Gunnedah

Welcome to Gunnedah, a sun-drenched town in the heart of the Liverpool Plains that proudly calls itself the 'Koala Capital of the World'. This is a place where wide, blue skies meet golden wheat fields, and where the iconic Australian koala is so abundant you're almost guaranteed a sighting. Gunnedah is also steeped in the spirit of bush poetry, being the home of the legendary 'Banjo' Paterson. With a relaxed country vibe, fascinating heritage, and surprising natural beauty, it's a rewarding stop on any New South Wales road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Koala spotting at the Water Tower Walk – This short, easy stroll around the town's water tower is your best bet for seeing wild koalas. Look up into the eucalypts; they're often snoozing in the forks of branches. Go at dawn or dusk for the best chance.
• Banjo Paterson's legacy – Visit the Banjo Paterson Memorial Park and the nearby statue of the poet on his horse. The town also hosts the annual Banjo Paterson Poetry Festival, a celebration of bush verse and Australian culture.
• Gunnedah Rural Museum – Housed in the historic railway station, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's agricultural and transport history, with vintage machinery and local memorabilia.
• Mount Kaputar National Park – Just a short drive east, this dramatic national park features volcanic landscapes, stunning lookouts (like the Governor's Chair), and excellent walking trails. In spring, wildflowers carpet the ground.
• Heritage walk around town – Gunnedah boasts a collection of well-preserved heritage buildings, including the grand 1880s Court House, the Post Office, and several lovely churches. Grab a map from the visitor centre.

Suggested Time to Spend

Gunnedah is best enjoyed as an overnight stop or a leisurely day trip. If you're passing through on a road trip, allocate at least half a day to explore the town centre, do the Water Tower Walk, and perhaps visit the museum. To fully appreciate the region—including a drive up to Mount Kaputar—spend one or two nights. The town has a handful of motels, pubs with accommodation, and caravan parks, making it a comfortable base for exploring the Liverpool Plains.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tamworth – Australia's country music capital, about an hour south-east, with a vibrant music scene, the Golden Guitar, and excellent galleries.
• Narrabri – A charming town to the north-west, gateway to the Pilliga Forest and the stunning Mount Kaputar National Park.
• Coonabarabran – The astronomy capital of Australia, home to the Siding Spring Observatory and the Warrumbungle National Park, about 90 minutes south-west.
• Liverpool Plains – The vast, fertile plains themselves offer scenic drives, farm gates, and a sense of the vast Australian landscape.
• Warrumbungle National Park – A spectacular wilderness of volcanic peaks, perfect for hiking and stargazing, about 1.5 hours south-west.

Please check official sources for current details.