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WELCOME TO GUNNEDAH

WE KNOW YOU WILL ENJOY YOUR STAY!

Gunnedah is the Koala Capital of the World with one of the largest and healthiest koala populations in Australia. Situated in the heart of the Liverpool Plains, in the north west of NSW, Gunnedah has something
to offer everyone. You will marvel at the natural beauty, learn the history and culture, feel the unique charm, and enjoy the hospitality that only Gunnedah people can offer. With a host of attractions and a calendar
full of events there is something to tempt each member of the family. Visit Gunnedah to experience the inspiration behind Dorothea Mackellar’s famous Poem: ‘My Country’. Experience panoramic views of Gunnedah and the surrounding Namoi and Mooki River Valleys by heading up to Porcupine Lookout.
By day the sky will dazzle you with its blue intensity; at night a million stars will blanket you.

Koala Capital of the World

Would you like to see a koala in the wild? Koalas are very easily found around the Gunnedah area thanks to the established tree corridors. The best places to spot a furry friend are the areas surrounding the Visitor Information Centre and around the Porcupine Lookout Reserve. By walking along the established Bindea Walking tracks and keeping on the lookout, you are bound to see a few koalas.

Enjoy an up close and personal experience with the koalas at the Waterways Wildlife Park. As well as seeing the koalas, you can also take a look at the variety of other Australian animals and birds the Park has to offer, including kangaroos, emus, dingos , possums, wedge-tailed eagles, parrots and lizards. Located 7km from Gunnedah on the Mullaley Road, the park is set on four hectares and is open 7 days a week from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Bring the family along and enjoy a BBQ or picnic lunch while you take in the atmosphere of Australia’s native Wildlife.

Call into the Visitor Information Centre for up to date locations of Koalas.

Explore

Dorothea Mackellar

Anzac Park is home to a statue of Dorothea Mackellar, author of ‘My Country’. Dorothea would frequently visit her brothers’ properties and these visits inspired her to write many unique poems about the district’s beauty and diversity. Across the road in the Visitor Information Centre, is the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Wing displaying memorabilia, photos, souvenirs and historical information. The Visitor Information Centre is also the office of the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society who conducts Australia’s largest and longest running national poetry competition for school students, with more than 10,000 students entering each year.

Town Tour

The self-drive tour takes about 45 minutes and is an ideal introduction to our town. The tour takes in various locations including the Rural Museum, Porcupine Lookout, Pensioners Hill Lookout, Gunnedah Water Tower Museum, Bindea Walking Track and Cumbo Gunnedah Gallery. Touring around Gunnedah gives you the chance to view the town more thoroughly and to take in some of Gunnedah’s hidden attractions and achievements.

Porcupine Lookout

The lookout has a magnificent view of Gunnedah and the beautiful Liverpool Plains. Named “Bindea” by the aborigines, after the spinifex grass that grows on its northern slope, Porcupine Lookout is an ideal place to see Gunnedah and its mountainous surrounds and experience breathtaking views across the black soil plains of the upper Namoi Valley.

Bindea Walking Track

To get a variety of views of Gunnedah, you should head off along the Bindea Walking Track. The tracks start from the top of Porcupine Lookout and offer a range of walks that vary in length. A map of the Bindea Walking Track is available from the Visitor Information Centre.

Cumbo Gunnerah Gallery

Located in the George Griffiths Building in Chandos Street, this fascinating display of Aboriginal artifacts, tools, artwork, musical instruments and photographs is both informative and interesting. For an appointment to view the Gallery call 6742 3602. Free Admission.

Gunnedah Water Tower Museum

Located in ANZAC Park the museum features a mural painting that captures the early Aboriginal and European history of the district. A spiral staircase leads from the third floor to an observation deck from where there are fine views of the town. The complex was the first town reservoir (built in 1908 and operative until the 1950s). It is open Saturday and most Mondays 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. Tours can be arranged.

Plains of Plenty

A vibrant display of local art, craft and produce. Their premises at 72 Barber Street is a showcase for local talent. From woodwork and leatherwork through to pottery and needlework there is something to appeal to all ages, tastes and budgets. Browsers and buyers welcome. Well worth a look.

Lake Keepit State Park

Lake Keepit Recreation Area, 20 minutes east of Gunnedah on the Oxley Highway, is ideal for all varieties of water sport - water-skiing, fishing, paintball, swimming, sailing, windsurfing and power boating. Children’s facilities include a children’s pool, a BMX track and a skateboarding area. There are barbecues, a kiosk, toilets, half-court tennis and a five-hole golf course. Large well-appointed vans, cabins and camp-o-tels are available for overnight accommodation. For reservations or further information call: (02) 6769 7605.

The Rural Museum

The Rural Museum is sure to rival the best and most comprehensive of its type in Australia. It contains farm machinery, equipment, a gun collection, photography and other artefacts all relating to our agricultural and pioneering past. It is located on the Oxley Highway, 1 km west of the Visitor Information Centre. Also situated in the building is a magnificent display of local produce ranging from pottery and woodwork, through to locally grown lavender and homemade jams. Open seven days from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm.

The Creative Arts Centre

The Creative Arts Centre was Gunnedah’s major bicentennial project. Located in Chandos Street, it displays over 70 pieces of art and pottery, including a series of watercolours relating to Dorothea Mackellar’s ‘My Country’. There is also an extensive range of exhibitions and classes relating to a wide diversity of crafts.

Poets Drive

A celebration of Australian Poetry, the Poets Drive is a self-guided tour of Australian Poetry inspired by Gunnedah’s iconic landmarks and local heroes. An interpretive tour, the drive explores the essence of bush life & considers the challenges and adventures of rural Australia. The ‘Lyrical Loos’ are a must see!

Memorials

Red Chief Memorial

The Red Chief Memorial, on the footpath outside the government office block in Abbott St, honours the Aboriginal warrior, Cumbo Gunnedah, an 18th-century leader of the Gunn-e-darr people; a subgroup of the Kamilaroi tribe who inhabited the area before white settlement. This memorial is the first to be erected in honour of an Aboriginal historical identity.

The Miners Memorial Statue

Dedicated to the 20 miners who lost their lives during the 89 years of mining in and around Gunnedah, this 1 ¼ time’s life-size statue depicts a miner replacing a pit prop. The broken prop at the miner’s feet is symbolic of the ‘broken’ miners’ lives. Located in Brock’s Court, opposite the Town Hall, it is an imposing landmark.

Eighth Division Memorial Drive

Eighth Division Memorial Avenue was established as a Memorial to those in the Eighth Division who fell. This Avenue of Flowering Gums, with a commemorative plaque at the base of each tree and remembrance wall is, as far as known, the only memorial of its type to the Eighth Division in Australia.

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