Fast facts
- Historic small town along the Fossickers Way tourist route
- Situated in the north-west slopes and plains region
- 650 km north-west of Sydney, population 1,300
Why go there
Warialda is surrounded by picturesque bushland, making it an ideal location for bushwalking and bird-watching. The area also supports a large variety of wildflowers. There are numerous places to picnic and Cranky Rock Nature Reserve is a popular spot for fossicking, bird-watching and exploring.
History
The traditional owners of this district were the Wirrayaraay language group of the Gamilaraay Nation. The name Warialda is thought to mean "place of wild honey". The Gwydir region was known to some escaped convicts before exploration by Allan Cunningham, who in 1827 explored from the Hunter to the Darling Downs. The townsite was officially proclaimed in 1849.
Things to do
- Take a self-guided walking tour of the town's historic buildings.
- Go camping on the water’s edge at Copeton Waters State Park.
- Try your luck fishing in the Gwydir River – the Gwydir River Bridge and Yagobie and known to be good spots.
- Go fossicking for semi-precious stones and gold. Pick up a map from the shire office.
Events
- Warialda Off-Road 200, held in September, features exciting off-road racing that attracts competitors and visitors from interstate.
Don’t miss
- A visit to Ceramic Break Sculpture Park, located on the Fossickers Way between Bingara and Warialda. The park boasts three stylish galleries, where paintings and sculptures by local artists are for sale.
- Polishing up your knowledge of rough, cut and polished stones at Wells Gem and Mineral Collection in the Warialda Heritage Centre.
- A trip to Cranky Rock Reserve to see the dramatic boulders. The walking trail takes you across a suspension bridge.
- A visit to historic Carinda House, built in 1889, and now an arts and crafts centre.
