Narrabri
With its imposing backdrop of the Nandewar ranges, Narrabri is famous as an important cotton and wheat producing area.
Did you know that Australia is a world leader in radio astronomy and the CSIRO’s Australia Telescope is just part of the reason? It is located near Narrabri and open seven days a week, with free admission. From interactive “hands on” displays to “Whispering Dishes”, where the merest whisper can be transmitted a hundred metres by focusing with two small telescope dishes, a stopover at the Telescopes is fascinating for all ages.
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Wee Waa
While in Wee Waa, Australia’s Cotton Capital, make sure you visit the unique Namoi Echo Museum on Rose Street which is a wonderful reminder of days gone by, open Thursday to Saturday. Click here to view more about the museum
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Walgett
Near the junction of the Namoi and Barwon Rivers in remote northwest NSW, Walgett is a friendly Outback town full of charm and adventure. Once a busy paddle-steamer port, the town marks the northern gateway to the opal fields of Lightning Ridge and the epic Darling River Run road trip.
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Lightning Ridge
A unique and historic opal mining town in Outback NSW, Lightning Ridge is famed for its rare black opal, mining history and colourful locals. Get up close to an array of beautiful gems at markets and opal stores, try your hand at fossicking and relax in artesian bore baths as you savour the outback wonders of this iconic town.
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Coonabarabran
Siding Spring Observatory is Australia's premier optical astronomical research facility. Located 27 kilometres west of Coonabarabran on the edge of the Warrumbungle National Park, it is home to Australia's largest optical telescopes, including the 3.9-metres Anglo Australian Telescope, the 2.3-metre Advanced Technology Telescope and the two-metre Faulkes Telescope South.
The annual Star Fest celebration at Siding Spring Observatory is held on the Labour Day weekend in October.
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Coonamble
Country hospitality rules in Coonamble, home to Australia’s biggest rodeo and campdraft, as well as a raft of pubs that locals love to hang out at. It’s also the gateway to three natural wonders: the Warrumbungle National Park, the Macquarie Marshes and Pilliga Forest. Visit and you’ll also discover this is Australia’s nickname capital, too.
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