Forbes to Goondiwindi road trip: Distance, time & best stops

Attractions between Forbes and Goondiwindi: Dubbo to Narrabri

From Dubbo to Coonabarabran, the quickest route passes through the Goonoo State Conservation Area and along Mendooran Road.

It’s worth a brief stop in dairy town Mendooran to take a look at the murals depicting rural life, which are painted on buildings across the town.

If stopping in Coonabarabran, go hiking by day in the Warrumbungle National Park, then stargazing at night at the Milroy Observatory. You can also take a tour of Australia’s largest telescope at the Siding Spring Observatory.

For the stargazing experiences, you’re probably going to want to stay overnight.

Best Coonabarabran accommodation recommendations

The best places to stay in Coonabarabran are:

For overall quality: Acacia Motor Lodge.
For charm and homeliness: Langley Cottage B&B.
For a cheap, decent motel: Matthew Flinders Motor Inn.

Otherwise, the drive continues past Timmallallie National Park and through the Pillaga Forests and towards

Top of the list of things to do in Narrabri is getting a taste of historic prison life at the Narrabri Old Gaol and Museum. And, just west of town, there’s the Australia Telescope Compact Array, where a rather cool-looking series of radio telescopes receive signals from space.

Narrabri accommodation possibilities include the four star Adelong Motel and the well-located Mid Town Inn.

Forbes to Goondiwindi road trip: Narrabri to Goondiwindi

It’s another 100km from Narrabri to Moree, although you may wish to detour to Mount Kaputar National Park for the views and walking trails.

Things to do in Moree include birdwatching at the Waterbird Lagoon bird hide in the Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area, visiting the Bank Art Museum and swimming at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

What’s the best Moree accommodation?

Moree makes a logical overnight stop on many road trips. These are the best accommodation choices.

For exclusive artesian spa pools: Artesian Spa Motel.
For great reviews & a restaurant: Albert Motel.
For solid, well-priced apartments with a pool: Jackaroo Apartments.

From Moree, the Newell Highway heads towards border town Boggabilla, then over into Queensland. The first town you’ll reach is Goondiwindi. There’s a nice mix of history and culture here, with attractions including the Customs House Museum and Goondiwindi Art and Sculpture Trail.