I spy Narrabri
from Sydney to Narrabri distance 527 kilometres (one way)
Located at the junction of the Newell and Kamilaroi highways in the heart of Namoi Valley in North West New South Wales, Narrabri’s national parks, landscapes and irresistible country charm make it an unbeatable destination for road trippers. Often referred to as ‘Big Sky Country’, the region – encompassing Narrabri, Mount Kaputar National Park, Pilliga, Wee Waa and Boggabri – offers a nature immersion for active families.
The semi-arid woodlands of the Pilliga Forest is crisscrossed with 2,000 kilometres of walking and driving tracks. Explore the Salt Caves, hike to the Lookout Tower for insane views and head to Dandry Gorge for the magnificent Sculptures in the Scrub walk, celebrating Aboriginal culture and history. While you’re there, keep an eye out for black cockatoos, grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and the mythical Pilliga Yowie, said to roam these parts. Cool off in Yarrie Lake, a saucer-shaped expanse of water on the edge of the Pilliga Scrub that’s home to an abundance of birdlife and yabbies; should you feel like taking the kids on an adventure, try your hand at yabbying.
If your Yarrie yabbying proves unsuccessful, you can also take the kids to Narrabri Fish Farm, the largest hatchery-based aquaculture farm in NSW, for an exciting day of fishing and yabbying. Here, you can visit the hatchery, see aquariums, feed fish in their ponds and take a photo with Wal, the sculptured cod.
To escape the summer heat, drive 52 kilometres east of Narrabri to Mount Kaputar National Park, a dramatic landscape of lava terraces and volcanic plugs that rises in spectacular fashion from the flat agricultural plains. At its 1,512-metre summit, the temperature is a solid 10 degrees cooler than sea level. In a separate section of the 51,000 hectare park, tackle the short, kid-friendly route along the Sawn Rocks walking track to see the towering, 40-metre-high organ pipe rock formation, remains of basalt lava flow from the Nandewar (Mount Kaputar) volcano some 21 million years ago.
For something completely different, visit CSIRO’S Australia Telescope, the largest radio telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. Open seven days a week, it offers your little space cadets the opportunity to enjoy the facility’s hands-on displays and whispering dishes, where the kids can transmit the quietest whisper hundreds of metres to another dish. If you listen closely, it’s bound to be a message saying just how much they love Narrabri. explorenarrabriregion.com.au
A little bit country
from Sydney to Maitland distance 166 kilometres (one way)
Whether you’re seeking a restful rural retreat, keen on a creative quest or hooked on heritage holidays, Maitland is a delightful destination for a weekend roadie.
Nestled on the banks of the Hunter River, the traditional land of the Wonnarua People, Maitland is an easy two-hour drive from
Sydney and packs a one-two punch of country charm and city convenience.
Pop into Maitland Regional Art Gallery, its walls strewn with more than 6,000 artworks, for guided kids’ art activities on Free Art Sundays. Visit The Levee – a pedestrian space packed with entertainment, shopping, eateries and street art. One of the city’s most popular attractions is the history-soaked Maitland Gaol where the ghostly ‘Snitch the Rat’ shares the gaol’s secrets, stories and fun and fascinating facts with kids as he leads them on a selfguided audio adventure through the cells. And for those seeking a bucolic break, there are plenty of farm stays within coo-ee of town, where the kids can wake up with the cattle, sheep and alpacas that call them home.
Before making the return journey home, take a detour to the National Trust-listed town of Morpeth, an old Hunter River port that was once a major hub in the colony’s trading network. Take a heritage walk along the prettily preserved main street and bike, scoot and stroll through Ray Lawler Reserve. Just leave time to stock up on supplies at Campbell’s store (the Ginger Beer is amazing) before popping into Miss Lily’s Lollies for homemade fudge and a huge range of candy. You’ll get no argument from the kids. mymaitland.com.au