Gunnedah, a charming town in New South Wales, offers a range of activities and sights for visitors to enjoy. Known as the "Koala Capital of the World," Gunnedah is a prime spot for spotting these iconic Australian animals in their natural habitat, particularly at the Waterways Wildlife Park or along the well-marked Koala Trail. The town also boasts stunning panoramic views from the top of Porcupine Lookout, where visitors can take in the sweeping landscapes of the Liverpool Plains. History enthusiasts can explore the Gunnedah Rural Museum, which showcases a fascinating collection of farming machinery, vintage vehicles, and local artifacts. For a taste of local culture, the Creative Arts Gallery and Civic Theatre regularly host exhibitions and performances. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Lake Keepit for fishing, water sports, and picnicking, or a stroll through the colorful wildflower displays at the Mullaley Rest Area. Gunnedah also offers a range of boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants, providing a warm, small-town welcome to all who visit.
Waterways Wildlife Park
The park is home to a variety of local animals that include kangaroos, koalas, and emus. It is an affordable travel destination for families and individuals, with a small entry fee. Visitors can enjoy watching the local animals and their daily routine. One of the best things to do when visiting the Waterways Wildlife Park is to spend some time at the koala enclosure. Visitors can go inside the enclosure with a staff member to pat and take photos with these furry creatures.
Gunnedah Rural Museum
Gunnedah Rural Museum is renowned as one of Australia’s largest collections of vintage agricultural machinery and items from past rural lifestyles. The museum offers visitors a unique insight into Australia’s rich agricultural history with a range of vintage materials on display, including tractors, stationary engines, workshop manuals, and agricultural machinery.
Heritage Sculptures
Pensioners Hill Heritage Sculptures are a striking reminder of chapters of Gunnedah’s history. Sculptures created by Carl Merten and Joan Relke and erected by the Rotary Club of Gunnedah West feature along the walkway to the top of this popular lookout.
Kitchener Park
The park features a shaded playground that is suitable for children of all ages. There is also a sporting oval where visitors can play soccer, cricket, and other sports. Spectators can enjoy the grandstands and grab refreshments from the canteen. Kitchener Park hosts various sporting and community events throughout the year.
Lions Park
Lions Park is a popular destination for families and tourists. It offers a range of amenities, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enjoyment. The park features an enclosed playground with various equipment for kids, as well as a spacious outdoor area for picnics and barbecues.
Poets Precinct
The Poets Precinct in Gunnedah is a beautiful tribute to Australian poet Dorothea Mackellar. It features a bronze statue of Dorothea on a horse, surrounded by plaques of her poems along the Maas Walk. The precinct also includes war memorials such as the Eighth Division Memorial Avenue, Remembrance Grove, and the Water Tower Museum with its impressive murals.
Lake Keepit
The park is spread over 4,000 hectares on the banks of Lake Keepit, which is a man-made lake created in 1960. The park offers a range of activities for visitors, including fishing, boating, water skiing, and swimming. The park is home to several walking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
Porcupine Lookout
The lookout provides visitors with a panoramic view of Gunnedah and the scenic Nandewar Ranges located over 100 kilometres away. Along with this, the northern platform of Porcupine Lookout offers views of the Kelvin Hills and Kelvin State Forest, where the famous 'Nobby's Rock' stands out in the afternoon sun.
Gunnedah Water Tower Museum
The Water Tower Museum is located in Anzac Park on South Street and is housed in an old water tower reservoir. The museum has a large display of memorabilia, artefacts, and archives with four floors and an observation deck.