Narrabri

Narrabri is situated on the banks of the Namoi River, 420 kilometres by air north-west from Sydney, 40km west of the Nandewar Range. It is 100km from Moree, 100km from Gunnedah and 120km from Coonabarabran. The town has a population of about 7,250 and is the centre of a large irrigation and dryland farming district producing cotton, oilseeds, premium grade wheat, grain sorghum, sheep and cattle. There are four science research stations in the Narrabri District: the University of Sydney's Plant Breeding Institute, the NSW Agriculture and Fisheries and CSIRO Cotton Research Station, as well as the Australia Telescope National Facility.

The closest attraction is Yarrie Lake, a haven for both birds and motorboats (though not necessarily in tandem). At approximately 10km away, it is an ideal distance to ride with the observatory bikes. (Please note that helmets are required if riding off-site. These can be borrowed from reception, downstairs in the control building. Care needs to be taken along the road to Wee Waa before the turn-off to Yarrie Lakes; the speed limit is 100 km/hr but cars often travel faster and they are not necessarily looking out for cyclists.) The Mount Kaputar National Park is located in the Nandewar Ranges just to the east of Narrabri. The Park, like the Warrumbungles near Coonabarabran, is of recent volcanic origin but is on a much grander scale. It covers an area in excess of 40,000 hectares (1 hectare = 10,000m$^2$) and contains a dozen peaks over 1000 metres in height. The highest is Mount Kaputar at 1511 metres above sea level, from which one can see much of NSW (on a clear day). The drive up is interesting in itself, as the vegetation changes to suit the alpine climate on the plateau. Camping areas and cabins are located at Dawsons Springs on the Kaputar Plateau, and Green Camp about half way up. Many walking trails have also been developed in the area but much of the Park is managed as a wilderness area. For more information about how to get to Yarrie Lake or various sites in the Mt Kaputar National Park, ask the local staff for directions.

Between Narrabri and Coonabarabran, to the south west of Narrabri, lies the 465,000 hectare Pilliga scrub. A large part of this area is preserved in the Pilliga Nature Reserve and the balance is the source of much of the state's cypress pine timber. The area is a mass of wild flowers in spring and is home to emus, kangaroos and wallabies in large numbers. Other district attractions include Keepit Dam upstream on the Namoi River and the sophisticated Cotton Growing Industry located downstream from Narrabri based on irrigation from the dam. Across the Nandewar Range to the east are located some of the state's most interesting gem and rock fossicking areas.