Warrumbungle Shire Council: Starry Skies, Nature and Culture

Stargazing, fossils and striking sandstone landscapes give Warrumbungle Shire Council a varied character. In Coonabarabran, you’ll find specific places to explore astronomy and culture; further afield in the region, there are walking trails, wildlife viewing and places of significance to Aboriginal culture. The interests that appeal to you most can guide your sightseeing plans and choice of hotel location.

Starry skies and striking trails

Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran in New South Wales is Australia’s first Dark Sky Park. It offers opportunities for stargazing, amateur astronomy and camping beneath an exceptionally starry sky. Siding Spring Observatory, on the edge of the national park near Coonabarabran, is Australia’s leading optical and infrared astronomical observatory. The AAT Visitor Gallery at the observatory is open seven days a week; it may close when there is an extreme bushfire risk or severe weather.

Further afield in the region, different walking trails offer distinct experiences. The Whitegum Lookout Walking Track in Warrumbungle National Park is short, wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages; the trail offers remarkable views. The Burbie Canyon Walking Track is an easy, two-kilometre walk through a sandstone gorge and is especially popular for birdwatching. At the Breadknife, also in Warrumbungle National Park, the striking rock formation rises 90 metres above the valley floor. This makes it easy to distinguish among the region’s scenic lookouts, gorge landscapes and impressive rock formations when choosing a nature experience.

Coonabarabran: Astronomy, Exhibitions and Local History

In Coonabarabran, the Australian Museum Diprotodon Exhibition at the Visitor Information Centre displays the skeleton and skull of a Diprotodon. The museum also has an area featuring artworks by local artists, as well as the Aboriginal Keeping Place. Crystal Kingdom adds to these themes with an exhibition of more than 500 specimens of local minerals and fossils. Guided tours are available for groups; advance booking is required. Check tour arrangements with the operator before visiting.

The town’s history can also be explored at specific locations: the central business district along John Street, between Cassilis Street and the Castlereagh River, bears witness to the effects of several economic booms during the 20th century. The Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre provides advice on activities, accommodation and restaurants in the Warrumbungle Region. Facilities at the site also include public amenities, park-like gardens and free barbecue areas. Contact the centre for up-to-date information about visitor facilities. Free guided tours of the Australian Museum Diprotodon Exhibition are also available for groups by prior arrangement; the Visitor Information Centre can confirm the details.

Drives with different themes

The World’s Largest Virtual Solar System Drive starts in Coonabarabran and lets visitors explore the planets as if racing through space. Planet signs share information about the universe. The drive is a day trip: visitors are encouraged to stop safely at each planet and take care when pulling off and rejoining the road. Another option is the 70-kilometre Coonabarabran–Warrumbungle–Tooraweenah Drive, a day trip featuring lookouts and easy walks. The two experiences differ mainly in their focus: planetary themes or views and short walks.

Nature and culture further afield

Near Baradine, Pilliga Forest covers more than half a million hectares. Its network includes 2,000 kilometres of publicly accessible trails; the forest can be explored by car or on foot, and camping is possible. Pilliga National Park is home to Eastern Pygmy Possums, swamp wallabies, Eastern Grey Kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, sugar gliders and South-eastern Long-eared Bats, among other species. This diversity of landscapes and wildlife complements the more astronomy- and geology-focused experiences around Coonabarabran.

Cultural places are also among the region’s highlights. Sandstone Caves is a significant Aboriginal site associated with the Gamilaraay people. Sculptures in the Scrub celebrates Aboriginal culture and history; the Sculptures in the Scrub campground is in Timmallallie National Park. These two places represent different cultural connections in the wider region.

Choosing the right hotel location

Choose your location based on the places you most want to visit.

Discover more destinations: Gosford City Council, Dungog Shire Council, Wingecarribee Shire Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council, Pittwater Council, The Council of the Shire of Hornsby, Armidale Dumaresq Council

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.