Outback Towns

Coonamble

The town of Coonamble, like the river, looks like it does not show any great attraction, however when a little sand is removed from the surface, a torrent of events and true outback personalities rage!

About Coonamble

When the locals promote this picturesque little town as being on the Castlereagh river, they mean it! Only on the rare occasion of flood waters passing through do you actually see water flow. The rest of the time, the river runs beneath the sandy bed, which fools the tourist into believing Coonamble is another outback town short of water.

The town of Coonamble, like the river, does not show any great attraction, however when a little sand is removed from the surface, a torrent of events and true outback personalities rage!

Located approximately 1 hour drive from Dubbo, 6.5 hours drive from Sydney and 8 hours drive to Brisbane. Coonamble is situated on the "Great Inland Way". This route has become extremely popular with southerners wanting to avoid the high volume of trucks on the Newell Hwy.

Essentially, Coonamble has been the service centre to the largest shire in New South Wales, which is predominately made up of cattle, sheep and cotton, but as our desire to discover this great land grows, plenty of activities can be found for the inquisitive tourist.

Pure animal attraction!

Whether it's about the money, the thrill and adrenalin rush, or just the shear smell of it, Coonamble folk sure do get revved up about the events they host. With about five thoroughbred race meetings in the shire every year, local greyhound racing and several Rodeo and Campdraft events there always seems to be something on. The quality of horses and trainers here are by no means sub standard, when you put your money on a local nag you can be assured of getting value for your dollar. The men and women of the Rodeo/Campdraft scene are also right up there wiith the best in the land. Just ask any visiting competitor who tries to muscle in on the local prize how proud the Coonamble set are. So if it's man v's beast, or man/beast v's the clock you're looking for, it's all here!

Stay an extra night or two!

After enjoying the event you've came for, don't let that be the end of your Coonamble stay. Being central to Lightning Ridge Opal fields to the north, cotton fields to the west, Warrumbungles to the east and Dubbo's Western Plains Zoo to the south, Coonamble makes a perfect base to day trip any of these great outback experiences. Being on the doorstep of the Pilliga Forrest, Coonamble is also a must for Birdwatchers, short trips can be had to Baradine/Pilliga, where you can find some of the most rewarding bird routes in the outback.

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