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.
As the afternoon begins to slow, take a short drive out to the Deriah Aboriginal Area, where the landscape shifts again — quieter, softer, and deeply connected to Country.
Set on the western slopes of the Nandewar Ranges, this protected area is jointly managed by NSW National Parks and the local Aboriginal community and offers a meaningful insight into the traditions of the Gamilaraay People.
The walking tracks here are gentle and unhurried, winding through ironbark and cypress pine, with pockets of rare ooline dry rainforest — a reminder of an ancient landscape that once looked very different to what you see today. As you move through the reserve, glimpses open up across the sweeping Liverpool Plains, while behind you the silhouette of Mount Kaputar rises once more.
It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down — to listen for birdsong, take in the stillness, and appreciate the stories held within the land. After the energy of the morning, it’s a quiet, grounding way to spend the afternoon.
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 day takes you west, where the landscape opens wide and the skies seem even bigger.
Start with a relaxed morning — grab a coffee in town before heading out towards the CSIRO Australia Telescope Compact Array, about 25 minutes from Narrabri.
Built in the 1980s, this world-class facility has placed Narrabri firmly on the global science map, studying everything from hydrogen clouds to black holes.
Step inside the visitor centre to learn how it all works, then head out to the viewing platform to see where each dish sits along the track. It’s a surreal experience — cutting-edge science set against the stillness of the outback.
From here, continue just a few kilometres further to Yarrie Lake.
At first glance, the milky, clay-toned water might surprise coastal visitors — but locals know this unique lake is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Believed to have been formed by a meteor strike thousands of years ago, its wide, shallow basin makes it perfect for a paddle, a picnic, or simply sitting still and watching the world go by.
Birdlife is abundant, the breeze is gentle, and there’s a quietness here that feels a world away from anywhere else.
By late morning, begin the drive into Wee Waa, often referred to as the cotton capital of Australia.
For lunch, settle in at either House on Rose — a charming café set among cottage gardens — or Marinda Nursery, where you can dine surrounded by greenery and wander through the plants afterwards. Both offer that relaxed, country hospitality that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
In the afternoon, step back in time at the Namoi Echo Museum.
This collection of local history brings the stories of the plains to life — from early farming days and machinery to photographs and relics that paint a picture of life in the region over generations. Wander through the exhibits, chat with the volunteers, and take your time — it’s not just about what you see, but the stories behind it.
From here, you can begin your journey home — or, if time allows, take the long way back, letting the open road and wide skies stretch the final moments of your long weekend just a little further.
