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See the magnificent Sawn Rocks

A 30-minute drive from the town centre will get you to the remarkable Sawn Rocks—a fantastic walking track located in the Mount Kaputar National Park. Take the Sawn Rocks Walking Track, an easy 1.5km walk that follows a shady creek bed leading visitors to the fascinating rock formation of towering hexagonal columns known as the organ pipes. This geologic marvel is a superb example of organ piping, named so when the formations appear like organ pipes. The walking track will take you through the striking bushland right to the formation and Sawn Rocks lookout, which has terrific views of the geological wonder. And, if you want to stay a little longer, stop for lunch at the picnic area, which has scenic views of the parkland and, in the spring, a lovely array of wildflowers bloom.

See the Australia Telescope Compact Array

Calling all astrology and science buffs, visit the Australia Telescope Compact Array, an astronomy powerhouse. The Compact Array consists of 6 antennas used to study the structure and evolution of the Universe. The antennas can detect phenomena such as new star formations, molecules in space and supernovas or exploding stars. The Compact Array Visitors Centre is also worth visiting to see an informational exhibit and audiovisual presentation. Pack a picnic with you and stay for a while to admire these grand pieces of astrological science. Keep an eye out for Australian wildlife, too, with kangaroos, echidnas, emus and koalas sometimes passing by the Compact Array.

Mt Kaputar National Park

Spend the day at Mt Kaputar National Park, an hour's drive from Narrabri. This stunning wilderness escape has abundant walking tracks to hike, spaces to cycle, and breathtaking views. Discover incredible 360-degree panoramas of the national park at the Mount Kaputar Summit lookout, and bring binoculars to spot some of the birds that live within the parkland. Another lookout with magnificent scenery is Doug Sky Lookout, a fantastic location for nature photography with remarkable sights of the treetops and beyond. Embark on a scenic hike on one of the many nature trails throughout the parkland, like The Governor Summit, another steep but rewarding walk with brilliant views at the top, or the Dawson Springs Nature Trail, which features seasonal cascading waterfalls, wildflowers and if you're lucky wildlife. Mount Kaputar National Park offers fantastic outdoor adventure, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

Narrabri Fish Farm

Experience hands-on fishing at New South Wales's largest hatchery, Narrabri Fish Farm. Enjoy catching fish and yabbies across 250 acres of farmland and 100 dams with opportunities to fish for Golden Perch, Murray Cod, Eel-Tailed Catfish, Silver Perch and Yabbies. Take a tour to see a peek behind the scenes of the hatchery, feed the fish, and learn about the species that are bred there, as well as aquaculture and operations at the farm. Keep an eye out for activities and events like the yabby races, casting competitions and the iconic carp throw. Narrabri Fish Farm is a great place to visit and farm fish sustainably.

Explore Pilliga National Park

An hour's drive from Narrabri is the Pilliga National Park, a rugged Australian landscape. The parkland is vast, stretching over half a million hectares and 2000 km of trails to explore by foot or car. Enjoy bushwalking, bird-watching, and discovering unique flora and fauna. Before heading into the National Park, stop by the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre to learn about the plants and animals that live within the forest and significant Indigenous locations, plus collect park maps. Don't miss the mesmerising sandstone formations and Salt Caves for a glimpse into Indigenous history. You can walk through a small section of the caves, which were traditionally used as shelters by the Gamilaroi people. And, if you want to experience the park after dark, camp out under the stars in the dedicated camping area.

Narrabri Old Gaol and Museum

Step back in time at Narrabri Old Gaol and Museum. Built in the 1880s, the goal now forms part of a collection of old colonial government buildings that visitors can see and learn about. Explore the history exhibits housed in the historical old goal, see artefacts and photographs, and discover Narrabri's history from early settlers to the town's development. Glimpse into the past and gain insight into the goings-on in Narrabri during the 1800s -1900s. Be sure also to see the fantastic work that the Narrabri Historical Society has accomplished, with an estimated 30,000 entries indexed in the family history section of the museum. The Old Gaol and Museum is a must-see for history buffs on your next visit to Narrabri.

The Crossing Theatre

Visit The Crossing Theatre, an entertainment and leisure hub that hosts films, live performances, and community events under one roof. Enjoy a night at the movies in one of the two cinemas showing all of the latest blockbuster flicks. Grab buttery popcorn and all your favourite snacks before settling in to laugh till you cry or sob your heart out. With comfortable chairs, great sound and now VIP seating, The Crossing Theatre is a fantastic spot for a movie night. And if you're famished, there is a café on-site serving delicious hot meals and cold drinks, too.

Camp out at Yarrie Lake

Spend the day at Yarrie Lake, a large expanse of water located at the border of the Pilliga Forest. It is believed that the lake was formed many thousands of years ago by a meteor that fell to Earth. Today, the lake is home to just under a hundred species of birds that you can observe flitting about the trees. There are plenty of things to see and do in this serene setting, including swimming, kayaking, fishing, and other water sports. Explore the lake's perimeter on a lovely nature walk, keeping quiet to bird watch or spot other wildlife that lives at Yarrie Lake. This is a picturesque setting to unwind in and listen to the tranquil sounds of nature. If one day isn't enough, book a campsite and camp at the lake. There are powered sites, hot showers, toilets and laundry facilities, making this a not-so-off-the-grid destination where you can enjoy nature and comfort.