Welcome to the Great Western Plains.
Filling the central region of the state, the Great Western Plains strikes the perfect balance between blissful relaxation, heart pumping adrenaline and everything else in between.
Great big adventures begin in Dubbo and the Great Western Plains. Dubbo’s anchor location and network of transport links makes it the perfect base from which to explore some of the most unique destinations Australia has to offer.
Delight in extraordinary experiences / Find that incredible place where freedom runs wild. Choose to disconnect your electronics and re-connect with those nearest and dearest to you. Take time to travel through the untouched allure of regional NSW.
Explore immense natural landscapes / Walk, ride, run or row – take to the great outdoors and wander the road less travelled. Fly amongst the clouds, explore extensive marshes and mountain ranges or camp under a sky blanketed in stars, take home memories to last a lifetime.
Uncover vast history, heritage and culture / Tread in the footsteps of those who walked the plains millennia ago. The story of this region is rich and vibrant, woven with a tapestry of Aboriginal heritage and colonial history.
Catch tremendous and unusual events / Become a local for a day or two and enjoy unforgettable celebrations. From high energy rodeos and classic country shows, to aviation antics and celebrations of star filled skies – the region’s events calendar is sure to entertain.
Whatever adventure you’re chasing, you will find it in the Great Western Plains!
Image credit: Destination NSW
Are we there yet?
Dubbo | Wellington | Gilgandra | Narromine | Nyngan | Warren | Coonabarabran | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dubbo | - | 30 min | 40 min | 30 min | 105 mins | 75 min | 110 min |
Wellington | 30 min | - | 75 min | 60 min | 145 mins | 120 min | 150 min |
Gilgandra | 40 min | 75 min | - | 60 min | 105 mins | 50 min | 60 min |
Narromine | 30 min | 60 min | 60 min | - | 105 mins | 50 min | 120 min |
Nyngan | 105 min | 145 mins | 105 mins | 105 mins | - | 50 mins | 170 mins |
Warren | 75 min | 120 min | 50 min | 50 min | 50 mins | - | 120 min |
Coonabarabran | 110 min | 150 min | 60 min | 120 min | 170 mins | 120 min | - |
Gilgandra
The Gilgandra Region offers visitors a warm, welcoming experience with it’s charming towns, breathtaking landscapes, and lively local events.
Begin your adventure at the Gilgandra Cultural Precinct, peruse the Gilgandra Museum, murals and Coo-ee Heritage Centre.
Take a stroll along the Windmill Walk to Miller Street, where you’ll find delicious coffee, food and great shopping.
Venture to Armatree to see the iconic Big ArmaTree, a stunning sculptural landmark. Snap a selfie before taking a quick stroll to enjoy a hearty meal at the Armatree Hotel.
Tooraweenah, the gateway to the stunning Warrumbungle National Park, is a must-visit for hiking, camping, and stargazing. It offers unique art, historic buildings, and a friendly atmosphere where visitors are quickly made to feel like locals.
Don’t miss the region’s highlight event – Goin’ to Gil Weekend featuring Under the Gums! Celebrating food, music, art, and culture, the weekend is packed with live performances, parade, markets and more.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, culture lover, or simply seeking a peaceful country escape, the Gilgandra Region is the perfect destination to visit, explore and stay.
Gilgandra Visitor Information Centre
Gilgandra Coo-ee Heritage Centre, 6452 Newell Highway
(02) 6817 8700 | gilgandraregion.com.au
Narromine
Narromine has a rich aviation history and is renowned for its fantastic thermals, making it one of the world’s best gliding locations. The Narromine Region includes three very unique towns, the centre being the town of Narromine on the banks of the Macquarie River, Tomingley a quaint village on the edge of the Goobang National Park and Trangie with a strong Cobb and Co History.
Renowned for its rich agricultural diversity paired with excellent tourist attractions, the Narromine Region is the perfect spot to stop and enjoy the delights of rural New South Wales.
Experience country hospitality and enjoy a great range of local shopping experiences, unique eateries and exciting attractions scattered throughout the three towns.
Narromine Visitor Information Centre
Narromine Aerodrome, Mitchell Highway, Narromine
(02) 6889 7131 | narromineregion.com.au
Nyngan
Start your adventure in Nyngan, the gateway to the outback, where you’ll find a warm and welcoming community, charming local dining options, cozy accommodations, and easy access to explore the surrounding beauty.
Nyngan sits along the tranquil Bogan River, where it was established in the 1880s and boosted by the arrival of the railway in 1882. This spurred agricultural and commercial growth, making Bogan Shire known for its robust agricultural sector, focusing on wool, cattle, and cropping enterprises.
Introduce yourself to the Big Bogan, Nyngan’s contribution to Australia’s list of ‘big things’ and dive into the rich local history at the Nyngan Museum and Cobb & Co. Shed. Continue your adventure to Coolabah, Hermidale, and Girilambone villages, each offering distinct experiences and a deep sense of history, including the renovated Girilambone Railway Station.
Whether you’re exploring the natural wonders, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, or learning about the region’s past, there’s something for everyone.
With its friendly vibe, diverse attractions, and rich history, Bogan Shire is the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful and memorable getaway. The area’s fascinating past reflects the broader story of rural Australia, making it an ideal place to connect with both nature and history.
Bogan Shire Council
81 Cobar Street, Nyngan
(02) 6835 9000 | bogan.nsw.gov.au
Warren
This charming town, known as the “Gateway to the Macquarie Marshes,” offers a tapestry of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquillity that will capture the hearts of every traveller.
Whether you’re a keen birdwatcher eager to glimpse rare species in their serene wetland habitats, a family looking for memorable adventures, or a couple craving a peaceful escape under glittering outback skies, Warren has something for everyone.
Immerse yourself in the warmth of our generous, welcoming community, where locals are always ready to share the best spots for stargazing or where to spot the iconic brolga. Let the kids run free in our open spaces, explore scenic walking trails, or try their hand at fishing along the Macquarie River.
For those seeking true relaxation, Warren offers a slower pace. Unwind amid stunning sunsets, enjoy the simple pleasures of life in the countryside, and discover the magic of reconnecting with nature. Whether for a day, a weekend, or longer, Warren invites you to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary.
Warren Visitor Information Centre
2 Coonamble Road, Warren
(02) 6847 6665 | warren.nsw.gov.au/discover/visitor-guide
Warrumbungles
Escape to the incredible Warrumbungle Region, home to Australia’s first Dark Sky Park and the iconic Warrumbungle mountain range. This is a spectacular destination for hiking and stargazing, where you’ll find charming country towns, fascinating museums and great events for all ages.
Discover hidden treasures and unwind in the region’s peaceful towns of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Mendooran, Baradine and Binnaway and experience the magic of it all.
Discover giant grass trees in Coolah Tops National Park, and marvel at rare birds and wildlife in the Pilliga Forest. Visit Australia’s largest optical astronomy research facility, admire mineral and fossil displays, watch artists at work and meet the friendly locals.
Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre
with Diprotodon Museum
Newell Highway, Coonabarabran NSW 2357
(02) 6849 2144 | warrumbungleregion.com.au

The Great Escape
Un-hitch, un-plug and unwind. No matter which direction you point your compass, Dubbo, Wellington and the Great Western Plains are the ultimate destinations for freedom travellers.
From comfortable and well-appointed caravan parks and campsites, to off the grid escapes in free camping areas, you will find somewhere perfect to rest your head. Enjoy the exhilaration of reeling in 'the big one' in one of our many rivers and lakes, or unpack the kayak and paddle the day away on the water. Enjoy the peaceful sights and sounds of the Aussie bush before you retire for a night under a blanket of stars.
If you have plenty of time to roam, keep a few days spare and take the long way home! There is always more to explore and the unspoilt surrounds of the Great Western Plains are a haven for native flora, fauna and wandering souls in need of respite. Just a brief drive from the nearest town or city and yet you will feel a million miles away.