Narrabri: Cotton, Columns and Radio Quiet
Narrabri was a familiar dot on our map — we’d passed through before, but this time we decided to linger and take a closer look. Our first stop was the information centre. Inside, a full-sized cotton harvester made for an unexpectedly fun photo op — of course, we clambered up for a few cheeky selfies.
One of the top recommendations was Sawn Rocks, so we headed out to check them out. These towering basalt formations — like something straight out of a geology textbook — really stopped us in our tracks. Like a semi-ruined cathedral, the stone columns rise dramatically from the creek bed, remnants of the region’s volcanic past. It’s an easy walk in, and well worth the short drive from town. We were glad we didn’t skip it.
Back in Narrabri, we decided to slow down. A local Rotary market was on, so we wandered through the stalls, picked up a few bits and pieces, and tucked into some delicious homemade scones. Soft, buttery, and still warm from the oven — just the kind of treat you hope to stumble across on a relaxed Saturday morning.
The next day, as we made our way out of town, we couldn’t resist a visit to the Australia Telescope Compact Array. It’s an impressive sight — five massive dish antennas stretching out in a line, quietly scanning the skies. The place is part of a radio quiet zone, so we were careful to turn off everything… or so we thought. That was until a loudspeaker blared out a warning that one of us (cough, Neil!) had left a smartwatch on. Oops. Not our finest moment, but we did fix it quickly, and left with a newfound appreciation for how much tech surrounds us daily.
Narrabri surprised us. It didn’t need big hikes or a long checklist. The mix of nature, small-town charm and unexpected science made it a place we were glad to revisit properly.
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Narrabri
A regional town in northern New South Wales, known for cotton farming, volcanic landscapes, and the nearby Australia Telescope Compact Array.
How to Get There
Narrabri sits on the Newell Highway, about 560 km northwest of Sydney and 260 km south of Goondiwindi. Fully sealed access from all directions.
What to See, Tours and Activities
What we did:
Climbed the cotton harvester at the Visitor Information Centre.
Visited Sawn Rocks.
Wandered the Rotary Markets.
Explored the Australia Telescope Compact Array (with one smartwatch mishap).
Other highlights nearby:
Mount Kaputar National Park and the Nandewar Ranges.
The Pilliga Forest and Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths.
Narrabri Lake for birdwatching and evening walks.
Narrabri Fish Farm tours (quirky but fun).
When to Visit
Spring and autumn bring warm, comfortable days. Summer is hot, while winter mornings can be crisp with bright skies. Markets and community events run throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
Narrabri felt like a good balance — a bit of geology, a bit of science, a dash of small-town comfort and a few laughs along the way. A relaxed stop that’s easy to enjoy.
What’s Nearby
North leads to Moree and the Queensland border; south takes you toward Coonabarabran and the Warrumbungles.
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Fast Facts
Location: Narrabri, North West NSW
Distance: 260 km south of Goondiwindi
Traditional Owners: Kamilaroi People
Access: Sealed highways
Facilities: Visitor centre, cafes, supermarkets, parks, fuel
Walking Track: Sawn Rocks walking trail
Dog Friendly: Yes, around town (not at Sawn Rocks)
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn
Things That Could Kill You (Probably Won’t)
A semi-serious guide to surviving Australia. Mostly common sense, occasionally luck.
Basalt Columns: Falling rocks aren’t common, but still… don’t loiter under overhangs.
Market Scones: Impossible to stop at one.
Radio Quiet Zones: Your smartwatch will dob you in if you forget.
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