Explore Coonamble
Coonamble is located in central northern New South Whales and is home to the biggest rodeo and campdraft competition in Australia. It is situated close to three natural wonders, the Warrumbungle National Park, the Macquarie Marshes and Pilliga Forest. This quaint country town is dotted with art deco buildings, classic country pubs and rural hospitality. If you’re looking to get out and about and explore your own backyard, then Coonable is a destination to add to the itinerary.
Meander along the Coonamble Riverwalk and absorb the surrounds. Pop into the Museum Under the Bridge, which is located inside a former colonial police station. Here you will find the history of Coonamble. You can browse through old photos, wares and stables reading tales of an era gone by. You can also find The Outback Arts and Creative Centre which is home to a number of pieces by both local and regional artists, including indigenous artists. This creative centre hosts the Outback Archies Annual Art Prize and Exhibition each year.
Venture to the Coonable Water Tower and admire the stunning artwork completed by the artist John Murray. The tower is painted top to bottom in natural colours showcasing a touch of Australian bird wildlife. Heading down the main street you will notice the Billboards on the main street are adorned with portraits of local people with their nicknames. Coonable is known for their unconventional Nickname Hall of Fame where caricature drawings of locals accompany their nicknames. A few kilometers down the road in nearby Gulargambone there are corrugated iron galahs and vivid murals by ten acclaimed artists for you to enjoy.
One event not to miss is the Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft held every June Long weekend. From bull riding and bucking broncos, to steer wrestling and calf roping, the event brings in thousands of spectators from across the state. The Campdrafting event is unique to Australia and involves riders and their horses separating a single steer from a herd - absolutely fascinating to watch the skill involved. To keep you fuled whilst you’re in town, there's plenty of good ‘ol country pubs to choose from serving up a hearty meal and an ice-cold beverage. Some of the top picks include The Sons of the Soil, the Commercial, the Bucking Bull and the Terminus.
Just over an hour's drive south east you will find the Warrumbungle National Park. This Australia’s only Dark Sky Park, making it the perfect spot for stargazing and astronomy lovers! This national park is also home to several hikes, bushwalks, and towering rock forms. Pilliga National Park is another stunning natural landscape to explore and it is only a 90-minute drive east of Coonamble and boasts an iconic Australian landscape offering rugged beauty on a grand scale. You can explore the expansive trail network by car or on foot.
Coonable is a great central location to visit on your next Australian road trip and has so much to offer every traveler who passes through. From art, to nature, to a true outback experience – Coonamble has it all!
