Quirindi

Quirindi is a small rural town (population 3,444) in the southern New England region of NSW, serving as the main centre of the Liverpool Plains Local Government Area. The name comes from the Kamilaroi language with meanings including 'nest in the hills', 'the place where fish breed', and 'the dead tree on the mountain top'. The town makes an excellent base for exploring the sunflower fields out west on the Liverpool Plains during the blooming season.

Quirindi is located along the Kamilaroi Highway (B51) connecting Narrabri to the north-west and Willow Tree to the south-east. The town is also on the New England Highway route linking Tamworth to the north-east. Quirindi Railway Station is on the regional train network with NSW TrainLink services connecting to Sydney, Armidale, and Moree. The nearest major airport is Tamworth Airport.

Private transport is the most convenient way to get around Quirindi and is essential for exploring the district. There is a car rental agency in Quirindi. Tamworth Buslines operates local bus services with maximum fares of $3.30 for adults and $1.60 for children and concessions. Taxis must be booked in advance as they cannot be hailed.

The best time to visit Quirindi is during the summer months when the Liverpool Plains sunflower fields bloom (December to March). Key events include the Quirindi Camel Cup in March, Quirindi Races in February and December, and the Quirindi Show in September. October features the Blackville Arts and Market Day and the Liverpool Plains Wheels in Motion event.

Accommodation options in Quirindi include the Best Western Quirindi RSL Motel (8 Abbott Street), Quirindi Sunflower Motor Inn (147 Loder Street), and Henry's Quirindi (119-121 Henry Street) with rooms from around $120 per night. Budget options include the Quirindi Caravan Park on Rose Street with unpowered sites from $15/night or powered sites from $25/night. The Federal Hotel, Imperial Hotel, and Terminus Hotel also offer pub accommodation.

Dining options include the Federal Hotel, Imperial Hotel, and Terminus Hotel serving pub fare. Peach Blossom Chinese Restaurant (161 George Street) and the Quirindi Bowling Club Chinese Restaurant offer Chinese cuisine. For cafe fare, try The Quirindi Coffee Pot (254 George Street), Sugar Plum Tea and Coffee House (8-22 Station Street), or Zest Cafe (2/161 George Street). Fonzies at TC's and Yogi's Place serve fast food and takeaways.

Attractions include the Who'd A Thought It Lookout offering 360-degree views of Quirindi, the Liverpool Plains, and the Great Dividing Range. The Quirindi Historical Cottage and Museum (44 Station Street, open Friday 10AM-4PM, adults $3, children 50c) and Quirindi Rural Heritage Museum (15 Borambil Road, open Friday-Sunday 10AM-3PM) showcase local history. Bob's Shed (35 Ray Carter Drive, $7 including hot beverage) displays historic items and racing driver Peter Brock memorabilia.

Day trips from Quirindi include Werris Creek (20 km north) with its Australian Railway Monument and Railway Museum (open Saturday-Tuesday 11:30AM-3:30PM). The Burning Mountain Nature Reserve (54 km south) features a naturally burning coal seam estimated at 5,500 years old. Chaffey Dam (64 km northeast) offers camping ($5 per vehicle), fishing, and water sports. Hanging Rock Lookout (65 km east) provides views of the Peel River valley. Nundle (57 km east) is a historic gold mining town.

From Quirindi, the Kamilaroi Highway (B51) continues north-west to Narrabri via Gunnedah (83 km), and south-east to Willow Tree (18 km). The New England Highway heads north-east to Tamworth (64 km, 51 min) and south to Sydney via Willow Tree. Werris Creek railway station (20 km north) provides train connections to Sydney, Armidale, and Moree. Wallabadah (16 km east) is home to the First Fleet Memorial Garden.