Moree Plains

Soak in the thermal waters and wide-open skies of the Moree Plains, a rural heartland in northern New South Wales where ancient artesian springs meet rich agricultural heritage. This is a place to slow down, float in mineral-rich pools, and explore a landscape shaped by the Kamilaroi people and European settlement alike.

Highlights & What to See

• Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre – The town’s iconic thermal pools, fed by the Great Artesian Basin, offer year-round swimming in 40°C mineral water. The complex includes a giant water slide and spa facilities.
• Moree Plains Gallery – A surprising cultural gem showcasing contemporary Australian art, with a strong focus on Indigenous and regional works.
• Pilliga Forest – One of the largest inland forests in NSW, perfect for bushwalking, birdwatching, and spotting the rare Pilliga mouse. The Sculptures in the Scrub trail is a highlight.
• Kamilaroi Aboriginal Cultural Tours – Join local guides to learn about bush tucker, traditional tools, and stories that have been passed down for millennia.
• Cotton Country – The region is a major cotton producer; drive through the vast white fields at harvest time (autumn) for a quintessential Australian rural sight.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend one to two days in Moree itself—ample time to enjoy the thermal pools, visit the gallery, and take a cultural tour. If you plan to explore Pilliga Forest or nearby national parks, add another day. The pace here is relaxed, so don’t rush; the best experiences come from lingering in the warm water and watching the sunset over the plains.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Narrabri – A charming town 90 km south, gateway to Mount Kaputar National Park and the Australia Telescope Compact Array.
• Inverell – Known for sapphire and zircon fossicking, plus the lovely Macintyre River and Pioneer Village.
• Gunnedah – The ‘Koala Capital of NSW’, where you can spot wild koalas in the bush and learn about poet Dorothea Mackellar.
• Warialda – A historic town with a beautiful main street and access to the Warialda State Conservation Area.
• Goondiwindi – Just across the Queensland border, famous for the Macintyre River and the Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens.

Please check official sources for current details.