narrabri

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welcome to the narrabri shire

NARRABRI SHIRE covers 13,000 sq. km and is home to 13,500 residents. Narrabri, Wee Waa and
Boggabri are the major towns while the villages of Baan Baa, Bellata, Cuttabri, Edgeroi, Gwabegar and
Pilliga also play a major role in the economy of the Shire. The Shire offers, not only rural wealth, but also a wealth of tourist attractions and services to ensure visitors an enjoyable and memorable stay.

NARRABRI – Aboriginal meaning “Forked Waters”. Situated 560km NW of Sydney. Population 7,300 -
240m above sea level. Narrabri is the administrative centre of the second richest agricultural Shire in Australia. Good shopping, Crossing Theatre, Antique and Craft Shops are all well worth visiting whilst in
town. Facilities include a town drive and the Narrabri Creek Walk, the Narrabri Lake, an Olympic Pool,
18 hole Golf Course (grass greens), Bowling Club and excellent Tennis Courts as well as an R.S.L. Club. Eleven Motels, three Caravan Parks, four Hotels and a variety of farm holidays and B & B’s provide accommodation whilst there is a great choice of eating places as well. Regular air, rail and coach services operate to and from Narrabri daily. (Contact Visitors Centre for details on 6799 6760)

WEE WAA; COTTON CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA – Aboriginal meaning “Fire for Roasting”. Situated 591km NW of Sydney. Population 2,000. 190m above sea level. Wee Waa was the birthplace of Australia’s latest agricultural success story – Cotton which had its modern beginnings in 1963. The Wee Waa area in April
each year transforms into snowy white fields from horizon to horizon. The Wee Waa Service Station and Namoi Echo Museum are a great place to get general Wee Waa directions and information on other attractions including CSIRO Australia Telescope, Yarrie Lake Seplin Estate Wines Winery and the historic walk of WEe Waa. Accommodation – two Motels, two Hotels and two Caravan Parks. The Wee Waa Motel
has a fine restaurant and meals are also available at the Hotels, Bowling Club, hot bread shop, café and Seplin Estate Winery. A Swimming Pool, a picturesque 9 hole Golf Course, Bowling Club, Tennis Courts
and a modern sporting complex cater for sporting enthusiasts.

BOGGABRI – Aboriginal meaning “Place of Many Creeks”. Situated 514km NW of Sydney. Population
955 – 251m above sea level. Boggabri is situated on the edge of a huge coal deposit which has recently
been brought into full production. Gins Leap, a sheer rock face just north of the town and Barbers Pinnacle have exciting stories of the district’s past attached to them. A visit to the Boggabri Historical Museum and a couple of hours exploring Boggabri’s Heritage Trail are worthwhile. A Motel, two Hotels and a Caravan Park provide accommodation in the town, which boasts a Swimming Pool, Bowling, Golf and Tennis and R.S.L. Club. Meals are available from the Hotels and a Cafe and from the Motel for guests. Boggabri is serviced
by a daily rail service.

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SEE AND DO

1. THE NARRABRI SHIRE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE on the Newell Highway in Narrabri – friendly staff are available to assist you between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday and between 9 am and 2 pm Saturday and Sunday and on Public Holidays. Phone: 6799 6760.

2. MT. KAPUTAR NATIONAL PARK (56km from Narrabri – 1 hour’s drive). You can drive to the very top of this “ecological island”, where, from the 1512m summit, 360-degree views covering one tenth of NSW are visible. Three modern cabins can be booked (phone 6792 7300) and there are two excellent camping areas with hot showers and electric and gas barbecues. (No caravan access). You can enjoy a picnic or barbecue at The Dawson’s Spring Picnic area in the company of the friendly kangaroos.

3. SAWN ROCKS in Mt Kaputar National Park (36km from Narrabri along the Bingara Road – a thirty minute drive). A twenty minute walk along a wheelchair friendly, all weather track leads to a 40m high basalt formation, the columns of which look for all the world as if they were fashioned by stonemasons. The perfect polygonal jointing is attributed to the slow and even cooling of molten rock which erupted from the bowels of the earth some 21 million years ago. A picnic and barbecue area with toilets is adjacent to the car park.

4. THE CSIRO AUSTRALIA TELESCOPE (21km from Narrabri – 20 minutes drive) – This is Australia’s latest astrological masterpiece. Five movable dishes, 22m across rest on 3km of rail track, with a sixth placed 3km to the west. The dishes of this radio telescope can operate individually or as one telescope 6km across or when linked with the 42m telescope at Parkes as a telescope, 320km in diameter. A series of interactive exhibits in the gardens right beside the dishes helps to unravel the mysteries of the universe. The exhibits are open during daylight hours every day. Coach groups can book by phoning 6790 4000.

5. THE CROSSING THEATRE (in Narrabri) – this magnificent recent addition to Narrabri’s landscape houses a 1000 seat auditorium used for entertainment such as musical and dramatic performances, exhibitions and displays throughout the year. The centre features two picture theatres with daily screenings of the very latest film releases. The art gallery proudly shows off the Shire’s Civic Art Collection. For details contact the theatre on 6792 4654.

6. NARRABRI OLD GAOL HERITAGE CENTRE (in Narrabri) – was constructed in 1882 and operated as a gaol until 1982. In 1988, the Old Gaol was restored and is now operating as a Museum and Family History research centre. It is open from 9 am to 4 pm Saturdays and at other times by appointment. (Contact Visitors Centre 6799 6760)

7. COTTON TOURS - Regular tours to a Narrabri district cotton farm and gin are available during the picking and ginning season (usually end March to mid July). Bookings are essential. Call at the Narrabri Shire Visitor Information Centre 6799 6760.

8. WEE WAA (40km from Narrabri – 30 minute drive) – The modern cotton industry had its beginnings in Wee Waa. Take a step back in time by visiting the Imperial Hotel, a beautiful three-storey hotel built in 1912. The interior and iron lace adorned balconies have been lovingly restored.

9. NAMOI ECHO MUSEUM (Wee Waa) - Home to many wonderful exhibits, machinery and documents pertaining to the history and culture of the Wee Waa district. Family research from its extensive archives also possible. The museum is open 1st and 4th Wednesdays in the month 10am- 2pm, Thursday 11am-2pm, Friday 10am-2pm and Saturday 10am-4pm or open by appointment phone 6796 1760.

10. PILLIGA (57km west of Wee Waa – forty five minute drive) – features Artesian Bore Baths, Tombs of Indian hawkers who settled in the area and wildlife aplenty.

11. PILLIGA ARTESIAN BORE BATHS (Constructed in 1902 as a permanent town water supply after severe drought, the bore has become a popular recreational spot for swimming. The therapeutic value of this mineral rich water has long been recognised by locals and visitors who make regular pilgrimage to the 27 degree pool to soak away those aches and pains. Facilities include free entry and camping, caravans and motorhomes, pet friendly, toilets, basic shower, BBQ and shelters.

12. THE PILLIGA FOREST (5km south of Narrabri) – 4000,000 hectares of cypress pine, iron bark and many other Eucalypts. The Pilliga Forest is also home to colonies of kangaroos, emus, wallabies and koalas. The wildflowers in spring are a sight to behold. Many Forest drives are accessible to conventional motor vehicles. Maps are available at the Narrabri Shire Visitor Information Centre 6799 6760.

13. YARRIE LAKE (26km west of Narrabri – 30 min. drive. 20km east of Wee Waa – 20 min. drive) –
A circular lake some 3km in diameter. Water skiing, wind surfing, bird watching and camping (powered and unpowered sites). Details are available from the Narrabri Shire Visitor Information Centre 6799 6760.

14. NELSON’S HONEY FACTORY (Boggabri) – Delicious light honey produced from the blossom of local white and yellow box and iron bark can be purchased from the Nelson’s Honey Factory where extracting takes place between spring and autumn. Phone for appointment on 6743 4388.

15. BOGGABRI HISTORICAL MUSEUM (in Boggabri) – You can spend hours enjoying the memorabilia and reminders from days gone by at this Museum. Throughout the year, the Museum features special displays. The museum is open on Wednesdays 10am - 2pm and Saturdays 10am - 2pm with research available on Wednesdays. Also open by appointment on other days phone 6743 4112.

16. GIN’S LEAP (5km north of Boggabri) – from the summit of this sheer rock face, legend has it that an Aboriginal girl of the Kamilaroi tribe (the original inhabitants of this part of the North West of NSW) plunged to her death to escape the advances of an unwelcome suitor. In the shadow of Gin’s Leap is a vault, which was the final resting place for two members of the Grover family who owned the Rock Inn, an early mail stop and changing station for the Cobb and Co. coaches. In it also was buried a serving girl from the Inn, Mary Ann Mein who died in 1858. These are the only reminders of the once bustling Inn’s existence.

17. FISHING – The Namoi River meanders through Narrabri Shire, close to many of the roads, thus giving easy access to fishermen and campers in many parts of the Shire. Murray Cod, Yellow Belly and Catfish are just some of the species you can bag on relaxing day along the willow-lined banks. Fishing maps are available at Narrabri Shire Visitor Information Centre.

18. SEPLIN ESTATE WINES – The Winery is located on Chifley Road producing superb quality red and white wines. Seplin Estate Winery is open 7 days. (A call before arrival is appreciated 6795 4512) Wine Tasting, meals, gift packs and local produce available.

19. ARTS & CRAFTS – One of Narrabri’s earliest residences in Dangar Street, has found a new purpose in the life as home to the Narrabri Art and Craft Society. Housing a shop, gallery and studio complex you are invited to pop in and view the exquisite handiwork of local craft people. The Gallery is open 7 days (except Good Friday and Christmas Day) between 10am and 4pm. You’re likely to pick up a delightful memento of your visit at the craft shop.

20. NAMOI VALLEY AQUAFARMING – A visit to Namoi Valley Aquafarm is most rewarding. Found some
10 km from the centre of town, on the Jacks Creek Road (Off the Kamilaroi Highway - Gunnedah side) 31 registered Culture Ponds with total water surface area of 39,596 square metres are stocked with Murray Cod, Golden and Silver Perch and Crayfish. Visitors are welcome to cast a line, purchase freshly caught fish or just to visit the farm. Please phone first on 0417 409 551.

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For more information about any of these interesting, fun, free activities and other great things to see and do in the Narrabri Shire contact the friendly team at the Narrabri Shire Visitor Information Centre.