Gunnedah to Coonabarabran drive: Distance, time & best stops

The best stops on the Gunnedah to Coonabarabran drive are the Siding Spring Observatory in Coonabarabran and the Mendooran murals. The distance from Gunnedah to Coonabarabran is 106km, with a driving time of around 1h8m.

The drive from Gunnedah to Coonabarabran connects one of the biggest towns in New England to the astronomy capital of New South Wales. Many travellers will pass this way on the way from Gunnedah to Dubbo.

To find Gunnedah accommodation options, head here.

To book a Siding Spring observatory tour near Coonabarabran, head here. For Coonabarabran accommodation, look here.

This guide is aimed at helping travellers plan their perfect Gunnedah to Coonabarabran road trip.

Gunnedah to Coonabarabran distance and driving time

By car along sealed roads, the distance from Gunnedah to Coonabarabran is 106km. That makes for a Gunnedah to Coonabarabran driving time of around one hour and eight minutes.

The quickest driving route from Gunnedah to Coonabarabran leaves Gunnedah along the Oxley Highway. This runs north of the Wondoba State Conservation Area. The 150^th Meridian Rest Area offers a possible break before reaching the village of Mullaley, but most will continue to the Mullaley Roadhouse. It’s as good a place as any to pick up fuel and snacks for the journey.

Gunnedah to Coonabarabran drive: Garrawilla National Park

The Gunnedah to Coonabarabran drive then continues through a rural landscape with a few creeks and not an awful lot more. You eventually come to Garrawilla National Park, which was created in 2005 and set aside for conservation rather than recreation. Don’t expect tourist-friendly facilities here – you may as well continue straight into Coonabarabran.

The best way to tackle Coonabarabran is hiking in Warrumbungle National Park by day, then stargazing at night at the Siding Spring Observatory or Milroy Observatory. It’s also possible to do a tour of Australia’s largest telescope at Siding Spring.