Coolah

Coolah is located in Central New South Wales, one hour south east of Coonabarabran and is the gateway to Coolah Tops National Park. Coolah firmly stakes its claim as being the home of the original 'Black Stump'. It was here that the colloquial saying 'beyond the black stump', meaning 'beyond the limits of settlement or civilisation' is said to have originated. A replica Black Stump and rest area has been established nine kilometres from Coolah to mark its historic location. Coolah is situated on the picturesque Coolaburragundy River and nestled in a valley of the Liverpool Range. The town is surrounded by undulating hills and fertile river flats and is an attractive service town for the surrounding agricultural district. While in Coolah visit the Pandora Gallery which is Coolah's Visitor Centre and has many different displays on view throughout the year. Coolah is located in the Warrumbungle Shire region.  

Baradine

Baradine is located in Central New South Wales, 45 kilometres north west of Coonabarabran. It is the gateway to the vast and intriguing forest of The Pilliga. While in Baradine visit the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre. Baradine is an ideal base for anyone seeking a tranquil escape into the Pilliga Forest. Enjoy bird watching and scenic forest drives and discover hidden gems such as weather-worn caves. You may even meet some local inhabitants of The Pilliga such as koalas, kangaroos, possums, emus, echidnas, goannas and a species of mouse unique to The Pilliga, the Pilliga Mouse. A 24 hour dump site is now available at Baradine at the corner of Wellington Street and Darling Streets in Lions Park, at GPS Latitude 30 degrees 57'00.04" South, Longitude 149 degrees 04'01.04" East. Baradine is located in the Warrumbungle Shire region.

Dunedoo

Dunedoo is located in Central New South Wales, 61 kilometres east of Dubbo. The town is located at the junction of the Golden Highway and Castlereagh Highway, and is the southern gateway to the Warrumbungle Region. The town makes an ideal place to stretch your legs, wander the main street or enjoy a meal in a classic country pub, takeaways or cute cafes. Set amongst the rolling hills and valleys surrounding the Talbragar River, Dunedoo is the perfect place for a relaxing stopover. Enjoy a picnic beneath the mature trees in the lovely landscaped recreation area of OL Milling Park which runs almost the entire length of the main street or stand back and admire the majestic beauty of Dunedoo's Silo Art which is part of the Australian Art Silo Trail. Pronounced Dunny-doo, the town is often recognised for its unique colloquial name. The name is said to be derived from the local Wiradjuri Aboriginal name for swans, which frequented the nearby lagoons. Dunedoo is located in the Warrumbungle Shire region.

Coonabarabran

Coonabarabran is in Central NSW and is located within two hours drive of the regional cities of Dubbo and Tamworth. It is located at the junction of the Newell and Oxley Highways, midway between Melbourne and Brisbane. Known as the 'Astronomy Capital of Australia', Coonabarabran is the gateway to Warrumbungle National Park which is Australia's only Dark Sky Park. Coonabarabran has one of the darkest skies in Australia and is the home of Australia's largest optical astronomy research facility, Siding Spring Observatory. The area around Coonabarabran is ideal for stargazing with high altitude, low humidity, a non-turbulent atmosphere for viewing clarity, clean air and an average of 70 per cent clear night skies. A dump site is available for free usage 24 hours in Coonabarabran, on Essex Street adjacent to Neilson Park at GPS Latitude 31 degrees 16'16.34 South, Longitude 149 degrees 16'47.07 East. Coonabarabran is located in the Warrumbungle Shire region.

Binnaway

Binnaway is located in Central New South Wales, within half an hours drive of both Coonabarabran and Coolah. Binnaway is located on the banks of the Castlereagh. Relax in the local park or try your luck fishing in the Castlereagh River. Free camping is available at the Pumphouse Camping Ground, and they have powered sites and hot showers available at a small cost. Have a great pub meal or light food at the cafe. During the 1920s, Binnaway was a bustling railway town acting as a vital transport link ferrying timber, grain and iron ore from rural New South Wales to coastal markets. To celebrate the town's history with rail, a railway signal tribute has been established in the main street and the Binnaway community has restored the old railway barracks into accommodation.The Royal Hotel located in the main street was also featured in the movie called "The Shiralee". Binnaway is located in the Warrumbungle Shire region.

Mendooran

Mendooran's location off the busy highways has its advantages. This quiet rural village on the edge of the Goonoo National Park offers a sense of peace and safety to the weary traveller. Mendooran derives its name from the original run, Mendooran, and mention is made of the settlement on the Castlereagh in Banjo Patterson's Poem "The Travelling Post Office". Known as a mural town, artist Karin Duce has painted the main street with colourful murals reflecting country life and Mendooran's history. A great place for a short break in your journey or to spend a night or two at the Mendooran rest area with free camping by the Castlereagh River, showing its strength and sandy origins. There is a great country pub and loads of local personalities to entertain you. The post office has information to make your visit to the Warrumbungle Shire an experience to remember.

Warrumbungle Region Logo

Related links

Tourism NSW

www.visitnsw.com

Warrumbungle National Park
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Warrumbungle Shire Council
www.warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au

Newell Highway
www.newellhighway.org.au

Siding Spring Observatory
www.sidingspring.com.au

NSW Department of Lands
www.lls.nsw.gov.au

The Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Warrumbungle Region Visitor Information Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/warrumbungleregion

Coolah NSW
http://coolahnsw.com.au/contact-us/

Dunedoo NSW

http://dunedoo.org.au/web/