Enriched country living and heritage awaits at Coonamble, a quiet rural town with neighbouring national parks and an idyllic position on the Castlereagh River. Home to one of Australia’s biggest rodeos, Coonamble is also blessed with riverside walks, iconic country-style pubs and diverse wetlands.

Things to do

Coonamble is a gateway to the’ natural spoils in New South Wales, such as the diverse wetlands flora and fauna in the nearby Macquarie Marshes and the breathless countryside of the Western Plains. You can drive about one hour to reach Warrumbungle National Park, where towering rock formations and Heritage-listed forests are inhabited by fascinating native wildlife, such as kangaroos and wallabies.

Discover Coonamble’s fascinating history with a stroll down Castlereagh Street, which boasts historic facades housing alluring cafes and boutiques. Visit the Gumnut Cafe for freshly-brewed coffee or the Global Village Restaurant for a wide selection of homemade cakes, sushi and sandwiches, along with beer and wine. For a cold beer and hearty Australian fare, duck into Sons of the Soil Hotel.

You’ll get to know the locals while walking the main strip, thanks to portraits of local characters and their nicknames displayed on the Nickname Hall of Fame. Visit the Outback Art Inc. for more insight into the local culture in the form of elaborate wood carvings, paintings and out-of-this-world sculptures.

Coonamble’s most peaceful side is showcased on the Coonamble Riverwalk, which leads you along Castlereagh River, where you can also kayak and fish. If you prefer something a little more fast-paced, time your visit for the annual Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft, which features bronco and bull riding, as well as steer wrestling and calf roping.

Getting around

Coonamble is about a 6.5-hour drive from Sydney on the Castlereagh Highway, which runs through town. You can get around the town centre on foot, but will need a vehicle to explore further afield.