Coonamble is one of the best-kept secrets still waiting for the world to discover. Located in the plains of New South Wales, this vibrant town has everything that one can imagine: beautiful landscapes, history, and the spirit of Australia. Coonamble perfectly blends the Warrumbungle Mountains and the thrilling Coonamble Rodeo. In addition, don’t forget to enjoy discovering the magnificent Warrumbungle range, situated east of Coonamble. Coonamble is also known for Rodeo and Campdraft, which take place in June over an exciting long weekend. It is the largest combined rodeo and campdraft in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 1,000 cowboys and cowgirls.
The Top-Most Destinations In Coonamble
Some of the most popular attractions and places to visit in Coonamble are given below:
1. The Museum Under The Bridge
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Coonamble is a town with a rather curious story in the history of Australia. The museum gives an excellent view of the history of Coonamble and its people. People can walk through numerous interesting exhibits, including photos, wares, and stables. They can also read many stories of the Coonamble district of the past. Situated in the police barracks built in 1886, the museum offers a rather interesting look at the hardships, sweat, and achievements of the founders of the western region of New South Wales. This special structure, combined with the exhibition of various regional items and objects, is an important sight for tourists.
Address: Aberford Street, Coonamble, New South Wales, 2829, Australia
Timings: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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2. Macquarie Marshes
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The Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve is 30 km west of Quambone and 73 km west of Coonamble. When filled with water, the Macquarie Marshes are one of Australia’s most important sites for waterbird nesting. This area is part of the traditional land of the Wailwan People, who have longstanding connections to the region. The marshes are well-known for being a crucial nesting area for waterbirds. There are 77 waterbird species, including the threatened brolga, magpie goose, Australasian bittern, and painted snipe. Furthermore, 156 kinds of woodland birds nest in the marshes, while fish, turtles, frogs, snakes, and mammals inhabit the area. There are two ways in which the marshes are accessible:
- The Bird Viewing Platform along Gibson Way,
- or the Burrima Boardwalk, is a 2-kilometre boardwalk across the marshes.
Address: 50-58 Wellington St., Baradine, NSW 2396
Timings: 9 am to 4 pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
3. Coonamble Water Tower
The Coonamble Water Tower is a striking piece of art, standing 25 metres high. John Murray and Sooty Welsh did it and depicted Australian pink and grey galahs and fence posts for the rural nature of the town of Coonamble. In addition, the water tank painting was also done by local artist Sooty Welsh, depicting artwork from the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Galahs are part of the artwork, along with fence posts to represent the town of Coonamble and the sun, moon, and stars representing the outback sky. In Aboriginal culture, the world-creation time is often called “Dreamtime.”.
Address: Castlereagh Highway, Coonamble, New South Wales, 2829, Australia
Timings: Open 24 hours
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4. Outback Arts Gallery
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If you find yourself strolling along the main street of Coonamble, make sure to pop into the Outback Arts Gallery. This non-profit organisation is a home for artists in the local and regional areas. Here, they can exhibit and sell their art both in-store and online. The gallery has a variety of artwork and stocks many art materials for the convenience of the artists. As one of 15 regional arts development organisations in New South Wales, Outback Arts caters to the seven contributing local government areas. Bourke, Brewarrina, Bogan, Cobar, Coonamble, Walgett, and Warren. They encompass a vast area of 163,886 square kilometres with 26,400 residents. Therefore, visiting the Outback Arts Gallery is a must when exploring the area. Additionally, you won’t be disappointed if you are in the mood for a cultural experience that supports local talent.
Address: 65-67 Castlereagh St, Coonamble, New South Wales 2829, Australia
Timings: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
5. Nickname Hall Of Fame
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Walking down the street will bring you across billboards showcasing a fun assortment of nicknames and their origins. Get to know the given community’s culture and learn more about some of the popular inhabitants. Coonamble has a strong bi-cultural history, which is the origin of the art of nicknaming. Aboriginal people in the area were perceptive and wise. This affected early discoverers, pioneers, and drovers. Due to this cultural contact, the newcomers got nicknames ‘lizard dung’ and ‘the hungry crow.’ While exploring this tradition of giving nicknames, do not lose the chance to pay tribute to the lives of larrikins and regional rogues.
Address: Castlereagh Street, Coonamble, New South Wales, 2829, Australia
Timings: 24 Hours
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6. Coonamble Riverside Holiday Park
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Coonamble Riverside Holiday Park is a little-known park located near the Castlereagh Highway and the commercial heart of Coonamble. This pleasant park makes it easy to visit some of the most enchanting attractions, such as Warrumbungle National Park, the famous Pilliga Forest and Discovery Centre, the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge, and the beautiful Macquarie Marshes. If you are a fan of the great outdoors, enjoy the freedom of camping, have your own caravan, or love the luxury of a warm cabin. This park has the most basic facilities for campers’ caravans and cabins, ranging from the most basic to the most luxurious. As it is situated in a beautiful area and close to many natural attractions, this holiday park is perfect for everyone to have a perfect vacation.
Address: 138 Castlereagh Highway, Coonamble, NSW 2829, Australia
Timings: open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
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Coonamble has a lot to offer when it comes to breathtaking adventures like hiking in the Warrumbungle Mountains and visiting the first Dark Sky Park in Australia. It also offers the opportunity to experience the rich and diverse culture of the region and the flourishing art scene. Whether you’re visiting historical landmarks, enjoying the diverse wildlife, or immersing yourself in lively events, this hidden gem in New South Wales is a must-visit. Plan your trip to Australia and create memories in this enchanting town that will last a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Coonamble
What is Coonamble famous for?
Renowned for its diverse agricultural industries, including sheep and cattle production, a significant horse industry, and several famous stud farms, Coonamble Shire is one of the most productive agricultural regions in Western NSW.
What region is Coonamble in?
Coonamble Shire is located in the Orana region of NSW. It is bounded on one side by Warrumbungle National Park and on the other by the Western Plains and Macquarie Marshes.
What is the largest rodeo in NSW?
Running for over 62 years, the Coonamble Rodeo & Campdraft is the largest annual event in the town and the biggest combined rodeo and campdraft in the Southern Hemisphere.
Is Coonamble a good place to live?
Coonamble is a safe and welcoming town with a charming main street rich in heritage, art deco buildings, country pubs, lively cafes, boutique shopping, and interesting mural art.
What is the main industry in Coonamble?
Coonamble is the centre of a productive agricultural region based on sustainable dryland livestock grazing and cropping industries, supported by modern management practices.
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