The Kamilaroi Highway runs through the agricultural heartland of New South Wales.
Beginning at Willow Creek and drawing to an end in Bourke, this route is ideal for a driving holiday through some of Australia's most historic towns and outback.
Spanning a total distance of 600 kilometres, visitors should allow themselves several days to explore this route and soak up everything that the Kamilaroi has to offer! Safe and sealed roads make this trip an ideal driving experience, whether you are travelling by car or campervan.
Driving this course will take you among rolling hills, golden fields of wheat and the sunburnt plains of the outback.
Soak up the stunning colours of the endless sunflower fields and the spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges, while marvelling at the vastness of this area.
Willow Creek and Quirindi Begin your driving adventure of the Kamilaroi Highway at Willow Creek and venture the 16 kilometres up the road to Quirindi.
Once known as the main service centre for the famous Liverpool Plains grazing runs, the rich, historical essence of the town is embedded in the pavements and heritage buildings that line the quaint streets of this country town.
While visiting Quirindi, get a taste of the agricultural history of the area and visit the Rural Heritage Village.
Browse the collection of old homewares and explore the remnants of remaining farming machinery and vehicles.
Gunnedah Situated a further 82 kilometres from Quirindi along the Kamilaroi Highway lies the koala capital of the world, Gunnedah.
This rich agricultural area is home to the largest population of koalas in Australia, making it an ideal destination for the kids to explore and interact with these native creatures.
Take the "Town Drive," which will guide you past the Rural Museum, Water Town Museum, Cumbo Gunnedah Gallery and various lookouts and walking tracks.
Allow plenty of time for this drive to explore these historical facets of this charming community.
Narrabri Approximately an hour's drive north-westerly of Gunnedah is the picturesque town of Narrabri.
Nestled between the Nandewar Range, which includes Mt Kaputar National Park, this is the perfect place to base yourself for further exploration of these areas.
Stay in one of the four caravan parks on offer, each offering a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, which is sure to make your stay a pleasant one.
Awake refreshed and ready to discover the natural wonder and beauty of this dramatic mountain country.
Lightening Ridge Prepare yourself for a non-stop 268 kilometre journey of vast, sunburnt outback as you take the journey from Narrabri to Lightening Ridge.
This small opal mining town is situated on the Lightening Ridge opal fields, making it the ideal place to take underground mining tours and view opal-cutting demonstrations.
Base yourself here for another night after the long drive you have just accomplished.
Choose from the pleasant caravan parks which offer peaceful and relaxing sites for you to park your campervan, pitch your tent or settle into one of the comfortable cabins.
Walgett Walgett is situated a 78 kilometre drive from Lightening Ridge, which makes it the ideal distance to arrive before lunch.
This small rural community is positioned at the junction of the Barwon and Namoi Rivers, which makes it the perfect destination to get on the water for a boating adventure.
Canoe or kayak the calm waters or find a quiet spot for a morning of fishing.
Relax and soak up the serenity of this hideaway and prepare for the next leg of your Kamilaroi journey.
Brewarrina Continue your fishing experience in Brewarrina, located just a 121 kilometre drive from Walgett.
Visit the Aboriginal fisheries in the bed of the Darling River and explore the Aboriginal Cultural Museum to get a taste of the Indigenous history of this town.
Bourke Less then an hour's drive from Brewarrina will bring you into the heart of the outback: Bourke.
This country town is known as the wool shipment capital of Australia! Choose to spend the night and you can spend the following day exploring the Aboriginal artefacts, the Old Railway Station and visit the grave site and memorial of Fred Hollows.
The history and atmosphere of Bourke encapsulates the essence of the Kamilaroi Highway journey and allows you to reminisce the wonderful scenery that you have just experienced.
Just a few tips...
While driving the Kamilaroi Highway always be on the lookout for the native animals that wander this area as they have a tendency to venture onto the roads.
While travelling during daylight hours keep your lights on at low beam to ensure that oncoming vehicles can see you.
Stay on recognised routes ensuring that you always carry a current road map.
Most importantly, always be well stocked with water, fuel and tools as the outback is unpredictable and it is always better to be safe then sorry! Following these few simple guidelines will ensure that your Kamilaroi Highway adventure remains safe, fun and memorable.
Enjoy! Christine Barton
Beginning at Willow Creek and drawing to an end in Bourke, this route is ideal for a driving holiday through some of Australia's most historic towns and outback.
Spanning a total distance of 600 kilometres, visitors should allow themselves several days to explore this route and soak up everything that the Kamilaroi has to offer! Safe and sealed roads make this trip an ideal driving experience, whether you are travelling by car or campervan.
Driving this course will take you among rolling hills, golden fields of wheat and the sunburnt plains of the outback.
Soak up the stunning colours of the endless sunflower fields and the spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges, while marvelling at the vastness of this area.
Willow Creek and Quirindi Begin your driving adventure of the Kamilaroi Highway at Willow Creek and venture the 16 kilometres up the road to Quirindi.
Once known as the main service centre for the famous Liverpool Plains grazing runs, the rich, historical essence of the town is embedded in the pavements and heritage buildings that line the quaint streets of this country town.
While visiting Quirindi, get a taste of the agricultural history of the area and visit the Rural Heritage Village.
Browse the collection of old homewares and explore the remnants of remaining farming machinery and vehicles.
Gunnedah Situated a further 82 kilometres from Quirindi along the Kamilaroi Highway lies the koala capital of the world, Gunnedah.
This rich agricultural area is home to the largest population of koalas in Australia, making it an ideal destination for the kids to explore and interact with these native creatures.
Take the "Town Drive," which will guide you past the Rural Museum, Water Town Museum, Cumbo Gunnedah Gallery and various lookouts and walking tracks.
Allow plenty of time for this drive to explore these historical facets of this charming community.
Narrabri Approximately an hour's drive north-westerly of Gunnedah is the picturesque town of Narrabri.
Nestled between the Nandewar Range, which includes Mt Kaputar National Park, this is the perfect place to base yourself for further exploration of these areas.
Stay in one of the four caravan parks on offer, each offering a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, which is sure to make your stay a pleasant one.
Awake refreshed and ready to discover the natural wonder and beauty of this dramatic mountain country.
Lightening Ridge Prepare yourself for a non-stop 268 kilometre journey of vast, sunburnt outback as you take the journey from Narrabri to Lightening Ridge.
This small opal mining town is situated on the Lightening Ridge opal fields, making it the ideal place to take underground mining tours and view opal-cutting demonstrations.
Base yourself here for another night after the long drive you have just accomplished.
Choose from the pleasant caravan parks which offer peaceful and relaxing sites for you to park your campervan, pitch your tent or settle into one of the comfortable cabins.
Walgett Walgett is situated a 78 kilometre drive from Lightening Ridge, which makes it the ideal distance to arrive before lunch.
This small rural community is positioned at the junction of the Barwon and Namoi Rivers, which makes it the perfect destination to get on the water for a boating adventure.
Canoe or kayak the calm waters or find a quiet spot for a morning of fishing.
Relax and soak up the serenity of this hideaway and prepare for the next leg of your Kamilaroi journey.
Brewarrina Continue your fishing experience in Brewarrina, located just a 121 kilometre drive from Walgett.
Visit the Aboriginal fisheries in the bed of the Darling River and explore the Aboriginal Cultural Museum to get a taste of the Indigenous history of this town.
Bourke Less then an hour's drive from Brewarrina will bring you into the heart of the outback: Bourke.
This country town is known as the wool shipment capital of Australia! Choose to spend the night and you can spend the following day exploring the Aboriginal artefacts, the Old Railway Station and visit the grave site and memorial of Fred Hollows.
The history and atmosphere of Bourke encapsulates the essence of the Kamilaroi Highway journey and allows you to reminisce the wonderful scenery that you have just experienced.
Just a few tips...
While driving the Kamilaroi Highway always be on the lookout for the native animals that wander this area as they have a tendency to venture onto the roads.
While travelling during daylight hours keep your lights on at low beam to ensure that oncoming vehicles can see you.
Stay on recognised routes ensuring that you always carry a current road map.
Most importantly, always be well stocked with water, fuel and tools as the outback is unpredictable and it is always better to be safe then sorry! Following these few simple guidelines will ensure that your Kamilaroi Highway adventure remains safe, fun and memorable.
Enjoy! Christine Barton
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