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Coonamble is a pleasant place surrounded by good farming country. It’s the gateway to the wetlands of the Macquarie Marshes and the rugged scenery of Warrumbungle National Park.

There are opal fields to the north, and the Pilliga State Forest, with its stands of eucalypts and salt caves, close by.

History

Coonamble’s name derives from an Aboriginal term meaning "full of dirt".

In 1840, James Walker was the first to lease land in this district, which he called the Koonamble Run.

The town began life in 1861, but fire destroyed almost all the 19th century and early 20th century buildings in the main street in 1929. Many buildings were later restored in Art Deco style.

Things to do

Search for birds at the Macquarie Marshes, which are best after rain causes the area to flood.

Discover the forested ridges, barren spires and deep gorges of Warrumbungle National Park, a 45-minute drive east of town.

Take a picnic down to the Warrena Weir for an afternoon of swimming, waterskiing and soaking up the sun.

Events

The Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft in June is the biggest combined rodeo and campdraft in the southern hemisphere.

Don’t miss

The Coonamble Museum for an outline of the town’s history.

Feeding the animals and horse riding.

A visit to one of the area’s historic country pubs – Coonamble has four pubs.

An afternoon lazing in leafy Smith Park by the riverside.

The nearby historic towns of Gulargambone and Quambone.