Welcome to Gunnedah, a delightful country town that really does have the best of it all, a warm and welcoming community, long-standing agricultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and a culturally rich and vibrant town centre. Known for being the subject of Dorothea Mackellar’s timeless 1908 poem ‘I Love A Sunburnt Country’, as well as its claim of ‘koala capital’, this charming regional centre has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re staying locally in Gunnedah or heading off to explore the wider region, read on as we explore everything that this delightful country destination has to offer.
Community Spirit in the Heart of the Country
When visiting Gunnedah, the ideal first stop is the centre of town, where you’ll instantly find yourself captivated by its friendly, warm nature and rural charm. For a country town of this size, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised at the variety and number of attractions on offer, including a thriving creative art scene. After picking up your Hertz rental from the convenient Gunnedah Downtown location, get to know the town and its characters with a pleasant stroll down the thriving and vibrant main street. Home to several boutique-style cafes, as well as specialty stores, bars and restaurants, Conadilly Street is the perfect place to spend a morning. Pop in to Plains of Plenty for a great local selection of handmade artisan goods from local makers and producers before finding yourself at The Verdict Coffee for a delicious brunch and coffee as you watch the world go.
Gunnedah boasts an up-and-coming creative arts scene and is home to several excellent galleries and public art projects. You’ll find varied and impressive exhibitions on display at The Civic Centre Cultural Precinct. This vibrant community hub isn’t only home to an excellent information centre, but also a cinema and two art galleries, housed in the site of the heritage-listed old Town Hall. Continuing the theme of art, you’ll also find beautiful exhibitions in the Work of Art Community Gallery, a hidden gem of Gunnedah housed in one of the town’s historic homes. This gorgeous gallery has a strong focus on local artists and is an asset that’s cherished by the local community. While you’re enjoying the stunning pieces here, top it off with lunch at Palette Cafe in the shady gallery garden.
If you’re out and about in town, make sure to look up - you might just spot a koala. Thanks to a hugely successful koala program, a population of over 60 healthy koalas live within the town limits, and they are known to make frequent appearances in the trees that line the main street, as well as most of the city’s parks. The koala-friendly tree corridors planted throughout town have done such a good job at encouraging koalas, that the resident koalas have become an icon of the town, adored by locals and visitors alike.
Feeling peckish after a day out in Gunnedah? Treat your tastebuds to a night out of culinary excellence. Occupying a prominent high-street position in town, The Croft offers an exquisite and luxurious dining experience with a focus on highlighting the best of the region’s beautiful produce. The menu is small and features modern-Australian fare, but the flavours are big in this upscale restaurant. Famous for its divine spread, wine, and ambience, get ready for a night out to be remembered. Of course, if you do decide to enjoy a wine or two, be sure to have a designated driver nominated.
A Sunburnt Country
After enjoying the sights and cultural attractions in town, take a drive around in your Hertz rental car to catch some of the highlights at a more leisurely pace. The Gunnedah Town Discovery trail is a fantastic way to explore the town - this 36-stop, self-drive tour of the town is well signposted to guide you on an insightful tour of the town.
First stop along the way is ANZAC park, home to the iconic Dorothea Mackellar memorial statue and the Mackellar Centre, where you can find out more about the poet and see works of art inspired by her literature. Just moments away is Gunnedah Water Tower Museum, home to stunning public murals and a small local history museum.
Next up, the drive takes you around the edge of town where you can take in breathtaking views from the heights of Porcupine Lookout. From here, head for a stroll along the Bindea Track - this lovely short walk winds through native bushland that's home to koalas and kangaroos, as well as panoramic viewpoints over the town and beyond. Finish your day with a golden sunset at the final stop of the tour, Pensioners Hill Lookout.
Located in the heart of Country New South Wales, Gunnedah is a thriving regional town known for its true-blue hospitality, gorgeous local produce, and a well-deserved reputation as the koala capital of Australia. The town is a must-do for lovers of these cute, furry marsupials, and you’ll be sure to find plenty of other reasons to fall in love with it. However, you decide to do Gunnedah, Hertz makes getting around a breeze.
