Gunnedah

Welcome to Gunnedah, the self-proclaimed 'Koala Capital of the World' and a charming inland town in the Liverpool Plains region of New South Wales. With its wide streets, historic buildings, and a strong agricultural heritage, Gunnedah offers a genuine slice of rural Australia. Surrounded by fertile farmland and framed by the distant Nandewar Ranges, this town is a delightful stop for travellers seeking authentic country hospitality and unique wildlife encounters.

Highlights & What to See

• Koala spotting – Gunnedah has one of the highest concentrations of koalas in NSW. Visit the Gunnedah Koala Reserve or take a self-drive tour through nearby bushland; dawn and dusk are prime times to see them in the wild.
• Water Tower Museum – Climb the historic water tower for panoramic views and explore the museum inside, which tells the story of the region's Indigenous and pastoral history.
• Anzac Park – A peaceful riverside park with a war memorial, perfect for a picnic or a stroll along the Namoi River.
• Gunnedah Rural Museum – A fascinating collection of vintage machinery, farm equipment, and local memorabilia that showcases the area's agricultural roots.
• Woolshed Art Gallery – Housed in a former shearing shed, this gallery features works by local artists and is a great place to pick up a unique souvenir.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers find one full day sufficient to explore Gunnedah's main attractions, including a koala walk and a visit to the museums. If you're keen on bushwalking or want to explore the surrounding national parks (such as Mount Kaputar National Park), plan for an extra day. The town is compact and walkable, so you can easily cover the highlights in a relaxed pace.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tamworth – Australia's country music capital, about 90 minutes east, with a vibrant music scene and the Golden Guitar Museum.
• Coonabarabran – The astronomy capital of Australia, home to the Warrumbungle National Park and the Siding Spring Observatory, roughly 1.5 hours west.
• Narrabri – A gateway to the Mount Kaputar National Park and the Australia Telescope Compact Array, about an hour north.
• Liverpool Plains – The vast agricultural region surrounding Gunnedah offers scenic drives and farm-stay experiences.
• Port Macquarie – The coastal hub on the Mid North Coast, about 3.5 hours east, perfect for a beachside wind-down after your inland adventure.

Please check official sources for current details.