Coonabarabran

Perched on the edge of the Warrumbungle National Park, Coonabarabran is the self-proclaimed astronomy capital of Australia. This small town on the Newell Highway offers big skies, ancient volcanic landscapes, and a genuine outback welcome. Whether you're here for the stars, the hikes, or just a pit stop between Sydney and Queensland, Coonabarabran delivers a slice of rural Australia with a scientific twist.

Highlights & What to See

• Warrumbungle National Park – A dramatic landscape of volcanic plugs and spires, with walking tracks for all abilities. The Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is a classic.
• Siding Spring Observatory – Home to the Anglo-Australian Telescope. The visitor centre offers fascinating exhibits on astronomy, and you can peer through a solar telescope on clear days.
• Australia Telescope Compact Array – Near Narrabri, this radio telescope array is a striking sight and offers guided tours that explain how astronomers listen to the cosmos.
• Crystal Kingdom – A quirky museum housing an impressive collection of minerals, fossils, and meteorites – perfect for a rainy day.
• Pilliga Forest – Just west of town, this vast inland forest is a haven for birdwatching and features the unique Sculptures in the Scrub walking trail.
• Night Sky Tours – Join a local astronomer for a guided stargazing session. With some of the darkest skies in Australia, the Milky Way here is a showstopper.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days is ideal to explore Warrumbungle National Park, visit the observatory, and enjoy a night under the stars. If you're on a road trip, even an overnight stop allows time for a short walk and a stargazing session. Plan your visit around a new moon for the best celestial views.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Narrabri – 90 minutes north, with the Australia Telescope Compact Array and access to Mount Kaputar National Park.
• Dubbo – Two hours south, home to the renowned Taronga Western Plains Zoo and the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden.
• Tamworth – Two hours east, Australia's country music capital, with the Big Golden Guitar and a lively music scene.
• Gilgandra – An hour south, a charming town with a historic windmill and the Coo-ee March heritage trail.
• Warrumbungle National Park – Directly west of town, the park itself deserves at least a full day of hiking and exploration.

Please check official sources for current details.