NARRABRI REGION

Discover the beauty of the Narrabri Region, a wondrous agricultural paradise that is home to the majestic Mt Kaputar National Park. With a mix of country charm and soul, Narrabri Region is captivating, and inviting. Located in the heart of the rich Namoi Valley in North West NSW, the Narrabri Region offers a relaxed and genuinely warm way of life that is worth exploring.

The untamed beauty of Mt Kaputar, the tranquil Pilliga Artesian Bore Bath, and the wondrous CSIRO Australia Telescopes are just a few of the attractions that make Narrabri Region a must-see destination.

The Narrabri Region spans over 13,000 square kilometres and approximately six hours’ drive north-west of Sydney and around 2.5 hours south of the Queensland border. The region boasts three major towns, Narrabri, Wee Waa, and Boggabri with several smaller villages scattered throughout. Renowned for the production of some of the world’s highest quality wheat, cotton, fat lambs and beef, and home to several research facilities, the Narrabri Region is truly an agricultural wonderland.

One glimpse of a clear night sky will leave you with no doubts as to why this region is known as “Big Sky” country. Star-filled night skies have facilitated the growth of the CSIRO Australia Telescope Compact Array, whose six radio telescopes are gleaming beacons of scientific advancement. Enjoy the natural wonders of Mt Kaputar National Park; Search for the Yowie in the Pilliga, the largest forest in NSW; or simply view the picturesque patchwork of seemingly endless fields of cotton, canola, and wheat which are sure to impress. Add the Pilliga Artesian Bore Bath, Narrabri Fish Farm, Yarrie Lake, historical museums, art galleries, The Crossing Theatre, bird watching and abundant spots for fishing, and you’re guaranteed of enough activities to fill a week.

The Kamilaroi & Newell Highways run through the Narrabri Region, bringing people from all compass points. For those travelling from further afield, the region is also serviced by planes and trains. Accommodation is plentiful and of excellent standard, including motels, caravan parks, B&B’s, campgrounds and farm stays.

Our Visitor Information Centre is here to help you and with a great selection of local souvenirs, historical books and delicious regional produce, it is an essential stop on your Narrabri Region itinerary.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

The vast and beautiful Narrabri Region is a land of rich cultural heritage, with the Kamilaroi People as its proud custodians. Between 17 and 21 Million years ago erupting volcanoes created the Nandewar Ranges, now known as Mt Kaputar National Park. Erosion of these mountains spawned rich fertile farming country and a strong river system, strengthened by underground Artesian waters, created a network along which Narrabri Shire towns grow and prosper. History credits explorers Sir Thomas Mitchell and Allan Cunningham with the honour of opening the way to the Northwest plains, to the area that is now known as Narrabri Region. However, the notorious George ‘the Barber’ Clarke, whose epithet refers to his early legitimate trade, was the first white man to seek his fortune in the area. Wee Waa, the oldest town in the Namoi Valley, was proclaimed in 1847, followed by Narrabri and Boggabri in 1860. The settlers ventured across the Liverpool plains to the Boggabri, Narrabri, and Wee Waa districts, ‘niver–niver’ country, as it was known by aboriginals. The latter grave is that of Aboriginal/Chinese stockman William Hanes who died during a flood in the early 1950s. Flood waters made the sandy track to Narrabri impassable, so the coroner granted special permission to bury Hames on public land. According to legend Hames’ horse remained his faithful companion, even in death, never straying far from the gravesite. Narrabri’s history and heritage is captured in three museums – Narrabri Old Gaol Heritage Centre & Museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts of historical, archival, and cultural significance, in addition to an extensive family history section catalogued by dedicated local historians. In Wee Waa, the Namoi Echo Museum provides a wonderful reminder of days gone by. The Museum collects and displays items, machinery and documents pertaining to the history and culture of the Wee Waa district. And, the Boggabri Historical Museum traces Boggabri’s evolution, housing ever changing exhibits of precious memorabilia, past and present. Of particular interest is the old schoolhouse, set up to resemble a classroom of yesteryear.