3-day itinerary in Narrabri Shire.
Day 1
The first adventure in this 3-day trip will have you conquering the jewel of the region – Mount Kaputar National Park.
Once active volcanoes some 17 million years ago, the scattering of summits now offer a playground for hikers, bird watchers and nature lovers alike.
Sitting 1,512 metres above sea level, visitors are rewarded with views of the Nandewar ranges no matter which direction you drive into town from. Whether they’re glowing gold at sunset or framed against the canola fields below, the ranges are breathtaking at any hour.
Rising early, you’ll want to make the most of your time up there to experience the trails and beauty this national park has to offer. Start your day with a morning brew at Commons Espresso, open from 6am daily and serving Campos coffee – sitting amongst the greenery will have you feeling right at home.
Don’t forget to pack some snags and bread to enjoy a BBQ lunch at Dawsons Spring, the perfect base for your mountain explorations.
From town, it’s about a 25-minute to the base of Mount Kaputar, where you will inch closer to the mountains unmistakable silhouette, with Ningahdun becoming clearer with every km.
The mountain track goes from dirt and then back to tar, however it can be narrow in some places, take it slow and watch for any oncoming traffic. It will be about a 45-minute journey all up, maybe longer if you call into any of the ascending lookouts.
There’s no shortage of trails to choose from, with many short enough to combine into a full day of exploring or savoured slowly on their own. Our favourites are:
Mount Kaputar Summit
Starting from Dawsons Spring, this easy 2km return trail winds up through towering eucalyptus trees to a lookout with panoramic views across the plains. On clear day you can see 10% of NSW from the summit, how crazy is that!
Lindsay Rock Tops and Bundabulla Circuit
The full circuit that ends at Dawsons Spring Campground is around 7.5km and should take about 2 hours, it will take you across rocky outcrops that look out east, to grassy moss and timber boardwalks, revealing lookout after lookout across the valley.
Yulludunida Walking Track
A trail for the adventurous. Beginning at Green Camp, this the first trail on the mountain. Climbing up through open woodland and rocky stairs that give glimpses of Ningahdun, the volcanic plug.
You’ll come out to an open space where the marked trail ends as you climb up the ridgeline with sweeping 360 views, with the Warrumnungles far into the distance.
This ridgeline has been known to look like a dragon slumbering quietly on the mountain, and from the photos below – you can see why!
Mount Coryah Walking Track
A 2km circuit climbing steeply through lava terraces and woodland with open views of Euglah Rock. Parts of the track can be narrow and slippery when wet, so take care on the descent.
When you’ve had your fill of mountain air, head back down and make your way to Black Snake Distillery, a 15-minute drive from the base of the mountain. This family run distillery turns locally grown agave into award-winning Australia spirits.
Owners Rosemary and Stephen were inspired by their travels to Mexico, and what began in a homemade still has grown into a stunning copper operation producing five distinct agave spirits.
Their distillery is open daily from 1pm – 5pm. Enjoy a tasting and a chat about how tequila takes on a new character under the Australian sun. In summer, ask about their Agave Cocktail Nights, where visiting mixologists from Sydney bring a taste of Mexico to the bush.
As the day winds down, return to Narrabri for dinner at the Namoi Hotel. Whether you dine in or take away, this is the spot for hearty pub classics and weekly specials – the perfect way to refuel after a day on the hills.
Day 2
Ease into your second day with a coffee at Yield before a gentle morning walk that traces the banks of Narrabri Creek as the town wakes and the sun rises over the mountains.
Mid-morning, take a drive just 10km out of town to the Narrabri Fish Farm – one of the region’s true hidden gems. Spanning 250 acres with more than 100 ponds, it’s the largest hatchery-based aquaculture farm in NSW, and far more than just a fishery.
Join the daily tour at 10.30am (we suggest booking at least the day before), led by owner Rick, whose passion and humour make the experience unforgettable. You’ll feed fish, race yabbies and learn about sustainable aqua culture in a fun, hands on-way.
Don’t miss the giant four-metre cod sculptured from recycled materials – and its new companion, the giant yabby!
Catch-and-release fishing is also available, with Silver Perch and Eel-tailed Catfish ready for a nibble, and with plenty of wildlife checking in on you, this is an experience like no other.
Back in town, enjoy lunch at Kimmi & Co Teahouse, set within the leafy gardens of Bottle Tree Nursery. It’s a relaxed, home-grown spot that feels tranquil and worlds away.
Spend the afternoon exploring Narrabri’s charming main street. When you’re far from metropolitan areas, you’ll sometimes nab one of your best finds.
There are no chain stores in these neck of the woods – the Narrabri Region has a wonderful shopping scene that caters to everyone. From homewares to high-end fashion, each store reflects the taste and creativity of its owners.
Before the sun sets, take the 25-minute drive west to the CSIRO Australia Telescope Compact Array, where six giant antennas stretch across 6km of open plains. The visitor centre (open daily until 5pm) shares the science behind these remarkable instruments, which study black holes, pulsars and hydrogen clouds light-years away.
As the golden light hits the metal frames, it’s a sight that feels almost otherworldly. Remember to switch your devices to airplane mode – the telescopes are sensitive to even the smallest signal.
Return to town for dinner at the Tourist Hotel. Sit outside in the beer garden or step into the art-deco charm of the ladies’ lounge. Their menu of refined pub favourites is always spot on.
Day 3
Your final adventure will have you heading south along the Newell Highway through the Pilliga Forest – a vast expanse of nature and mystery.
Before you go, it’s worth calling into the Visitor Information Centre on Tibbereena Street for directions and maps. The Pilliga is beautiful, but it’s easy to lose your bearings.
About 77km from Narrabri, look for the turn-off onto No. 1 Break Road – blink and you’ll miss it! This road will lead to Sculptures in the Scrub, an outdoor gallery set within the stunning Dandry Gorge.
Each piece was created in collaboration between artists and local Aboriginal Elders, telling stories of culture, country and connection. Take your time along the 3km return walk (1-2 hours) to read each story and absorb the silence of the gorge.
Afterwards, retrace your drive back to the T-intersection and follow the route to Dandry road, leading you to Pilliga Pottery & Barkala Farm stay.
Originally established in 1986 by Maria and Richard, this creative haven has evolved into a whimsical pottery studio, café and farm stay. Wander the colourful shop filled with hand-crafted ceramics adorned with Australian wildlife or join a pottery workshop to make your own keepsake.
Refuel at the Blue Wren Café, where wood-fired pizzas and a German inspired menu (think sauerkraut and bratwurst) await – and don’t skip the house-made gelato; the coffee caramel is a favourite.
If you have time to linger, take a farm tour or explore the surrounding trails. Barkala is the kind of place that reminds you to slow down and a stay a little longer.
And if one day isn’t enough, Barkala Farm stay offers rustic and welcoming accommodation so you can linger a little longer.
