Gunnedah

Gunnedah, the self-proclaimed 'Koala Capital of the World', is a sunbaked country town in the Liverpool Plains region of northern NSW. Surrounded by golden wheat fields and the dramatic Mount Kaputar, it offers a genuine slice of rural Australian life with a surprising cultural edge. The town is steeped in agricultural heritage and Indigenous history, and its streets are lined with handsome heritage buildings. For international travellers, Gunnedah provides a quintessential outback experience without the isolation, making it an ideal stop on a drive between Sydney and Brisbane or the Hunter Valley.

Highlights & What to See

• Koala Country: Gunnedah boasts one of Australia's highest koala populations. Visit the Water Tower Koala Viewing Platform or take a self-drive tour through the bushland reserves to spot wild koalas in the wild. The Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary is a must for close encounters.
• Mount Kaputar National Park: This stunning park features the Nandewar Range, volcanic peaks, and the iconic Sawn Rocks – a cliff of organ-pipe basalt formations. Drive to the summit for panoramic views over the plains, and keep an eye out for the rare Kaputar pink slug after rain.
• Gunnedah Rural Museum: Housed in a former flour mill, this museum showcases the region's farming history, from horse-drawn machinery to vintage cars and a working blacksmith shop. It's a fascinating glimpse into the pioneering spirit.
• Dorothea Mackellar Country: The poet who wrote 'My Country' was inspired by her family's property near Gunnedah. Visit the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial in Anzac Park and explore the 'Core of My Heart' sculpture trail that celebrates her work.
• Heritage Walk: Stroll along Conadilly Street to admire grand 19th-century buildings like the Court House, Post Office, and the iconic Gunnedah Hotel, all beautifully preserved.

Suggested Time to Spend

Gunnedah is best enjoyed over two to three days. Spend the first day exploring the town's heritage and koala spots, then dedicate a full day to Mount Kaputar National Park – allow at least 4-6 hours for the drive and short walks. If you're a keen hiker, consider an extra day to tackle longer trails like the Mount Kaputar summit walk. The pace is slow and relaxed, so factor in time for long lunches at a country pub and sunset drinks overlooking the plains.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tamworth: Australia's country music capital, just over an hour south, is perfect for live music, the Golden Guitar, and the Big Golden Guitar tourist complex.
• Narrabri: A historic town with the impressive Mount Kaputar views from the other side, plus the Australian Telescope Compact Array for science buffs.
• Coonabarabran & Warrumbungle National Park: A two-hour drive west, this Dark Sky Park offers exceptional stargazing and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
• Liverpool Plains: The vast agricultural region around Gunnedah is a scenic drive through endless wheat fields, with small villages like Boggabri and Mullaley worth a quick stop.

Please check official sources for current details.