Things to do in Coonabarabran, NSW: Best attractions

The best things to do in Coonabarabran, NSW, include stargazing at the Milroy Observatory and walking in Warrumbungle National Park.

Coonabarabran, NSW, is a country town on the Newell Highway, on the cusp of the centre-west and northern slopes regions. It’s also one of the most attractive inland towns in New South Wales for visitors. This is largely because of its proximity to Warrumbungle National Park, which is great for birdwatching, walking and stargazing.

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Things to do in Coonabarabran, NSW: Siding Spring Observatory

And stargazing is top of the list of things to do in Coonabarabran. There are two key observatories here. The Siding Spring Observatory is on the edge of Warrumbungle National Park, and is used as a research facility by the Australian National University.

A visitor centre is open during the day, explaining the work that goes on at Siding Spring. It’s possible to do a tour inside Australia’s largest telescope. But it’s a working facility, so there is no public access at night.

The Siding Spring Observatory near Coonabarabran, New South Wales. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

Things to do in Coonabarabran, NSW: Milroy Observatory

For a public stargazing experience, try the Milroy Observatory. Here, there are several night sky shows every evening, as ‘Donna the Astronomer’ teaches guests how to observe the heavens.

Other things to do in Coonabarabran, NSW, include the Pillaga Nature Reserve, which is just to the north-east of town, and Crystal Kingdom. This minerals and fossils museum is difficult to miss due to the massive fibreglass dinosaur outside.

The drive from Dubbo to Coonabarabran is 144km long.