Kamilaroi Highway

Stretching across the vast plains of northern New South Wales, the Kamilaroi Highway offers a quintessential Australian road trip through landscapes that shift from fertile river valleys to sun-baked outback. Named after the Indigenous Kamilaroi people, this route connects the Hunter Valley wine region to the remote town of Bourke, passing through historic towns, national parks, and cultural sites. It’s a journey that rewards the curious traveller with a deep sense of place, ancient Aboriginal heritage, and the timeless rhythms of rural life.

Highlights & What to See

• Narrabri – A lively agricultural hub with the iconic Mount Kaputar National Park looming nearby, offering dramatic volcanic landscapes and walking trails.
• Moree – Famous for its natural hot springs and artesian baths, perfect for a relaxing soak after a day on the road.
• Gunnedah – Known as the ‘Koala Capital of NSW’, with excellent koala spotting opportunities in the bushland reserves.
• Warrumbungle National Park – A dark-sky park with spectacular stargazing, plus hiking trails through ancient volcanic peaks.
• Bourke – The end of the highway, a quintessential outback town with a rich riverboat history and the iconic Darling River.
• Aboriginal cultural sites – Scattered along the route, including rock engravings and scar trees that tell stories of the Kamilaroi people.

Suggested Time to Spend

To fully experience the Kamilaroi Highway, allow at least three to five days. This gives you time to stop at the main towns, explore national parks, and soak in the cultural heritage without rushing. A leisurely pace lets you enjoy local pubs, farmers' markets, and the ever-changing scenery. If you’re short on time, a two-day run from the Hunter Valley to Moree covers the highlights, but you’ll miss the deeper outback character.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley Wine Region – Start or end your trip with world-class wines and gourmet food in the vineyards.
• Tamworth – Australia’s country music capital, just a short detour south of the highway.
• Pilliga Forest – A vast, ancient forest with unique sandstone formations and wildlife, ideal for a scenic drive.
• Goonoo Goonoo National Park – A lesser-known gem near Tamworth, offering peaceful bushwalks and birdwatching.
• Liverpool Plains – Sweeping agricultural landscapes with stunning seasonal canola fields and charming small towns.

Please check official sources for current details.