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Best stops along Lightning Ridge to Coonabarabran drive
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11 Best Stops Between Lightning Ridge and Coonabarabran

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedApr 10, 2023

How long is the drive from Lightning Ridge to Coonabarabran?

The direct drive from Lightning Ridge to Coonabarabran is 193 mi (310 km), and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 10 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Lightning Ridge to Coonabarabran, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with top places to visit like Outback Arts and Silo Art - painted water tower by John Murray and Uncle 'Sooty' Welsh, or the ever-popular Grawin Club in the Scrub.

Visiting Lightning Ridge or Coonabarabran? See our Lightning Ridge Trip Planner and our Coonabarabran Trip Planner.
193 mi
Total Distance
4 hrs 10 mins
Drive Time
11 stops
Cities / Attractions
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Best stops along Lightning Ridge to Coonabarabran drive

The top stops along the way from Lightning Ridge to Coonabarabran (with short detours) are New South Wales, Siding Spring Observatory, and Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre. Other popular stops include ATM, Grawin Club in the Scrub, and Outback Arts.
1

Grawin Club in the Scrub

Mentioned on 
3 lists 
Club
Nature & Parks
Grawin Club in the Scrub is a must-visit spot located about 65km southwest of Lightning Ridge. This opal mining community, established in 1908, has become a tourist attraction with its relaxed vibe and reasonable drink prices. The club offers great hamburgers and wraps, along with cold beer served by friendly staff. It's one of the three classic Outback NSW pubs near the opal fields that have gained popularity among tourists.
Honestly if your coming up this way take a day out to go on the 3 pub tours. Coming across this place was just amazing. The service was good, toilets are nice and clean and the locals around are just so welcoming too !!
Jena R — Google review
Our kids (6&3) enjoyed tearing around on the trikes available and the mini playground. Lots of space to sit outside, we had a nice cold beverage here and the food looked good that was being served. Middle of nowhere but very quirky and some great photos. Very friendly manager and a great experience! Dirt road to get out was a bit bumpy in our van but not for too long.
Lucy L — Google review
Best pub crawl in a long time, A must do experience, the locals are wonderful real people,always have story to tell.
Denise N — Google review
A very rough and ready bush pub built from scratch out of bush timber and junkyard materials It has a unique look and feel about it There is a golf course and free camping Good beer and food
Graeme F — Google review
Staff was friendly and helpful. You can do a bit of noodling if you want to find opals. Meals were great.
Karen P — Google review
The best atmosphere, friendly travellers, regulars, staff and locals. Simple meals and fair choice. Hamburgers superb, loved the Gold coin tea and coffee. Really clean nice loos. Not to hard to find with the map from tourists information. Definitely a must see. Xx
TonyandLeanne K — Google review
Great drive out, true outback feel! Loved the vibe, visited a sunday afternoon, sadly we just missed lunch but the beer was cold and the environment was awesome. The pool table has to be the coolest I have ever seen! Lots to look at and really loved the humor! Amazing bathrooms! Pet friendly on lead!
Tarra W — Google review
Lovely visit, great host that took us around and told us all about how it works in the bush.
Clairre C — Google review
4.5
(415)
•
4.0
(11)
Field Club Road, Grawin Opal Fields NSW 2832, Australia
http://www.theclubinthescrub.com.au/
+61 2 6829 3810
2

Outback Arts

Non-profit organization
Shopping
Art Galleries
I loved seeing all the talented local’s work on display and I enjoyed meeting all the artists showing their entries in the Outback Archies. Well done everybody.
Leanne H — Google review
This gallery was such a shock to me. Such a beautiful, well maintained space in a town that sees to have many not-so-loved businesses. A great gallery showcasing local artists but also a FABULOUS storefront showcasing and supporting local artists. The gallery owner was as professional as they come while still being totally approachable plus, she really knew her stuff. Last, but certainly not least, the prices were great. Even if you’re just passing in the vicinity of Coonamble, this place is definitely worth a detour to visit plus there are a few deceptively great restaurants in the same block.
Kristin N — Google review
Exhibitions are fantastic, showcasing local talent. Staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. Great range of artwork, sculptures, and supplies for sale.
Leona T — Google review
Great space in regional nsw. Worth stopping in for a look to see what the current exhibits are.
LJ D — Google review
I love Coonamble Outback Arts.
Mary S — Google review
4.9
(7)
•
4.0
(5)
26 Castlereagh St, Coonamble NSW 2829, Australia
http://www.outbackarts.com.au/
+61 2 6822 2484
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3

Silo Art - painted water tower by John Murray and Uncle 'Sooty' Welsh

Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
I was in Coonamble on Thursday and Friday this week esp to see this Water Tower, the painting on it is wonderful and gave me a new appreciation for Galahs. Well worth a visit.
TPOO173 N — Google review
The tower was lovely and there are even more stunning murals in the town to check out
Carol B — Google review
Beautiful painted water tower. There are loads of Galas in this area so it’s very apt that the artist painted these beautiful birds on the water tower.
TrishF — Google review
Awesome !!! A must see ...should be more of them.. But wait ... there is more...how good is that !!!! Stay tuned ! 😁
Robnal4wd — Google review
A very good silo. Well Painted. Worthwhile stop to look at.
Christine B — Google review
Lovely town quite a few things to see locally
Fgasco 7 — Google review
Stunning work, just watch out for the ground around it, which is covered in three corner jacks, those evil spiked prickles. My thongs were covered in them.
Steve C — Google review
Unique, eye catching, attractive work of art. The detail is amazing. Definitely a must for visitors and locals alike.
Leona T — Google review
4.5
(136)
•
4.0
(1)
Coonamble NSW 2829, Australia
4

ATM

Permanently Closed
ATM
Great coffee, great scones great building and decorations. Eat in or outside, takeaways.
Terry D — Google review
Great cafe in the same building as the information centre. Coffee is awesome and the best egg and bacon roll. Chocolate cake was delicious 😋
Joy H — Google review
Friendly staff. Great food. Very interesting history. Well worth a visit.
Gabriela B — Google review
Impressed on how the small town of Gulargambone has picked itself up and got on with life. Two eight two eight has been set up in a community refurbished hall to provide a venue for an art gallery and coffee shop. Pleasant surroundings either indoor or outdoors. Certainly worth a stop on your trip north towards Coobamble, Walgett and Lightning Ridge.
Jeff P — Google review
Nice little spot for a sit and coffee break, long distance between any other towns. Not too many food options. Very clean bathrooms
Emily H — Google review
Great little town lots of paintings around and metal art sculptures, fabulous cafe and lovely little caravan park. Just a splendid town
Greg Y — Google review
OK food but it took ages to arrive. A bacon & egg roll & ham & cheese toastie shouldn't take 35 minutes to dish up at 1.30pm on a Saturday afternoon
Damien H — Google review
cafe closed Mon and Tues; the town has quite a number of artistic sites - excellent place to visit
KEVIN D — Google review
4.4
(32)
•
4.5
(17)
28 Bourbah St, Gulargambone NSW 2828, Australia
https://atmx.com.au/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=places&utm_content=rediATM_claimed_1594039264
+61 1300 785 258
5

Gulargambone Bowling Club

Lawn bowls club
Fun & Games
Bowling Alleys
Went to meat raffle night won a meat tray and had a wonderful Chinese meal. We had the Beef with rainbow sauce and also Pork in rainbow sauce and it was delicious if in the area you try there meals
Christine F — Google review
Great Chinese, good atmosphere. Nice little town.
Jennifer B — Google review
Great place for any occasion. Friendly staff. Awesome Chinese restaurant on thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Perfect venue to catch up with friends and family. Bar staff are super friendly.
Leona T — Google review
Apparently this Chinese is amazing, but sadly when I asked for gluten free options I was bluntly told,we don't have any, quite rude. It actually not that hard,and an apology would have been nice. So disappointing told
Lisa W — Google review
Beautiful meal and service thank you
Anne H — Google review
Warm and friendly locals. There's Chinese restaurant, excellent air conditioning and good sized parking space.
DJ D — Google review
Lovely Chinese food, cold beer & great bar staff
Tony P — Google review
Meal ok if you took the banquet as we did for 6 people it was slow coming but good once it arrives
Shirley D — Google review
4.5
(21)
•
5.0
(1)
41 Armitree St, Gulargambone NSW 2828, Australia
https://www.facebook.com/share/1E9QW5dZMV/
+61 2 6825 1145
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6

Gulargambone Bowling Club

Lawn bowls club
Fun & Games
Bowling Alleys
Went to meat raffle night won a meat tray and had a wonderful Chinese meal. We had the Beef with rainbow sauce and also Pork in rainbow sauce and it was delicious if in the area you try there meals
Christine F — Google review
Great Chinese, good atmosphere. Nice little town.
Jennifer B — Google review
Great place for any occasion. Friendly staff. Awesome Chinese restaurant on thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Perfect venue to catch up with friends and family. Bar staff are super friendly.
Leona T — Google review
Apparently this Chinese is amazing, but sadly when I asked for gluten free options I was bluntly told,we don't have any, quite rude. It actually not that hard,and an apology would have been nice. So disappointing told
Lisa W — Google review
Beautiful meal and service thank you
Anne H — Google review
Warm and friendly locals. There's Chinese restaurant, excellent air conditioning and good sized parking space.
DJ D — Google review
Lovely Chinese food, cold beer & great bar staff
Tony P — Google review
Meal ok if you took the banquet as we did for 6 people it was slow coming but good once it arrives
Shirley D — Google review
4.5
(21)
•
5.0
(1)
41 Armitree St, Gulargambone NSW 2828, Australia
https://www.facebook.com/share/1E9QW5dZMV/
+61 2 6825 1145
7

Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre

Tourist information center
Visitor Centers
I thought this well worth the visit. Informative and the lady in attendance was extremely helpful.
Itinerant — Google review
What a wonderful place to experience the sounds and looks of local Australian birds and animals in this centre. You have to come and experience this place to appreciate it. I did and so did my wife.
Laurie M — Google review
Vivian was invaluable! Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre was completely informative
Maria K — Google review
Exploring Baradine and surroundings was a spontaneous decision and Kate from the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre was brilliant in giving me a detailed overview of the area. From overnight stays, good food to activities, she provided me with a great range of options to make the most out of my short stay. The centre is a wonderful place to stop and explore the interesting history of the Pilliga Forest as well as the rich flora and fauna you find in the region. From life like displays, audio recordings to interactive educational media, the centre has everything to get visitors and involved. Well worth a visit.
Marie — Google review
The Discovery Centre is interesting and well presented. Amy is a gem, and Parks are lucky to have such a lovely person with so much local knowledge to attend to the Centre.
SIMON D — Google review
Exceptionally helpful lady at this info centre and it is well worth a visit. Interactive exhibits, great history boards, gift shop and local brochures & books. Very enjoyable visit and the added bonus of a nearby IGA +Liquor supermarket nearby to stock up on provisions.
Jennie M — Google review
This free Centre is definitely worth a visit - so much information about the area and presented in an interesting and informative way.
Kathy W — Google review
Very well presented centre to find out the history of this distinctive part of Australia
John F — Google review
4.7
(204)
•
4.5
(19)
50 Wellington St, Baradine NSW 2396, Australia
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/visitor-centres/pilliga-forest-discovery-centre?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google%20My%20Business%20Page&utm_term=plcid_4418130848314707182&utm_content=Pilliga%20Forest%20Discovery%20Centre%20-%20Baradine
+61 2 6843 4011
8

Emu Logic

Farm
Sights & Landmarks
Farm shop
What a great experience that is off the beaten track and little bit different. We got to meet the farmers and they were so happy to answer all our questions. We also got to see 3 day old emu chicks!
Linda A — Google review
What a great outting at the Emu Farm. We just happened to call in on our way past and were able to join a tour. Very informative and I was able to pick up many new interesting facts about emus. Also got to hold a baby chick, and hand feed some adults. Loved every minute of it and strongly recommend a visit. Fantastic family run business.
Sally M — Google review
Such a fun and unique experience! I visited the Emu logic and learned so much about these incredible birds. I had the chance to feed them with salt bush and even collect some emu feathers, which was a really cool little souvenir. The emus were so friendly and clearly used to being around people. It made the whole visit feel relaxed and enjoyable. Phillip was very welcoming and happy to share facts about the emus, which made the trip even more interesting. I also bought some of their original and spicy emu jerky, delicious! Plus, their lip balm is the best. I use it every night. The emu oil is amazing for pain relief too, which is a fantastic bonus. I was hoping to see an emu egg, but unfortunately, there weren’t any at the time. Still, it didn’t take away from the experience. It’s a lovely little stop, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone passing through or looking for something a bit different to do.
Vessie M — Google review
This was an amazing experience! We got a private tour with the owner as there was nobody else there. He gave us some plant stems to feed the emus with and we went into the enclosures of the adult and baby emus and got to feed them by hand and walk around the enclosure freely. They sell really good emu oil products here, especially the beauty and soap products. I think this is a really unique and special place to visit.
Light H — Google review
Visited Emu Logic with my brother and Nicole is an expert on all things Emu. We saw cute baby chicks and fed salt bush to a group of eager full sized emu’s. Met all Nicole’s farm dogs and saw all the different birds on the property. Nicole is a wonderful host and we enjoyed learning about Donald the 27 year old emu, sustainable farming practices and the future projects of Emu Logic. Can’t wait to bring the rest of our family here. If you are in the Warrumbungles don’t miss out on this opportunity. Thank you for suggesting Whitegum Lookout Nicole it was amazing.
Phoebe — Google review
Thankyou for the easy ordering system and super fast delivery. Will be using as my go to for my purchases. Products are top notch. Thank you again
Louise — Google review
There is lots of information about emus available fron the friendly staff and all sorts of emu related products to view and purchase.
Martin B — Google review
Emu Logic is a very interesting place to visit. Be sure to go on a tour of the farm to see emus of various ages and sizes. We were lucky enough to be the only people on the tour and fed the emus saltbush. We learnt about the life stages of emus and saw many other animals including chickens, roosters, ducks, guinea pigs and even a bower bird’s bower.
Steven F — Google review
4.8
(107)
•
5.0
(2)
Emu Logic, 2404 John Renshaw Pkwy Tooraweenah, Warrumbungle NSW 2817, Australia
http://www.emulogic.com.au/
+61 2 6825 4346
9

New South Wales

Nature & Parks
National Parks
Home to many birds, this heritage-listed, dark sky park offers a visitor centre, campsites & trails.
4.7
(375)
Australia
10

Siding Spring Observatory

Mentioned on 
11 lists 
Observatory
Museums
Siding Spring Observatory, located near Coonabarabran, NSW, is a renowned astronomical research facility and Australia's leading optical and infrared observatory. The site boasts a collection of large research telescopes and offers tours, an exploratory center, visitor gallery, gift shop, and a cafe for visitors to enjoy. The observatory conducts diverse research activities such as exploring the cosmos for 'Dark Energy' and searching for planets within the Milky Way.
Spent a few days in Coonabarabran / Warrumbungle and visited this place 3 times. Highly recommend the day tours. Lunch / coffee was simple but great. The visitor Gallery was a trove of information as are the very friendly staff.
Albert H — Google review
Great place to stop by on your way to Warrumbungles. Before you go up the observatory, visit the museum in the visitor centre to experience some interesting interactive exhibitions. Lots of telescopes and equipments in the observatory, would be good for someone interested in astronomy. There is also a viewing deck that provides a glimpse of the landscapes ahead.
Lerong L — Google review
What a great tour we were lucky enough to be there when they were doing tests and could see the telescope being orientated. You can’t appreciate how big it is and the view from outside at the top is just breathtaking. The tour guide did a brilliant job of explaining the importance of the telescope, how it works and all the fun facts on the universe was so fun and informative. The passion he brings to the tour makes it that much more enjoyable.
Mel C — Google review
Feel like I've had a once in a lifetime experience at the stargazing capitol of Australia. These amazing telescopes set amongst the warrumbungles is surreal and quite magical. Siding springs has an open day once a year where you can get a sausage sizzle, view a few of the amazing telescopes, go inside the planetarium, listen to talks, have ice cream and visit the museum. So interactive, great for kids and fascinating details about planets, our solar system, galaxies, the sun...it's great. You can see how much you'd weigh on mars, and see how heavy a litre of milk is on Saturn. Loved the whole day.
Kristy S — Google review
Went here on a road trip. A little out of the way but definitely worth visiting. There's an interpretive centre, lots of telescope including the big one. You can go inside and up to the fourth floor and observe the telescope. Excellent views of the surrounding landscape - particularly the Warrumbungle Ranges.
Paul H — Google review
We recently did the all day tour at Siding Spring Observatory with our two little boys, and it was one of the best tours we’ve ever done. Our guide Branioc was excellent. He was very entertaining, personable, and extremely knowledgeable about the observatory and its workings, as well as the wildlife and history of the area, and even made our coffee and lunch back at the cafe! The views of the Warrumbungles from the exterior catwalk are spectacular, and it was fantastic getting to see the telescopes, and learning more about the field of astronomy. The exploratory was also informative and very well presented. We highly recommend doing a tour - it was a highlight of our holidays. Thank you again to Branioc for making the tour such a wonderful thought-provoking experience!
Kannika P — Google review
Great place to visit. The visitor museum place is great has lots of information for the people interested in Astrology. Interactive displays.
Janette S — Google review
Such an astonishing attraction for both amateur and professionals. It also provided night stargaze for Milky Way enjoyment. Highly expect for my next visit.
Robert Z — Google review
4.6
(949)
•
4.5
(335)
Observatory Rd, Coonabarabran NSW 2357, Australia
https://www.coonabarabranstargazing.com.au/
+61 488 687 562
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11

Donna the Astronomer at Milroy Observatory

Mentioned on 
6 lists 
Observatory
Museums
Donna the Astronomer at Milroy Observatory is a local legend known for her passionate and informative stargazing experiences. Visitors have had fantastic evenings with Donna, who is described as inspiring and knowledgeable. She and her team provide informative tours of the night sky, squeezing in more features than seen in any other single event. Despite being talkative, Donna welcomes questions from attendees and ensures a fun, entertaining, and educational experience for all ages.
An Amazing Astronomy Experience! My family and I had a fantastic time on this tour! Donna was both informative and entertaining, making the experience engaging and enjoyable. As she put it, this is an astronomy experience, not just a lesson—which made it even more memorable. What Makes It Special Yes, you can see the stars and the Milky Way just by looking up in this area, but the observatory’s location on a sizeable hill provided an even better view of the horizon. The telescope allowed us to see fascinating stars and distant galaxies that we wouldn’t have noticed on our own. Donna’s explanations added so much depth to what we were seeing—we would have missed a lot without her insights. Is It Worth It? Absolutely! The tour flew by, and we left with a much greater appreciation of the night sky. If you’re on the fence about booking, go for it—you won’t regret it!
Morgan — Google review
It was brilliant and so informative. We were very lucky to have a clear night and only a couple days after a new moon so the night was magical, we saw shooting stars, the emu, the binary stars at Alpha Centauri, the birthing grounds of stars and the oldest ones in the galaxy. We loved it and could recommend it enough.
Mel C — Google review
We spent such a good time! Doona and her husband are fascinated and captivating. We had the time to discover, learn and see plenty of things about planets, stars and everything in link with the space. Time is going fast in their observatory !
Anatole L — Google review
Awesome experience! We got to use telescopes to see beautiful stars and Mars! The guides were extremely educated and clearly passionate about the night sky. You don’t actually get to use the observatory equipment, it is just the base for the session, but it was still a great experience. The night sky was so clear and there was no other light around polluting the area. Perfect! Side note, I left an item at our session and Donna was kind enough to post it back to me immediately! Thank you for everything!
Gemma — Google review
The breadth of knowledge of the cosmos flowing like the milky way from the mouth of a real astronomer. Donna is an absolute star of a host and her associate Chris was equally knowledgeable. The moon did play spoil sport blinding our vision blocking several stars, but the final zoom in on the terminator line of the moon was just magnificent. I will be back with a bigger group on a darker night. P.s. Pack warm clothing as the temperature drops rapidly.
Bargav R — Google review
This was a fantastic experience and a unique night out. Donna was very accomodating, knowledgeable and personable - this was a great education session! Absolutely incredible views through the telescopes - awe-inspiring. Highly recommend!
Lauren — Google review
We had weekend away from Sydney. A Friday night booking. We both loved it, guides were very informative and we had an extremely clear night. The largest amount of stars in the night sky that I have ever seen anywhere. Will be back again. Went to Siding Springs observatory tour next day (after morning trek in the Warrumbungles).
Matthew R — Google review
Great experience but then we were very lucky with the weather - beautiful clear night. Very interesting and informative.
Karin K — Google review
4.6
(245)
•
4.8
(333)
20 Morrisseys Rd, Coonabarabran NSW 2357, Australia
http://www.donnatheastronomer.com.au/
+61 428 288 244
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