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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!

Top 3 to see and do

GILGANDRA CULTURAL PRECINCT

Explore the Gilgandra Cultural Precinct and walk the Windmill Walk from the Gilgandra Museum to Gilgandra’s CBD. Discover life throughout history and interactive displays at the Gilgandra Museum. Call in to the Coo-ee Heritage Centre to learn about the Coo-ee March, local culture, history and Aboriginal heritage. See exhibitions from local artists, grab a coffee from the kiosk and browse the local products and souvenirs on offer: Find out more: gilgandraregion.com.au | gilgandraruralmuseum.com.

EMU LOGIC, TOORAWEENAH

This working Emu Farm produces everything from pure emu oil, to emu oil soaps and lip balms. Visit between July and October to see newborn chicks. Contact Emu Logic for tours and shop opening times. Find out more: emulogic.com.au

EXPLORE OUR NATURAL WONDERS

The Gilgandra Region is full of natural beauty. Check out the cacti at Orana Cactus World, native bushland at the Flora Reserve and marvel at the ‘upside down’ Castlereagh River. Enjoy the farmland views as you head to the Warrumbungle National Park, where the outcrops are beautiful and walks to suit all levels.

More to explore
  • Enjoy some retail therapy and explore Gilgandra’s CBD where you will find great coffee, cafes, and a range of specialty retail boutiques and giftware shops.
  • Be amazed at Orana Cactus World; one of Australia’s largest private collection of cacti.
  • Relax and reinvigorate with an easy stroll down Gilgandra’s Windmill Walk. Winding along the banks of the Castlereagh River, the walk is adorned by refurbished windmills decorated with the vibrant artworks of our local disability service, Orana Living.
  • Explore over 8 hectares of native bushland at the Floral Reserve.
  • Take the mural tour through town to see the region and its history depicted through art.
  • Call in to one (or all!) of our iconic country pubs. Located in Gilgandra, Armatree and Tooraweenah where they welcome you to kick back, enjoy a beverage, and meet some of our friendly locals!
  • Check out the Armatree War Memorial Precinct, home to local history boards and the Big ArmaTree.
  • Take Tourism Drive 1 from Tooraweenah to explore Warrumbungle National Park.

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.

Top 3 to see and do

NARROMINE AVIATION MUSEUM

A must see on the itinerary is the Narromine Aviation Museum, which houses the world’s only replica of a 1907 Wright Flyer Model A and a century of aviation history. Find out more: narromineaviationmuseum.org.au

WUNGUNJA CULTURAL CENTRE TRANGIE

Explore the local Wiradjuri Centre and traditions through the collection of artefacts on display. The Centre is home to records of local Aboriginal families that once lived in the area. trangielalc.com.au

GLENN MCGRATH STATUE NARROMINE

The statue commemorates former Australian cricketer, Glenn McGrath. Glenn, who grew up in Narromine where he first played cricket, holds the record for the highest number of Test wickets by an Australian fast bowler. Located in Tom Perry Park.

More to explore
  • Narromine Wetlands – experience the tranquillity of the Narromine Wetlands located on the outskirts of Narromine. The wetlands provide the ideal place for a picnic or a walk. It is the perfect habitat for an abundance of birdlife. Public toilets and undercover picnic tables are available on site.
  • Trangie Garford Fire Engine – the town’s 1918 fire truck was used until the mid 1940s and is now housed in the museum located on Dandaloo Street, Trangie.
  • On the eastern edge of the town of Trangie is the Goan Waterhole and the ‘Home of the Big Billy’– the perfect place to relax and enjoy a picnic or barbeque.

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!

Top 3 to see and do

BURRIMA BOARDWALK AND THE MACQUARIE MARSHES

The spectacular Macquarie Marshes is one of the largest remaining semipermanent wetlands in south-eastern Australia and is internationally recognised by RAMSAR. Take the Boardwalk into the heart of the Marshes, and meander past channels, lagoons and thickets of river red gums. Enjoy soaring views from the observation tower and soak in the tranquillity of this beautiful and natural part of region.

WARREN MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

History has a home in Warren. Newly opened, this state of the art museum and gallery space will stun and amaze the senses. Telling the stories of the people of the Wammerawa-Wambuul-lower Macquarie River, the lifeblood of the district. Proudly standing on Wayilwan country, the Museum is a must stop on any visit to Warren.

MURAL, ART AND HERITAGE TRAILS

Come and delight in the magic of our town murals, public artworks and heritage buildings. From poppies to stagecoaches, to the Marshes and sporting figures, Warren’s public murals are a feast for the eye. Why not take a walking tour around the town for a glimpse into Warren’s past and a step back in time.

More to explore
  • Spend a day on the green, the 18-hole Warren Golf Club has a mixture of grass and sand greens and beautiful vistas of the Gunningbar Creek. You can even have a friendly game of lawn bowls on the newly established bowling green.
  • Warren has numerous spots all within 5km of the town perfect for fishing on the banks of the Macquarie River: Oxley Park Wharf, Bob Christensen Reserve/Bryan Egan Weir, the Warren Weir Reserve and Quinines Reserve.
  • If you are after a great country style meal, head for the warm atmosphere at one of our local eateries. They never disappoint. The Golfie, Warren Services Club, Nevertire and Collie pubs, or our great cafes such as Ellerslie Lane, The Rural Trader at Nevertire, JC’s Cotton Café and One One Seven Bakery.

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.

Top 3 to see and do

WARRUMBUNGLE NATIONAL PARK

By day, explore the ancient volcano and the many bushwalks with breathtaking views. By night, experience Australia’s first official Dark Sky Park, one of the best places to view stars attracting star gazers from around the world. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

COOLAH TOPS NATIONAL PARK

One of Australia’s best kept secrets with breathtaking views across the Liverpool Plains, tumbling waterfalls, snow gums, and ancient (and giant!) grasstrees. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

PILLIGA STATE FOREST

Spans for more than half a million hectares, the Pilliga offers rugged beauty on a grand scale. Camp site, BBQ areas, lookouts, bird life, wild flowers, walking trails – it has it all. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

More to explore
  • Siding Spring Observatory – A private tour of the Anglo Australian Telescope is a must!
  • Pilliga Pottery – Featuring a cafe, accommodation, bushwalking and handmade pottery.
  • Blue Sky Cheese – Award winning cheese made in Mendooran. By appointment only.
  • Black Gate Distillery – Hand crafted spirits distilled using traditional methods and the finest quality ingredients.
  • Dunedoo Silo Art – Featuring the champion racehorse ‘Winx’ with jockey Hugh Bowman.
  • Coolabur-rygundy River Walk – Picturesque riverside walk with sculptures and art.
  • Central West Cycle Trail – Traversing through the rolling landscape of woodlands and wheat lands of the Central West.
  • Dunedoo Historical Society and Museum – A comprehensive collection of objects and treasures covering mining, military and local history of the area.
  • Pilliga Discovery Centre – Award-winning centre and the best place to plan your trip in the Pilliga.

Image credits: Warrumbungles night sky - Destination NSW, Observatory - Filippo Rivetti, Warrumbungles waterfall - Nicola Brookhouse/DPIE, SSO Sunset - David Kirkland

Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre
with Diprotodon Museum
Newell Highway, Coonabarabran NSW 2357
(02) 6849 2144 | warrumbungleregion.com.au

Escape to adventure in the Great Western Plains - the destination of choice for freedom travellers

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.