What to see and do in Coonabarabran?

[Granada]

I'm planning to be in the Coonabarabran/Warrumbungle area in the next few days. Wondering what would be some must see/do things? I'm travelling with very young kids so camping is unfortunately not an option, but I have packed my telescope and the skies look to be clear so taking any and all suggestions :) :)

[Huey]

Siding Springs Observatory (inquire if it is open). On the way look at the landscape, Drive through the Warrumbungles and don't forget to visit the Rock/Gem shop in Coona.

Huey

[Camelopardalis]

Don't forget to "refuel" in the bakery ;)

If you the time and inclination, follow the trail of planets that are spaced along the road/highway.

The Warrumbungles are a spectacle for sure, about 25~30km west from Coona itself.

[dyode]

Definitely visit Siding Spring. See how you go with the tour of the whole site with young kids but definitely check out Anglo-Aus scope.
Also when I was there 10 years ago a few locals had regular stargazing nights for about $20 each which was good value. Must be someone there making xtra quid still. This was part of an astro site road trip with then 12yo son of all major eastern seaboard sites (as well as other sites!)

[seeker372011]

Hike to the BreadKnife in the Warrumbungles. One of the best bush walks anywhere

[OzEclipse]

Many of the walks in the Warrumbungles are very challenging. I don't recommend the Breadknife with young kids.

You could try Belougery Spire. It is steep but short and there is a well formed walking track that winds its way up. You get good views on the way up similar to the views from the top and you can just turn around and return any time the going gets too tough or the kids get tired.

There is the Siding Spring Observatory and it has a visitors centre.

There is a mineral, rock and fossil museum in town, Crystal Kingdom which is quite interesting.

If you stay at the Warrumbungles Mountain Motel, it's about 10km out of town away from the towns lights on the road to the park and they have a large field behind the accommodation rooms where you can set up a telescope.

Joe

[Hoges]

The info center in the national park is very good. Lots of geological and fauna info and also a lot of information on the big fires that went through. Definitely one of the better info centers I've seen.

[wayne anderson]

If travelling with young children be sure to visit the local dinosaur exhibition in the back room of the Coonabarabran visitor information centre.

[xelasnave]

Check out the gem stone shops.

alex

[gary]

If you are coming up from Melbourne, you will likely be going via Parkes and Dubbo, so there is The Dish and the zoo to see on the way there or back.

[Granada]

Thanks everyone for your valuable suggestions. We stayed at the Warrumbungles Mountain Motel so I was able to take advantage of their viewing field (even though another visitor left their bathroom light on the entire night :mad2:). Visited the crystal shop and picked up a few items, and did a tour of the SSO which was absolutely amazing. Saw a few "planets" along the virtual solar system also which was a bonus. All in all a great time, would love to come back one day soon! :thanks:

[Granada]

Oh and I saw a UAP too! Well, an object I couldn't identify..
While I was out on the viewing field one night, I saw a bright white dot in the sky, flashing briefly for about 1 second, then disappear then reappear in exactly the same spot after about 10 seconds. It did this 4-5 times before it completely disappeared. I assume it was a satellite, but it's more fun to say it was a UAP :ship1:

[gary]

Wonderful to hear you had a great time.

It will be a geostationary satellite spinning. They blink like lighthouses as the
sun reflects off the panels.