Local Coonabarabran Attractions
Coonabarabran is the stargazing capital of Australia. The small country town is on the edge of the iconic Warrumbungle National Park, which was officially recognised as an International Dark Sky Park in 2016, the first in Australia.
The pristine night sky is free of artificial light that limits celestial views in cities. Some observatories near the park are open to the public all year for amazing night sky experiences through large telescopes, weather permitting.
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.
Be amazed at Milroy Observatory! Discover the wonders of the southern night sky with our own comet discoverer, 'Donna the Astronomer'. View the amazing night sky through our telescopes and enjoy our "Night Sky Show".
Looking for a country drive that takes in spectacular landscapes, historic towns, birdwatching, walking and more? Look no further than Coonabarabran-Baradine-Warrumbungle National Park drive, a 130 kilometre trip where you can choose your own pace.
Walk in the footsteps of the Gamilaroi people along the short Sandstone Caves walking track in Pilliga Nature Reserve. You’ll pass through scenic forest to the impressive sandstone hills, with some containing ancient Aboriginal rock engravings.
The Australian Museum Diprotodon 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.
Crystal Kingdom is the home of one of the world's most unique mineral collections, the "Minerals of the Warrumbungles".
See the world's rarest and most colourful Zeolite Crystals and learn about how the Coonabarabran area was once home to not one, but two volcanoes.
This extremely rewarding trek offers 360-degree views from Mount Exmouth, the 1206m peak of Warrumbungle Range. You won’t be alone, either. Kangaroos, wallabies and wallaroos are common sights along the track. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a rare koala in the trees along ‘The Boulevarde’, a stretch of scenic woodland between Camp Burbie and Danu Gap.
Pilliga Pottery makes unique earthenware items from local clays. Artist Julie engraves beautiful designs taken from nature and mythology onto the hand thrown items that Johannes creates. You can drop in and see them at work seven days a week.
Discover nature's classroom on Discovery Ranger-guided walks, talks, and tours in the Warrumbungle National Park. Discovery Programs operate during autumn and spring school holidays. The Discovery Program caters for adults, children and families. Itineraries will be available direct from the Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre.
Fancy a leisurely drive through the iconic Warrumbungles, taking in some of the sights that have put this area on the world map? The 70 kilometres Coonabarabran – Warrumbungle – Tooraweenah drive combines views, lookouts, and easy walks on a spectacular day trip.