Coonabarabran

Stargazing, fossils and buildings with a long history give Coonabarabran a diverse character. At the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre, visitors can see the skeleton and skull of a Diprotodon, the largest marsupial ever to live. If you’d like to pair your stay with a look at the night sky, you can also consider Milroy Observatory: it is 10 km from Coonabarabran and offers stargazing shows every clear night. These different experiences can help you focus your holiday rental search on the discoveries that interest you most.

Visitor centre and Diprotodon exhibition

The staff and volunteers at the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre can advise visitors on what to do, where to stay and eat, and what is happening in the Shire. The centre has public facilities, park-like gardens and free barbecue facilities. So you can ask not only about activities when planning your trip there, but also get advice on accommodation and dining.

The Australian Museum Diprotodon Exhibition displays the skeleton and skull of the prehistoric marsupial. This particular exhibit makes the exhibition a special stop for anyone interested in fossils and natural history. Free guided tours of the exhibition are available for groups; advance booking is required. If you’re planning a group visit, booking ahead is therefore an important step.

Night skies, river and minerals

Milroy Observatory adds stargazing to the natural history experiences. Its stargazing shows take place every clear night, and the observatory is 10 km from Coonabarabran.

The Sky River Path, “Warrambul Warruwi”, is also part of Coonabarabran’s river landscape. The path is being developed along the Castlereagh River and includes seating by the river, information boards, a sculpture and a mural. These planned features combine the riverside setting with art and information. Crystal Kingdom offers a different way to explore the history of the Earth: it displays more than 500 examples of local minerals and fossils. For families who enjoy choosing between different themes, stargazing, a Diprotodon exhibit, and local minerals and fossils provide distinct areas of interest.

Local history and historic places

The central business district around John Street, between Cassilis Street and the Castlereagh River, reflects the impact of several economic booms in the 20th century. A look at the town’s buildings adds specific, precisely dated milestones to this impression: Coonabarabran Courthouse was built from local sandstone and completed in 1878. Christ Church Coonabarabran was completed in 1939. The McDonagh Coonabarabran Ltd store was built in 1911; its original façade was altered with Art Deco details in the late 1920s.

Another notable date is associated with the Coonabarabran War Memorial Clock Tower: Major General Charles Frederick Cox unveiled it on 22 August 1928. The Woodpecker Gun is a war memorial to those who served in the Second World War and is free to visit. Along with the historic buildings and the business district, it offers another way to explore the town’s history.

Neilson Park and choosing accommodation

Neilson Park’s history is also one of change. Development of the park at its current location began in June 1928; by 1935, it had been renamed Neilson Park from River Park. If you’re interested in the town’s development, you can include this park as a historical point of interest in your travel plans.

When looking for a holiday rental in Coonabarabran, it’s worth deciding what matters most to you: are you mainly interested in the exhibition and local history, or would you also like to plan a visit to Milroy Observatory? The places mentioned offer different themes, but not the same kind of experience. If a group tour of the Diprotodon Exhibition or Crystal Kingdom’s guided group tours are part of your plans, note the relevant requirements: advance booking is required for the exhibition, while Crystal Kingdom’s guided group tour must be booked in advance.

For the broader travel overview: Warrumbungle Shire Council.