Welcome to the Great Western Plains.
Filling the central region of the state, the Great Western Plains strikes the perfect balance between blissful relaxation, heart pumping adrenaline and everything else in between.
Great big adventures begin in Dubbo and the Great Western Plains. Dubbo’s anchor location and network of transport links makes it the perfect base from which to explore some of the most unique destinations Australia has to offer.
Delight in extraordinary experiences / Find that incredible place where freedom runs wild. Choose to disconnect your electronics and re-connect with those nearest and dearest to you. Take time to travel through the untouched allure of regional NSW.
Explore immense natural landscapes / Walk, ride, run or row – take to the great outdoors and wander the road less travelled. Fly amongst the clouds, explore extensive marshes and mountain ranges or camp under a sky blanketed in stars, take home memories to last a lifetime.
Uncover vast history, heritage and culture / Tread in the footsteps of those who walked the plains millennia ago. The story of this region is rich and vibrant, woven with a tapestry of Aboriginal heritage and colonial history.
Catch tremendous and unusual events / Become a local for a day or two and enjoy unforgettable celebrations. From high energy rodeos and classic country shows, to aviation antics and celebrations of star filled skies – the region’s events calendar is sure to entertain.
Whatever adventure you’re chasing, you will find it in the Great Western Plains!
Image credit: Destination NSW
Are we there yet?
Dubbo | Narromine | Gilgandra | Warren | Coonabarabran | Wellington | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dubbo | - | 30 min | 40 min | 75 min | 110 min | 30 min |
Narromine | 30 min | - | 60 min | 50 min | 120 min | 60 min |
Gilgandra | 40 min | 60 min | - | 50 min | 60 min | 75 min |
Warren | 75 min | 50 min | 50 min | - | 120 min | 120 min |
Coonabarabran | 110 min | 120 min | 60 min | 120 min | - | 150 min |
Wellington | 30 min | 60 min | 75 min | 120 min | 150 min | - |
Gilgandra
Gilgandra is a region steeped in history, known for its welcoming community and incredible natural landscape.
Starting your journey at the Gilgandra Cultural Precinct, wander the Windmill Walk along the Castlereagh and explore the main street of Gilgandra where you will find great coffee, cafes, and a range of specialty retail boutiques and giftware shops.
Gilgandra is the birthplace of the 1915 Coo-ee March. Relive the story of when the Hitchen brothers began the 500km+ recruitment march from Gilgandra to Sydney for World War I.
Take in the local landscape on a drive north-west to the thriving farming community of Armatree and check out the Big ArmaTree, and local history boards in the Armatree War Memorial precinct.
Tooraweenah is the southern gateway to the Warrumbungle National Park. Walk the historic trail through town alongside the original 20th century buildings, following the walkway to the GK Rohr Warrumbungle Viewing Platform and Returned Soldier Sculpture.
When you’ve finished exploring for the day, call into one of our iconic country pubs, clubs or restaurants for some a delicious meal and beverage!
Gilgandra Visitor Information Centre
Gilgandra Coo-ee Heritage Centre, 6452 Newell Highway
(02) 6817 8700 | gilgandraregion.com.au
Narromine
Narromine has a rich aviation history and is renowned for its fantastic thermals, making it one of the world’s best gliding locations.
The Narromine Region includes three very unique towns, the centre being the town of Narromine on the banks of the Macquarie River, Tomingley a quaint village on the edge of the Goobang National Park and Trangie with a strong Cobb and Co History.
Renowned for its rich agricultural diversity paired with excellent tourist attractions, the Narromine Region is the perfect spot to stop and enjoy the delights of rural New South Wales.
Experience country hospitality and enjoy a great range of local shopping experiences, unique eateries and exciting attractions scattered throughout the three towns.
Narromine Visitor Information Centre
Narromine Aerodrome, Mitchell Highway, Narromine
(02) 6889 7131 | narromineregion.com.au
Warren
Warren is the perfect escape from life’s hustle and bustle. Experience authentic country life in NSW’s cotton capital.
Escape and unwind with the Warren region’s warm country hospitality and pace of life set by throwing a line into the river, enjoying a round of golf or strolling through the many parks and
gardens.
Observe the abundant birdlife at Tiger Bay Wetlands and the Macquarie Marshes, visit the latest exhibition at Window on the Wetlands Centre, sip some locally vinted wine or enjoy a heritage walking tour.
Stroll down Dubbo Street and sift through a unique smorgasbord of fashion, gifts, and homewares. Warren offers plenty of options when it comes to accommodation and dining ensuring that there’s
something for everyone. Get to know the friendly locals and experience authentic country Australia at its best!
Warren Visitor Information Centre
2 Coonamble Road, Warren
(02) 6847 6665 | warren.nsw.gov.au/discover/visitor-guide
Warrumbungles
The Warrumbungles Region amazes travellers with endless starry skies by night, and breathtaking national park landscapes by day.
Escape to the incredible Warrumbungle Region, home to Australia’s first Dark Sky Park and the iconic Warrumbungle mountain range. This is a spectacular destination for hiking and stargazing, where you’ll find charming country towns, fascinating museums and great events for all ages.
Discover hidden treasures and unwind in the region’s peaceful towns of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Mendooran, Baradine and Binnaway and experience the magic of it all.
Discover giant grass trees in Coolah Tops National Park, and marvel at rare birds and wildlife in the Pilliga Forest.
Visit Australia’s largest optical astronomy research facility, admire mineral and fossil displays, watch artists at work and meet the friendly locals.
Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre
with Diprotodon Museum
Newell Highway, Coonabarabran NSW 2357
(02) 6849 2144 | warrumbungleregion.com.au
The Great Escape
Un-hitch, un-plug and unwind. No matter which direction you point your compass, Dubbo, Wellington and the Great Western Plains are the ultimate destinations for freedom travellers.
From comfortable and well-appointed caravan parks and campsites, to off the grid escapes in free camping areas, you will find somewhere perfect to rest your head. Enjoy the exhilaration of reeling in 'the big one' in one of our many rivers and lakes, or unpack the kayak and paddle the day away on the water. Enjoy the peaceful sights and sounds of the Aussie bush before you retire for a night under a blanket of stars.
If you have plenty of time to roam, keep a few days spare and take the long way home! There is always more to explore and the unspoilt surrounds of the Great Western Plains are a haven for native flora, fauna and wandering souls in need of respite. Just a brief drive from the nearest town or city and yet you will feel a million miles away.