Things To See and Do In Coonabarabran

Below is a list of popular activities in Coonabarabran. Click on the activities for more information.
You can also download a copy of the Attractions Guide for Coonabarabran here (207KB).


CRYSTAL KINGDOM Crystal Kingdom is the home of one of the world's most unique one-locality mineral collections, the "Minerals of the Warrumbungles". See the world’s rarest and most colourful Zeolite Crystals and learn that the Coonabarabran area was once home to not one, but two volcanos. Over 500 examples of local minerals and fossils are displayed. Not only are these treasures of the earth on show, their origin and use is explained and fact sheets are available. The educational exhibition displays a range of fossils from 300 million years ago to the recent age of the Australian Megafauna. Experienced staff are available to explain the fascinating origin of the extinct local volcanoes. Jewellery lovers and collectors will love browsing through the ‘Crystal Shop’. Here you will find quality gemstone jewellery, crystals and fossils. You can also get creative with ‘Rosie’s Beads’ and design your own unique piece of jewellery. read more ... PILLIGA POTTERY AND BUSH CAFE Nestled on the edge of the Pilliga Forest, Pilliga Pottery is renowned for being the only pottery in Australia to use a specialised technique of applying bright glazes and engravings to terracotta. This method produces a stunning lead light effect, which brings the unique designs to life. Visitors are welcome at Pilliga Pottery and Bush Cafe. The beautiful woodlands of the Pilliga surround the Pottery and inspire’ their work, which ranges from garden pottery to beautifully designed kitchenware and decorative pottery of every shape and size. Using a local source of clay, they make their own cream earthenware and traditional terracotta clays, which they form into lovely shapes on the potter's wheel and then decorate using their own unique and distinctive methods. Everything is handmade on site, and visitors are welcome to watch them working. Pottery classes, horse riding and bird watching tours available by appointment. read more ...
TIMOR VALLEY ESTATE VINEYARD Give your tastebuds a real treat with a selection of cool climate wines from Timor Valley Estate Vineyard. The Vineyard is situated in a delightful country setting with scenic views only six kilometres from Coonabarabran. Relax and enjoy morning or afternoon tea in the foothills of the Warrumbungle Mountain Range. Keep an eye out for the "Wheely" fence and quirky mailbox out at the front of the property. read more ... WARRUMBUNGLE NATIONAL PARK DISCOVERY PROGRAM Tara Cave in Warrumbungle National Park is one of the sites used traditionally by Gamilaraay people for many thousands of years. The tour led by an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger, gives an understanding of the first people to live in the Warrumbungles. Please note, Tara Cave is not accessible to the public without a Discovery Ranger. This tour and other activities, including tours through Mount Kaputar, the Pilliga Forest and Siding Spring Observatory are available in school holidays. They can also be pre-booked for groups during the year. Please contact Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre for more information. read more ...
WARRUMBUNGLE OBSERVATORY Telescope and Night Sky Viewing at Warrumbungle Observatory. The 90 minute show includes an astronomy presentation under the stars, live video images of the Moon and planets, learn how to navigate around the night sky, observe through up to six telescopes and have the opportunity to take photos of astronomical objects with your SLR camera. Open nightly. Daytime observing of the Sun, planets, and some stars. There is also a Mobile telescope service with up to four telescopes available for groups at local motels, or camp sites as well as any location within New South Wales. read more ... WATTAGAN ESTATE WINERY Located only a short drive from Coonabarabran on the Oxley Highway, Wattagan Estate Winery is a rural winery producing nine wine varieties. Open for wine tastings and cellar door sales. Morning, afternoon teas and light lunches available for group bookings only. Coaches and groups are welcome - prior bookings appreciated. Catering for weddings, dinners and small functions. read more ...
WOODPECKER GUN The Woodpecker Gun is a War Memorial to those who served in the Second World War. The Japanese Machine Gun, which is at the front of the Memorial Swimming Pool, adjacent to the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre, was captured on August 3, 1945 during combat in New Guinea. There is an information board at the gun site with details of the capture and a listing of the Coonabarabran men and women who served in the World War II and the Vietnam War. read more ... WOOL STUDIO Come and join Elizabeth at her studio and watch how she turns raw fleece into a finished garment. This is a great opportunity for all ages. Also available are farm fresh home cooked jams, relish and other local crafts. Enjoy a cuppa while strolling around at your leisure and enjoying the tranquil surroundings of The Wool Studio at "Sleepy Hollow". read more ...
WORLDS LARGEST VIRTUAL SOLAR SYSTEM DRIVE Launch into Coonabarabran, the Astronomy Capital of Australia, and experience New South Wales newest self drive touring route - 'The World's Largest Virtual Solar System Drive! Start at the regional towns of Tamworth, Dubbo, Gulgong, Moree and Merriwa and hurtle your way through space from Pluto towards the huge eight storey high Anglo-Australian Telescope dome at Siding Spring Observatory which represents the sun and central point of the solar system model. The colourful three-dimensional planets on the billboards are scaled in size relative to the huge observatory dome and the location of the billboards are scaled in distance, just as you'd find the planets in outer space - only 38 million times smaller! Experience this truly interactive educational experience leading you to the astronomy headquarters of Australia and one of the country’s largest centre for optical astronomy research and learn, fascinating facts about the universe along the way. read more ... AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM DIPROTODON EXHIBITION The Australian Museum Diprotodon Exhibition is housed at the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre, on the Newell Highway, at the southern end of town. The exhibition displays the skeleton and skull of a Diprotodon, the largest marsupial ever to have lived. It is often likened to a giant sized wombat. The remains of the Diprotodon were found in the creek bed of Cox’s Creek near Tambar Springs in 1979. The exhibition also provides information on other mega fauna that were believed to have existed at around the same time. Although the remains are believed to be about 33 000 years old, it is thought that the Diprotodon roamed Australia somewhere between one and two million years ago and became extinct as recently as 20 000 years ago. Free guided tours of the display are available for groups with advance notice. Please call the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre for more information. read more ...
COONANDRY WINES A labour of love established in 1993, Coonandry Wines produces a select range of wines from hand picked and pruned vines. Open weekends for tastings and cellar door sales, just five minutes drive north of Coonabarabran Clocktower. To get here, simply follow the Newell/Oxley Highway north to Dandry Road. You'll find Coonandry 1.6km on your left, hidden among the towering white gums. read more ... GOANNA TRACKS MOTOCROSS AND ENDURO COMPLEX Coonabarabran's newest attraction, the Goanna Tracks Motocross and Enduro Complex has adrenaline pumping and engines roaring. Enjoy all styles of Motocross, Supercross, Enduro, Endurocross, FMX, ATV's and Trials. The complex caters for all riders - from junior riders through to experienced riders. All tracks are built to National Standards. They are located between Bugaldie and Coonabarabran on Kurrajong Road. read more ...
NEWCASTLE HATS FACTORY OUTLET Pick up a bargain at Newcastle Hats factory outlet, where cool, comfortable and practical hats, including factory seconds are for sale. Styles include the original washable, squashable hat, corporate and workwear hats, bowls, gardening and bucket hats, kids caps and much more. Newcastle Hats is Australian made and Australian owned. Tours for bus groups are available with advance notice. Call in and find the perfect hat to suit your need. read more ...