Narrabri

Narrabri, a sun-baked town in north-western NSW, is the unexpected star of the region for travellers who crave big skies, Aboriginal heritage, and a front-row seat to the cosmos. This is the gateway to the Pilliga Forest, a vast, ancient woodland that feels worlds away from the coastal crowds. Here, you can walk among 300-year-old sandstones carved with Aboriginal rock art, spy koalas in the wild, and at night, gaze up at some of the darkest skies in Australia.

Highlights & What to See

• Pilliga Forest & Sculptures: Explore the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre, then drive the forest trails to find the towering sandstone sculptures and the eerie, beautiful Dandry Gorge. Keep your eyes peeled for koalas, wallabies and over 200 bird species.
• Mount Kaputar National Park: A volcanic landscape of rusty-red peaks and dramatic gorges. The summit walk offers 360-degree views over the plains – and if you're lucky, you'll spot the rare Kaputar pink slug after rain.
• Australia Telescope Compact Array: This CSIRO radio telescope array is a surreal sight against the flat landscape. The visitor centre explains how astronomers listen to the universe – and you can picnic under the dishes.
• Sawn Rocks: A jaw-dropping natural formation of organ-pipe basalt columns in Mount Kaputar National Park, formed by cooling lava 20 million years ago.
• Narrabri Regional Gallery & Museum: Housed in a heritage building, the gallery showcases local art and the museum tells the story of the Gamilaraay people and early European settlers.
• Yarrie Lake: A serene, tree-fringed lake perfect for birdwatching, kayaking and a peaceful afternoon picnic.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give Narrabri at least two full days – one to explore the Pilliga Forest and Sawn Rocks, and another for Mount Kaputar and the telescope. If you're a keen bushwalker or astronomy buff, add a third day. The best time to visit is autumn or spring, when the days are warm but not scorching, and the night skies are clearest.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coonabarabran: The 'Astronomy Capital of Australia', home to the Siding Spring Observatory and the Warrumbungle National Park – a dark-sky park with excellent hiking.
• Moree: Famous for its hot artesian springs and rich Aboriginal culture – a relaxing soak after days on the road.
• Tamworth: Australia's country music capital, with a vibrant music scene and the Golden Guitar museum.
• Pilliga Forest: The forest itself deserves dedicated time – camp overnight to experience its nocturnal wildlife and star-filled skies.
• Gunnedah: Known as the 'Koala Capital of the World', with a strong literary connection to poet Dorothea Mackellar.

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