Fast facts
- A vibrant country centre known for cotton, beef and wheat production
- Situated in heart of the rich Namoi Valley in north-west NSW
- 560 km north-west of Sydney, population 7,500
Why go there
Narrabri and the surrounding areas offer some unique attractions for nature enthusiasts, including the spectacular Mt Kaputar National Park with its 36,000 hectares of wilderness formed around the extinct Nandewar Volcano, which rises dramatically out of the black soil plains.
History
Explorers Allan Cunningham and Sir Thomas Mitchell opened the way to the north-west plains and to the area that is now known as Narrabri Shire in the late 1820s and 1830s. Wee Waa, the oldest town in the Namoi Valley was proclaimed in 1847, followed by Narrabri and Boggabri in 1860.
Things to do
- Visit the Australia Telescope, at Culgoora, located 25 km from Narrabri. There are six gleaming white dishes that are the most powerful radio telescopes in the southern hemisphere.
- Go camping, bushwalking or have a picnic at Mt Kaputar National Park. Take in magnificent views from Mount Kaputar’s summit at 1,200 metres.
Events
- Nosh on the Namoi, held in March, celebrates the area's wine, food and culture .
- The Spring Festival is a week-long event held in September/October, packed with sporting events and many other activities.
Don’t miss
- A visit to the Australian Cotton Centre to experience their interactive exhibits and 3D-theatrette.
- A cotton farm tour with Lowder and Sons.
- Exploring Narrabri's old gaol at night.
- A cultural performance at The Crossing Theatre.
- Tasting some locally grown olives from Bohena Olives.
- Sawn Rocks in Mount Kaputar National Park – dramatic basalt cliffs that resemble giant organ pipes.
