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GUIDES

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GYou will marvel at the natural beauty of the district, learn the history and culture, feel the natural charm and enjoy the hospitality and comfort that only Gunnedah people can offer. Thanks to the special tree corridors that have been planted throughout the town, Gunnedah is home to Australia’s largest and healthiest population of koalas who are regularly spotted strolling along the streets and bush tracks. The best places to spot a furry friend include the Anzac Park river gums, Gunnedah Golf Course, Porcupine Lookout Reserve, the Stock Road walking track and the Showground, close to the Kennel Club grounds.

If you’re keen on water sports, be sure to catch the action at Lake Keepit State Park, just a short drive from Gunnedah. Whilst in Gunnedah you can visit perhaps the best rural museum in Australia or take in an auctioneer’s call at the Gunnedah Saleyards.

For more information on Gunnedah, please visit www.visitgunnedah.com.au. Alternatively, drop into the visitor information centre at 83 Chandos Street.

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DOROTHEA MACKELLARAnzac 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 town’s beauty and diversity.

TOWN TOURThis self-drive tour takes about 45 minutes and is an ideal introduction to Gunnedah. The tour takes in various locations including the Rural Museum, Porcupine Lookout, Pensioners Hill Lookout, Gunnedah Water Tour Museum, Bindea Walking Track and Cumbo Gunnedah Gallery.

PORCUPINE LOOKOUTNamed “Bindea” by the local Aboriginals after the spinifex grass that grows on its northern slope, Porcupine Lookout is an ideal place to view Gunnedah and its mountainous surrounds.

BINDEA WALKING TRACKTo get an even better view of Gunnedah, head off along the Bindea Walking Track. The track starts from the top of Porcupine Lookout and offers a range of walks that vary in length. A map of the Bindea Walking Track is available from the visitor information centre.

See & Do

GUNNEDAH WATER TOWER MUSEUMThe complex was the first town reservoir built in 1908. Located in Anzac Park, the museum now features a mural painting that captures the early Aboriginal and European history of the district. A spiral staircase leads from the third f loor to an observation deck. The museum is open 10am–2pm on Saturdays.

WATERWAYS WILDLIFE PARKWaterways Wildlife Park is located 7kms west of Gunnedah on the Oxley Highway. The park is home to an array of local fauna such as koalas, emus, kangaroos, wombats, birds, lizards and possums. It’s open daily, 10am–4pm.

THE RURAL MUSEUMThe Rural Museum contains farm machinery, equipment, a gun collection, photography and other artefacts all relating to the agricultural and pioneering past. The museum is located on the Oxley Highway and is open daily from 9am–3pm.

CREATIVE ARTS GALLERYThe Creative Arts Gallery, located along Chandos Street, provides the opportunity for local artists to display their art and pottery.

LAKE KEEPIT STATE PARKLake Keepit Recreation Area, 20 minutes east of Gunnedah on the Oxley Highway, is ideal for all varieties of water sport. Children’s facilities include a children’s pool, a BMX track and a skateboarding area.

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CThe Coonabarabran and Warrumbungle region is one of the best areas to really experience the wonder of nature.Coonabarabran is nestled at the foothills of the stunning Warrumbungle Mountain Range, beneath some of the clearest skies in Australia. Set aside a few days and discover the unique attractions that make Coonabarabran and the Warrumbungle region so special!

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WARRUMBUNGLE NATIONAL PARKJust 36kms from Coonabarabran, the Warrumbungle National Park boasts a large area of walking trails. Experience nature at its best.

CRYSTAL KINGDOMPeruse the fascinating displays of local fossils and minerals at Crystal Kingdom. Open daily 8am–5pm except Christmas Day, and entry is free.

PILLIGA POTTERYLocated on the periphery of the picturesque Pilliga Forest, Pilliga Pottery boasts a collection of unique pottery, which reflects the natural surrounds. Open daily from 9am–6pm.

REGIONAL WINERIESThe region is home to a number of wineries producing delicious wines. Drop into Coonandry, Wattagain Estate or Blackgate Distillery for a cellar door tasting.

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For more information on Coonabarabran, visit www.warrumbungleregion.com.au. Alternatively, drop into the visitor information centre on Newell Highway.

Dark night skies and great open spaces provide opportunities to discover new horizons. Donna Burton, speaker and astronomer from Coona Astro Ventures, provides an intimate introduction to the stars. For more information, call 6842 4343 or 0428 288 244.

The Sliding Spring Observatory and Exploratory Centre is home to 11 telescopes and provides visitors with an insight into our vast and magnificent universe. Open weekdays 9:30am–4pm and weekends 10am–4pm.

Warrumbungle Observatory is a private observatory operated by Peter Starr. Marvel at the wonders of the evening sky from sunset daily. Bookings required.

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The Coonabarabran and Warrumbungle region offers an array of sumptuous dining options. From bistro to a la carte dining, Chinese restaurants to Italian cuisine, the region is f lush with options for dining out. Light snacks and lunch are also available at the many cafes dotted throughout the area.

For more information on eateries in Coonabarabran and the surrounding region, make sure you visit www.warrumbungleregion.com.au to download a copy of the Coonabarabran, Binnaway & Baradine Eating Out Guide or the Mendooran, Dunedoo & Coolah Eating Out Guide.

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NThe Narrabri Shire is truly an agricultural wonderland. Combined with a wealth of tourist attractions, visitors are sure to be entertained for days.Covering 13,000 km2, the Narrabri Shire is the heart of the rich Namoi Valley and is renowned for the production of some of the world’s highest quality wheat, cotton, fat lambs and beef. It’s also home to several research facilities.

One glimpse of a clear night sky will leave you with no doubts as to why this region is known as “Big Sky” country. The seemingly endless horizons have facilitated

the growth of the CSIRO Australia Telescope Compact Array. The natural wonder of the Nandewar Ranges and Mt Kaputar National Park will keep even the most reluctant of bushwalkers enthralled, while the seemingly endless fields of cotton and wheat are sure to impress.

For more information, visit www.visitnarrabri.com.au. Alternatively, drop into the Narrabri Visitor Information Centre located along the Newell Highway.

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NARRABRI LAKEA recreational playground for swimmers, canoeists, picnickers and windsurfers. For the energetic at heart, take the walking track which loops around the lake.

NARRABRI GAOL AND MUSEUMThe Narrabri Gaol and Museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts of historical, archival and cultural significance. It’s open Wednesday 10am–2pm and Saturday 9am–1pm or by appointment.

MT KAPUTAR NATIONAL PARKExplore the rugged island of wilderness that is the Mt Kaputar National Park, an ancient footprint left behind by a series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.

CSIRO AUSTRALIA TELESCOPEThe Dish times six! Satisfy your scientific curiosities at the most advanced radio telescope in the southern hemisphere, located 25kms west of Narrabri at the Paul Wild Observatory.

FISHINGThe picturesque Namoi River meanders through Narrabri Shire. The best fishing spots along the river are available from the visitor information centre.

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Whether your interests are food, health and wellness, art, fishing, being pampered, or relaxing whilst ‘taking the waters’ at the newly developed Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, why not discover the amazing array of attractions in and around the Moree PlainsThe Moree Plains is a progressive and dynamic shire situated at the heart of NSW’s northern wheat belt and recognised nationally as Australia’s Artesian Spa Capital. Ideally nestled on the New South Wales and Queensland border, Moree Plains is a shire rich in culture, heritage, agriculture and natural assets with each component intertwining to define the characteristics of both the shire and the community.The Moree Plains offers plenty of things to see and do so that visitors are spoilt for choice when visiting this fascinating region.

For more information on Moree, please visit www.moreetourism.com.au. Alternatively, drop into the Moree Visitor Information Centre located at the junction of the Newell and Gwydir Highways.

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See & DoThingstoMOREE ARTESIAN AQUATIC CENTREThe Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) has recently undergone a $7 million redevelopment. The outdoor section now features a 50m FINA Standard Olympic swimming pool, two new hot artesian pools, a program pool, children’s Hidroplay area & splash pad, and a 10m water slide for all who are young at heart. There are also 2 new areas: MAAC Fitness and MAAC Wellness & Day Spa. Make sure you treat yourself to an appointment with one of the health & wellness specialists today.

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ART DECO TOWN CENTRE Moree’s exquisite Art Deco town centre provides a spectacular old-world ambience. Browse through the specialty boutiques, explore the regional art gallery, or taste test some of the pecans, olives, wines and other specialty regional produce. Enjoy a self-guided heritage walk through the township. Pick up a copy of the Moree Heritage Trail at the visitor information centre.

EXPLORE THE REGIONStroll through the many beautiful parks and gardens in the region or explore the rich hinterland. Take a guided tour of the largest pecan nut farm in the Southern Hemisphere or one of the state-of-the-art cotton gins. Hike through the spectacular Waa Gorge in Kaputar National Park, set up your tent and drop in at one of the many waterholes, or stop in for a beer at one of the historic village pubs.

INDIGENOUS HISTORYThe town library plays host to a fascinating history of the local indigenous Kamilaroi tribe with the purpose constructed ‘Indigenous Unit’.

DINING OUTWith so much quality goods produced in the region, Moree offers many sumptuous dining options across its cafes, clubs, pubs, bistros and restaurants. Mouth-watering char-grilled steaks, traditional Thai, award-winning Chinese, superb seafood and inspirational Italian… the list just goes on!

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CalendarofEvents Services

Essential

JANUARY• National Tomato Contest, Gunnedah• Australia Day Raft Race, Gunnedah

FEBRUARY • Gunnedah Fete and Flower Show, Gunnedah• Pacific National Chopper Cup Charity Race Day, Moree

MARCH• Dunedoo Bush Poetry Festival, Dunedoo• Baradine Show, Baradine• Coonabarabran Show, Coonabarabran• Family Race Day, Moree• Fairview on Trawalla, Moree• Narrabri Twilight Rodeo, Narrabri• Nosh on the Namoi, Narrabri• Narrabri Picnic Races, Narrabri• Skid n’Cruz, Narrabri• Dunedoo Show, Dunedoo• Gunnedah Bird Expo and Sale, Gunnedah

APRIL• Tour de Warrumbungles Bike Ride, Coonabarabran• North-West Autumn Classic Dog Show, Gunnedah• Gunnedah Show, Gunnedah• Moree Agricultural Show, Moree• Narrabri Innovations Festival, Narrabri

MAY• Narrabri Show, Narrabri• Warrumbungle Food Festival, Coonabarabran• Gunnedah Eisteddford, Gunnedah• Gold Cup Race Day, Gunnedah• Moree On a Plate, Moree• Mallawa Picnic Races, Moree• Narrabri Veterans Golf Week, Narrabri

JUNE• Keepit Kool Regatta, Gunnedah• Vintage Car Rally, Gunnedah• Picnic Races, Moree

JULY• Opal & Gem Expo, Lightning Ridge

AUGUST• Opal Queen Ball, Lightning Ridge• Camp Draft, Gunnedah• AgQuip Rodeo, Gunnedah• Galloping Gully Polocrosse Carnival, Narrabri• Narrabri Antique Machinery Exhibition, Narrabri

SEPTEMBER• Warrumbungle Wildflower Week –

Warrumbungle National Park, Coonabarabran• North West Swap Meet, Gunnedah• Northern Regional Dog Show, Gunnedah• Annual Porchetta Day, Gunnedah

• Gunnedah Art Exhibition, Gunnedah• St Philomena’s Fete, Moree• Fairview Fete, Moree• Moree Mototrade Expo - Show and Shine, Moree

OCTOBER• Coolah Spring Garden Festival, Coolah• Starfest, Coonabarabran• Coonabarabran Cup, Coonabarabran• Narrabri Spring Festival, Narrabri

NOVEMBER• Melbourne Cup Race Day, Moree• Moree Zonta Club Art & Craft Fair, Moree• Rock N Rod N Show, Narrabri

DECEMBER• Moree Community Carols, Moree• Christmas Mardi Gras, Narrabri

Gunnedah Police Station 6742 9099Coonabarabran Police Station 6842 7299Narrabri Police Station 6792 7199Moree Police Station 6757 0799

Gunnedah Hospital 6741 80002 Marquis Street, Gunnedah

Gunnedah Rural Health Clinic 6742 122227 Marquis Street, Gunnedah

Coonabarabran Hospital 6826 6100101-103 Edwards Street, Coonabarabran

Warrumbungle Medical Centre 6842 333359 Cassilis Street, Coonabarabran

Narrabri Hospital 6799 280011 Cameron Street, Narrabri

Narrabri Medical Centre 6792 2949Shop 3 Tourist Building, Doyle Street, Narrabri

Moree Hospital 6757 000066 Alice Street, Moree

Moree Medical Centre 6752 2644342 Frome Street, Moree

Karen Carter Chemist 6742 0024270-274 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah

Khodary’s Pharmacy 6842 111877 John Street, Coonabarabran

Narrabri Pharmacy 6792 2105127 Maitland Street, Narrabri

Moree Pharmacy 6752 257764 Balo Street, Moree

The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.

This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines. John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Binders Compendiums Menu Covers Pty Ltd. © Copyright all rights reserved. JBG–P John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket.

PO Box 726, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia 3134.Tel: (03) 9879 8588 Fax: (03) 9879 8688Email: info@johnbatman.com.auWeb: www.johnbatman.com.au

Managing DirectorJarrod La Canna

Advertising SalesLucas Rotteveel

Graphic DesignCarolyn Tellus

Design Assistance Teresa Prowse Leeanne Lisle

Studio EditorKarla Dondio

Operations ManagerEleanor White

Accounts & AdministrationRebecca Zalavary

DistributionMichael McDonaldDeborah Harris

North West NSW

Compiled with the assistance of Tourism Gunnedah, Warrumbungle Shire Council, Narrabri Shire Council and Tourism Moree.

Images courtesy of (front cover) Narrabri Shire Council; (cover trio images, left to right) Hamilton Lund, Paul Foley & Paul Foley; (inside) Narrabri Shire Council - Narrabri section, Tourism Moree - Moree section, and Destination NSW; (back cover) Susan Wright.