There are many things to do in Narrabri, New South Wales. This locality is the seat of the Narrabri Shire local government area, and is located on the Namoi River. It is located 521 kilometres northwest of Sydney on the Kamilaroi Highway and Newell Highway and about 100km north of Gunnedah. Narrabri has been names Australia’s sportiest town and is home to many well known sportsmen including Tennis player Jason Stoltenberg and Golfer Steve Elkington.
History of Narrabri
The name “Narrabri” is derived from the Kamilaroi language and means “forked waters”. The town is situated where Narrabri Creek, Horse Arm Creek and Namoi River converge. You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the creek banks, starting at the Visitor Information Centre in Tibbereena Street and continuing along the creek’s banks to the Town Clock and Creek Bridge. At the end of the walk, you can return to the Australian Cotton Experience Centre.
Tourist attractions in Narrabri include the Australian Cotton Exhibition Centre and the Paul Wild Observatory. These are both managed by CSIRO. The township is prone to floods. The area is home to one of Australia’s largest remnant forests, the Pilliga Forest. Nearby attractions include the Mount Kaputar National Park and the Australian Cotton Exhibition Centre. Despite its small size, Narrabri is home to many interesting sights, including the Pilliga Forest, the largest remaining temperate forest in Eastern Australia.
Before the township grew in importance, the railway reached the town. It remained a terminus for fifteen years before it was finally incorporated into a township. In 1883, the township was inhabited by approximately 1,000 people. After the Second World War, the town was declared a municipality with nine Aldermen elected from 25 candidates. After the flood in 1955, the township was completely devastated. However, after the flood, the town resumed its prior importance, and in 1981, it was incorporated into the municipality of Narrabri.
Sawn Rocks
Visit Sawn Rocks in Narrabri NSW, Australia, and discover the beauty of nature in a unique geological formation. These volcanic rocks are a result of volcanism and are shaped like organ pipes, or ‘columnar jointing’. The scenic vistas and geological wonders make this a must-visit destination for nature lovers and visitors alike. A short 15-minute walk will bring you to a picnic area.
The ‘organ-piping’ rock formations are the perfect place to explore the region’s volcanic past. These limestone slabs plunge 60 metres into the bed of Bobiwaa Creek, and were exposed thousands of years ago. At the bottom of each slab are small waterfalls, and a viewing platform gives visitors a close-up look at the dramatic gorge. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing spot with a magnificent view, or a more adventurous trek, sawn rocks is a must-visit.
Mt Kaputar National Park
Mt Kaputar National Park is an Australian geological wonder. Its active volcano was between 17 and 21 million years ago. It is located about 50 kilometers east of the city of Narrabri and 570 kilometers northwest of Sydney. If you are a geology buff, you should definitely visit the park while in the area. In addition to its geological history, you’ll also enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The park’s most iconic feature is Mt Kaputar’s peak, which rises 1510 metres above sea level. Once the center of a volcanic eruption, the mountain is a peaceful place with cool winds and beautiful views. The summit is also home to ancient exposed lava terraces. The park offers many activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, camping and fishing. But if you’re not into hiking, you can always hire a car and head to the nearby shady forest for a picnic.
If you are planning a trip to Narrabri, you should visit Mt Kaputar National Park. It is a great place for bushwalking because of its breathtaking scenery. You can also hike the park’s summit and view the surrounding area. During your stay at Mt Kaputar National Park, remember to check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s website to make sure the park is safe to visit.
The Australia Telescope Compact Array
The Australia Telescope Compact Array in Narrowbri NSW is a radio telescope that is operated by the CSIRO. This radio telescope was built at the Paul Wild Observatory, located 25 km west of Narrabri. It opened on September 2, 1988. Its purpose is to study space. This radio telescope is the largest in the world, and it can view objects in space as large as the Earth.
The Compact Array is capable of receiving signals 1000 times larger than those produced by radio stations. The array, located 25km west of Narrabri, is composed of six enormous antennas that weigh 270 tonnes each. The five antennas are moveable along a three-kilometre rail track, while the sixth is permanently placed three kilometres off the main track. The array’s combined power is powerful enough to simulate the size of a dish six kilometres across.
The Compact Array’s astronomers are able to make accurate measurements of hydrogen gas distribution throughout the local Universe. The telescope was funded as part of Australia’s Bicentennial in 1988. It was officially opened by Prime Minister Bob Hawke on 2 September 1988. The telescope sits on a three-kilometre wide-gauge rail track. The tracks are 214 metres long. The array was built with the help of the Commonwealth’s Major National Research Facility program.
Pilliga Artesian Bore Bath
For more than 100 years, people in the town of Pilliga have taken pleasure in the warm waters of the local artesian bore. Since 1902, this natural hot spring has been a permanent town water supply. Now it is a popular swimming destination, drawing both locals and visitors. The water temperature ranges from 37 degrees to 99 degrees F. The artesian bore bath is equipped with a swimming pool and a roof over the pool area. The pool is also equipped with lighting for night bathing, which is a nice addition.
The water temperature of the artesian bore bath is about 38 degrees. Visitors can also relax in the outdoor camping area, and there are also lights for night-time bathing. This unique natural hot spring is located east of Pilliga Village on the Pilliga Road. The artesian bath is free to enter, and camping is available if you prefer. A short walk will bring you to the Pilliga Forest, an iconic Australian landscape. It is an unspoiled, wild beauty and you can take guided tours of the surrounding landscape.
Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre
Visiting the Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre is an experience in itself. It is packed with interesting information, including a life-sized cotton picker! In addition to delicious regional produce, you’ll be able to check out the displays, local history, and farming practices. Be sure to visit the cotton display, which features a giant red cotton picker! And don’t forget to check out the cotton collection, which includes a variety of beautiful hessian bags!
The Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre is housed in the former Australian Cotton Centre, located at the intersection of the Kamilaroi Highway and Newell Highway. From 1986 to 2012, the Visitor Information Centre was located in Panton Cottage, a beautiful building built with locally sourced cypress pine and named after its founder, Ross Panton OAM. The Centre is now located on Tibbereena Street, with a large yellow “i” sign.
Narrabri Fish Farm
If you’re planning to visit the country in the middle of the Australian Outback, you’ll want to plan a trip to the Narrabri Fish Farm. This hatchery-based aquaculture farm is located 10km out of town on the Newell Highway. Set on 250 acres, it’s home to over 100 ponds and a four-metre sculpture of Murray Cod. The farm is an incredible day-trip activity for families and people of all ages.
This picturesque farm features guided tours, fishing and yabbying, and even a BBQ area. Visitors can also admire the sculpted cod, jumping Barramundi, and monster Murray Cod that live in the farm’s ponds. You can spend the day at the Narrabri Fish Farm or bring your own camping gear. You can stay on the farm for as little as $20 per night if you plan on bringing your own camping gear.
For something more active, try a day at Narrabri Fish Farm. This farm is home to the largest aquaculture farm in NSW. There are over 100 ponds and a four-metre sculpture of Murray Cod. It’s also home to several other types of fish, such as trout, bass, and walleye. Visitors can also take a tour of the farm on their own, if they’d like.
Narrabri Gaol And Museum
The Narrabri Gaol and Museum is part of a grand colonial complex. It was designed by James Barnet, the same architect who designed the Sydney General Post Office. The Old Narrabri Gaol was built in 1882 and operated for 100 years. Today, the historic site is a museum and listed on the National Estate Register. Inside, you can learn about local history, including the convicts who were imprisoned there.
If you want to stay close to the museum, you can stay at the Old Flour Mill Apartment. This accommodation is comprised of three separate bedrooms, a living area, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. It also features a flat-screen TV. If you’re traveling with a car, the Adelong Motel in Narrabri offers free WiFi. All rooms feature a kettle. The hotel also offers free private parking.