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Quirindi is a town (population 3,444 in 2016) in the southernmost part of the New England region of New South Wales in Australia.

Understand

Quirindi War Memorial and Terminus Hotel

The name Quirindi comes from the indigenous Kamilaroi language with various meanings, such as 'nest in the hills', 'the place where fish breed', and 'the dead tree on the mountain top'. The local economy is based on agriculture, with broadacre farming on the black soils of the Liverpool Plains to the west, and livestock grazing in the hilly eastern part of the district. Quirindi makes an excellent base for exploring the sunflowers fields out west on the Liverpool Plains during the blooming season.

Quirindi is the main centre of the Liverpool Plains Local Government Area.

Visitor Information Centre

Get in

By car

Quirindi is on the Kamilaroi Highway/B51, 18 km north of Willow Tree and 83 km south-west of Gunnedah.

It is 20 km south of Werris Creek on the Werris Creek Road, and it is 65 km south-west of Tamworth via the Oxley Highway, Duri Road, Werris Creek Road, through Werris Creek.

Quirindi is 16 km west of Wallabadah and via Maria Street/Wallabadah Road.

It is 151 km east of Coonabarabran via Purlewaugh Road, Purlewaugh, Premer, Colly Blue, Spring Ridge, Caroona, turn right onto the Kamilaroi Highway (mostly unsealed roads).

Quirindi is 36 km north-west of Murrurundi via the New England Highway/A15, at Willow Tree turn left onto the Kamilaroi Highway/B51.

Driver rest areas

  • 2 Braefield, Kamilaroi Highway (10 km north of Willow Tree, right hand side). Light vehicle access. Picnic tables. Shelter. Litter bins. No toilets.
  • 3 First Fleet Memorial Garden, Wallabadah (in Coach Street, left hand side off New England Highway northbound). Light vehicle access. Toilets. Picnic Tables. Barbecue facilities. Wheelchair accessible. Playground. Shelter. Litter bins.

By bus

Tamworth Buslines

Tamworth Buslines run Bus Route 428 M-Sa to Quirindi. This is a regional bus service, not a coach service - pay the driver with cash as you would a city bus service, exact fare preferred. One-way fares between Quirindi and Tamworth are $7.50 for adults and $3.70 for children (4-15) and concession holders.

To Quirindi

The morning service to Quirindi departs from The Atrium Shopping Centre in Kabel Avenue M-F 9:05AM and arrives at the Quirindi Railway Station 10AM. The afternoon services depart from Tamworth Railway Station at M-F 2PM, then departs from The Atrium Shopping Centre in Kabel Avenue 2:02 PM and arrives at the Quirindi Railway Station 3PM; and departs The Atrium Shopping Centre in Kabel Avenue M-F 5:17PM and arrives at the Quirindi Railway Station 6:10PM.

On Saturdays the service to Quirindi departs from The Atrium Shopping Centre in Kabel Avenue Sa 10AM and arrives at the Quirindi Railway Station 10:58AM; departs from The Atrium Shopping Centre in Kabel Avenue 1:30PM and arrives at the Quirindi Railway Station 2:28PM; and departs from The Atrium Shopping Centre in Kabel Avenue Sa 4PM and arrives at the Quirindi Railway Station 4:58PM.

To Tamworth

The morning service to Tamworth departs from the Quirindi Railway Station M-F 7AM and arrives at The corner of Brisbane Street and Kabel Avenue 7:50AM; and departs from the Quirindi Railway Station M-F 11:40AM, arrives at the corner of Brisbane Street and Kabel Avneue 12:38PM, and arrives at the Tamworth Railway Station 12:40PM.

On Saturdays the service to Tamworth departs from the Quirindi Railway Station Sa 8:55AM and arrives at The Atrium Shopping Centre in Kabel Avenue 9:53AM; departs the Quirindi Railway Station Sa 11:30AM and arrives at The Atrium Shopping Centre in Kabel Avenue 12:28PM; and departs from the Quirindi Railway Station Sa 2:25PM and arrives at The Atrium Shopping Centre in Kabel Avenue1 3:53PM.

Bus stops in Tamworth
  • 4 The Atrium Shopping Centre (Kabel Avenue entrance), Kabel Avenue (opposite the cricket ground).
  • 5 Corner of Brisbane Street and Kabel Avenue (next to Ray White, opposite the cinema, diagonally opposite the swimming pool).
  • 6 Tamworth Railway Station, Marius Street (corner of Marius Street and Brisbane Street).
  • 7 Adairs - Brisbane Street, corner of Brisbane Street and Peel Street.

By train

Quirindi Railway Station

Trains run from Sydney daily to Quirindi, and on to Werris Creek, where lines branch off to Tamworth and Armidale and to Narrabri and Moree.

Trains depart Sydney at Central Station M-Su 9:30AM and arrive at Quirindi 2:37PM. Trains depart Quirindi M-Su 11:31AM and arrive at Central Station in Sydney 4:39PM.

A timetable and map can be downloaded here.

Bookings and railway stations

By plane

Quirindi is not serviced by scheduled flights. The nearest airport with regular scheduled services is at Tamworth.

Get around

Private transport is the most convenient way to get around Quirindi, and it is essential for exploring around the district.

There is a car rental agency in Quirindi.

By bus

Tamworth Buslines runs the Quirindi Town Loop route M-Sa. Pay the driver with cash as you would a city bus service, exact fare preferred.

By taxi

  • Quirindi Taxi Service, +61 2 6746 2000. Taxis must be booked, not hailed

See

view from Who'd A Thought It Lookout

In and near town

  • 1 Bob's Shed, 35 Ray Carter Drive (on the way to Who'd A Thought It Lookout), +61 2 6746 2009. M-Su 9AM-4PM, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Showcasing an old time general store, historic pub items, racing driver Peter Brock memorabilia. $7 (includes a hot beverage).
  • 2 Quirindi Historical Cottage and Museum, 44 Station Street (opposite the railway station), +61 425 272 289. F 10AM-4PM. A large collection of items, records, and photographs presenting the history of Quirindi. Adults $3 children 50c.
  • 3 Quirindi Rural Heritage Museum, 15 Borambil Road (5 km on Kamilaroi Highway west-bound, turn left into Borambil Road, take the first left), +61 2 6746 2992, . F-Su 10AM-3PM. Historical village museum featuring historic buildings, village workshop, blacksmith's shop, vintage farm machinery, Aboriginal heritage items, exhibition area, coffee shop. Miniature railway operates 4th Su of the month.
  • 4 Who'd A Thought It Lookout, Ray Carter Drive (via Kamilaroi Highway westbound, Ray Carter Drive is on the right). 360-degree views of Quirindi, the Liverpool Plains, and the Great Dividing Range.

Out of town

North

Werris Creek Railway Station (Railway Museum)
  • 5 Australian Railway Monument and Railway Museum (Werris Creek Railway Station), Single Street, Werris Creek (20 km north of Quirindi via Station Street northbound, continue ahead through Hawker Street, continue ahead on Werris Creek Road, pass the golf club on the left, continue ahead to Werris Creek), +61 2 6768 7929. Sa-Tu 11:30AM-3:30PM. The Railway Monument commemorates the 2,700 people who lost their lives while working for the railways. In the museum there is a collection of railway memorabilia, model railways, and interactive displays. Werris Creek Railway Station is still a working station, so do not board a train without proof of reservation - fines apply. If intending to come by train from Quirindi, make your return reservation before departing, as there is no longer a ticket office or a booking agent in Werris Creek
  • 6 Currabubula Pub and Cafe (Curra Pub), 1 Davis Street, Currabubula (33 km north of Quirindi via Station Street northbound, continue ahead through Hawker Street, continue ahead on Werris Creek Road, pass the golf club on the left, continue through Werris Creek, pub on the left in Currabubula.), +61 2 6768 9005. W-Sa 8:30AM-close Su 10AM-8:30PM. Historic bush pub serving the surrounding area. Pizza menu only Su. Come for the Currabubula Red Cross Art Show in May and the Currabubula Markets in May and Dec. The entertainer Rhonda Birchmore briefly taught at the nearby Currabubula State School before embarking on her showbiz career. Duncan's Store and Fuel is nearby. Phone for rates and availability.
  • 7 Quipolly Dam Recreation Ground and Bird Hide, Lowes Creek Road (14 km north of Quirindi via Station Street northbound, turn right into Nowland Street and continue ahead as Arthur Street then Borah Creek Road, turn left into Lowes Creek Road). M-Su sunrise-sunset. Recreation area with gas barbecues (wood/charcoal barbecues not permitted), picnic tables, toilet with disabled access, walking paths. Fishing. Birdwatching. Swimming and boating not permitted as it is the town water supply for Werris Creek. Fishing must be done only at the designated areas. No pets - guide dogs exempted.

North-east

  • 8 Chaffey Dam, Nundle Road (64 km north-east of Quirindi via Wallabadah Road, at Wallabadah turn left onto the New England Highway, turn right onto Lindsay's Gap Road, turn right/south onto Nundle Road, in Nundle turn left onto Jenkins Street, pass the Happy Valley Road turn-off on the right and continue ahead as River Road, pass the Burrows Creek driver rest area on the left, pass the Nundle Road turn-off on the left). Dam built to supply water for Tamworth. Camping. Picnic areas. Toilets. Fishing. Shower facilities. Boat ramps. Water sports. Bushwalking. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. No model airplanes or drones. Camping $5 per vehicle - reservations essential, phone +61 429 621 043.

East

  • First Fleet Memorial Garden, Wallabadah (16 km east of Quirindi via Henry Street, Dewhurst Street, Wallabadah Road, in Wallabadah turn left onto New England Highway heading northbound, turn left onto Coach Street, park just on the right). 11 circular gardens, representing the ships of the First Fleet approaching a large garden respresenting Australia. A storyboard lists the names of the convict settlers and their histories. The Second Fleet is commemorated in two other gardens. See Driver rest areas above.
  • 9 Hanging Rock Lookout, Hanging Rock Lookout Road (65 km east of Quirindi via Wallabadah Road, at Wallabadah turn left onto the New England Highway, turn right onto Lindsay's Gap Road, turn right/south onto Nundle Road, continue through Nundle on Oakenville Street, turn left onto Old Hanging Rock Road, pass the Happy Valley Road turn-off and continue ahead as Barry Road, at the four-way intersection turn right onto Hanging Rock Lookout Road). Lookout with spectacular views of the Peel River valley.

South

Burning Mountain, Wingen
  • 10 Burning Mountain Nature Reserve (Burning Mountain Rest Area), New England Highway, Wingen (54 km south of Quirindi via Kamilaroi Highway southbound, turn right onto the New England Highway southbound, continue through Willow Tree, continue through Murrurundi, continue through Blandford, turn-off to rest area is on the left), +61 1300 072 757. Nature Reserve hours 7AM-7PM, rest area open 24 hours. A naturally burning coal seam which has been burning for an estimated 5,500 years. Wear sturdy footwear - no worn-out shoes, no thongs/flip-flops, no sandals, and definitely no bare feet! Public toilets at rest area, open 24 hours

West

  • 11 Premer Hotel, 29 Ellerslie Street, Premer (86 km west of Quirindi via Kamilaroi Highway westbound, turn left onto Coonabarabran Road, through Caroona, through Spring Ridge), +61 2 6744 2106. A typical bush hotel with pub accommodation, cabin accommodation, and camping sites. Phone for rates and availability. About halfway between Quirindi and Coonabarabran.
  • Reg Lindsay Memorial Barn, "Barlyn Ranch", 58 Howes Hill Road, Yannergee (near Spring Ridge) (Phone or email for directions), +61 455 583 708, . By appointment only. Collection of memorabilia about the Australian Country Music legend Reg Lindsay, on his farm and curated by his widow.
  • 12 Royal Hotel - Spring Ridge, 1 Darby Road, Soring Ridge (Coonabarabran Road) (49 km west from Quirindi via Kamilaroi Highway westbound, turn left onto Coonabarabran Road, through Caroona.), +61 2 6747 3933. Typical country pub surrounded for miles by cropping country. Accommodation available with shared bathroom - phone for rates and availability. Spring Ridge Store a short walk away.

North-west

  • 13 Breeza Park and Ben Hall's Wall, Main Street, Breeza (41 km north-west of Quirindi on the Kamilaroi Highway - last street on the left, next to a large shed). Memorial mural depicting the life of bushranger Ben Hall, who was born in the district. Picnic tables, public toilets, children's playground on-site. A good driver rest area between Quirindi and Gunnedah.
  • 14 Caroona Store, 8 Boundary Street, Caroona (31 km north-west of Quirindi via Kamilaroi Highway westbound, turn left onto Coonabarabran Road, store is on the right hand side opposite the Mooki Road turn-off), +61 2 6747 4749. M-F 6AM-8PM, Sa Su 7AM-7PM. Post office, newsagent, convenience store, takeaway food, liquor store with a designated outdoor drinking area, petrol station - a literal one-stop shop serving the local and rural communities of Caroona and nearby Walhallow. Croaker Memorial Church (built 1924) a short walk away .
  • 15 Royal Hotel - Tambar Springs, 82-84 Tamba Street, Tambar Springs (100 km north-west of Quirindi via Kamilaroi Highway westbound, turn left onto Coonabarabran Road, through Caroona, through Spring Ridge, at Premer turn right onto Premer Road, turn right onto Black Stump Way/Tamba Street), +61 2 6744 2396. M Tu 4-8PM, W Th 11AM-9PM, F 11AM-midnight, Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-8PM. Historic hotel built early 1900s. Pub fare. Accommodation available - phone for rates and availability. Tambar Springs General Store nearby (convenience store, fuel).

Do

Royal Theatre, Quirindi
  • 1 Royal Theatre, 115 Henry Street (opposite the police station), +61 2 6746 1755, . Theatre first opened 1930, closed 2006, purchased by and restored by the Liverpool Plains Shire Council. Puts on movies, theatre, and live entertainment - see website for details.
  • 2 Stock Brands of the Liverpool Plains, George Street. While walking along George Street, note the livestock brands on the footpath. Outside the library and near the clock tower roundabout is an information board about the livestock brands.
  • Sunflower viewing, +61 2 6747 1226. Dec-Jan and Feb-Mar. The Liverpool Plains is the closest area to Sydney to see broadacre farming. Sign up to the Sunflower Alert to be advised when and where the best places to see the crop in full flower here. Crops are not accessible to the general public without prior permission - trespassers will be prosecuted. Most fields are by the roadside anyway.

Events

  • 3 Blackville Arts and Market Day, 13 O'Neile Street, Blackville (57 km south-west of Quirindi via Kamilaroy Highway west bound, pass the Quirindi Rural Heritage Village and Museum on the left, turn left onto Bundella Road, turn left onto Dimby Lane, continue ahead to Blackville.), +61 2 6747 1226. Held in Oct - subject to Covid-19 restrictions - phone to enquire. Annual arts and markets at the local school, showcasing local produce and local talent. No fuel or general store in Blackville, so fill your vehicle before departing Quirindi.
  • Liverpool Plains Wheels in Motion (Quirindi Rural Heritage Village and Museum), 15 Borambil Road, +61 2 6747 1226. Held in Oct. Parade of historical vehicles, miniature steam train rides, tractor pull competition, blacksmithing display, quilting display.
  • Quirindi Camel Cup, Quirindi Showground, East Street, +61 2 6746 1177. Held in Mar. Camel racing. Market stalls. Live music. Camel rides. Novelty events. Food and beverages. Amusement rides.
  • Quirindi Races, Quirindi Showground, East Street, +61 2 6746 2476. horse racing - Quirindi Cup held in Feb, Boxing Day Races held in Dec.
  • 4 Quirindi Show, East Street (Wallabadah Road, right hand side), +61 438 586 380, . Held in Sep. Annual local fair.

Sports

Buy

Self catering

Arts and crafts

  • Quirindi Arts and Crafts Shop, Quirindi Railway Station, Station Street, +61 2 6746 1096. M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-noon. Locally made needlework, art, woodwork, lead-lighting, pottery, jewellery, knitting, card-making, jams, pickles, biscuits, local honey. Some visitor information.

Eat

Federal Hotel, Quirindi

Restaurants

Cafes

Fast food

  • Yogi's Place (Petrol station), 85 Loder Street (opposite Rose Lee park), +61 2 6746 2877. M-Su 6AM-PM. Fast food, takeaways.

Drink

Imperial Hotel, Quirindi

Sleep

Hotels

  • Federal Hotel, 15 Whittaker Street (corner of Whittaker Street and Church Avenue), +61 2 6746 2026. Phone for rates and availability.
  • Imperial Hotel, 54 Henry Street (opposite the tennis courts), +61 2 6746 2058. Phone for rates and availability.
  • Terminus Hotel, 262 George Street (corner of George Street and Pryor Street), +61 2 6746 2011. Phone for rates and availability.

Motels

Guesthouses

  • 3 Henry's Quirindi (Henry's Guest House), 119-121 Henry Street (corner of Henry Street and Church Avenue), +61 2 6746 1166, . Check-in: Office open M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa Su 9AM-5PM. Internal courtyard and gardens, external verandas, large breakfast room and commercial kitchen, continental breakfast, WiFi, barbecue facilities, laundry. 32 rooms with flat-screen TV, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge. from $120 per night.

Apartments

  • 4 The Saddlery, 72 George Street (near Carlo's IGA), +61 490 073 532. 1 apartment with bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom, lounge room, air conditioner, heating, 55-inch flat-screen TV. Bookings essential. $100 per night, minimum of 2 nights.

Bed & Breakfast

  • 5 Little Kickerbell B & B, 2729 Bundella Road, Pine Ridge (35 km west of Quirindi via Kamilaroi Highway westbound, turn left onto Bundella Road, cross the Mooki River bridge and continue ahead, Little Kickerbell is on the left hand side), +61 2 6747 4830, . A historic farmhouse, fine-dining restaurant, billiard room with full-size table, extensive art library, deep verandas. Cooking classes available. Painting classes available. Packages for 2 guests start at $300 per couple.

Caravan parks and camping

  • 6 Quirindi Caravan Park, Rose Street (off Henry Street), +61 417 976 796, . Modern amenities block. Bookings essential - this will enable you to be provided with the passcode for the amenities, as there is no caretaker on-site. Not suitable for big rigs. Unpowered sites $15/night or $90/week, powered sites $25/night or $150/week, family cabin (sleeps 5) $80/night or $400/week.

Cope

Emergency

Fuel and mechanical

  • 12 Shell Quirindi (Tamarang Service Centre), Station Street (northbound) (opposite Quirindi High School), +61 2 6741 2344. Petrol station
  • 13 BP Truckstop, 4 Duke Street (Kamilaroi Highway southbound, right hand side), +61 2 6710 7457. Open 24 hours. Petrol station, fast food
  • 14 Yogi's Place (Liberty Oil), 85 Loder Street (opposite Rose Lee park), +61 2 6746 2877. M-Su 6AM-PM. Petrol station, fast food
  • 15 FW (Bill) Roberts, corner of Young Street and Pollock Street, +61 2 6741 2344. Mechanic
  • 16 Quirindi Tyre Service (Tyreright), 30 Whittaker Street, +61 2 6746 2511. M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa 8AM-noon. Tyres

Public telephones

  • 17 Public telephone (corner of Henry Street and George Street, next to the court house).
  • Public telephone (outside the Quirindi Railway Station).
  • 18 Public telephone (Rose Lee Park, Loder Street).
  • 19 Public telephone (near corner of Perkins Street and Centre Street).

Banks

  • 20 National Australia Bank (NAB), 136 George Street (near The Bella Directive florist), +61 132 265. M-F 9:30AM-12:30PM.
  • 21 Regional Australia Bank, 238 George Street (near The Quirindi Coffee Pot), +61 132 067. M-W 9:30AM-4PM Th 9:30AM-5PM 9:30AM-4PM.
  • 22 Commonwealth Bank, 24-28 Station Street (opposite the railway station), +61 132 265. M-F 9:30AM-12:30PM.
  • Bank@Post (Australia Post), 144 George Street (opposite Zest Cafe), +61 2 131 318. M-F 9AM-5PM. Agent for Commonwealth Bank, Westpac Bank, National Australia Bank

ATM

  • National Australia Bank (NAB), 136 George Street (near The Bella Directive florist). Open 24 hours.
  • Commonwealth Bank, 24-28 Station Street (opposite the railway station). Open 24 hours.
  • Cashcard ATM (Shell petrol station), Station Street (northbound) (opposite Quirindi High School). Petrol station hours.
  • Cashcard ATM (Imperial Hotel), 43 Henry Street (opposite the tennis courts). Hotel hours.
  • Cashcard ATM (Quirindi RSL Club), 86-88 Station Street (corner of Station Street and Abbott Street). Club hours.

Services

  • 23 Australia Post, 144 George Street (opposite Zest Cafe), +61 2 131 318. M-F 9AM-5PM.

Go next

  • Werris Creek - north of Quirindi: 20 km via Station Street northbound, Hawker Street, Werris Creek Road, pass the golf club on the left, continue ahead to Werris Creek 15 min)
  • Tamworth - north-east of Quirindi: 64 km via Station Street northbound, Hawker Street, Werris Creek Road, pass the golf club on the left, continue through Werris Creek, continue through Currabubula, pass Duri on the left, continue past the Oxley Highway turn-off on the left and the Tamworth Golf Club on the right (51 min)
  • Wallabadah - east of Quirindi: 16 km via Henry Street eastbound, continue ahead as Dewhurst Street, pass the Quirindi Showground on the right and continue ahead as Wallabadah Road (13 min)
  • Nundle - east of Quirindi: 57 km via via Henry Street eastbound, continue ahead as Dewhurst Street, pass the Quirindi Showground on the right, at Wallabadah turn left/northbound onto the New England Highway/A15, turn right onto Lindsays Gap Road, turn right onto Nundle Road, continue ahead to Nundle (41 min)
  • Willow Tree - south-east of Quirindi: 18 km via Kamilaroi Highway southbound, turn right/southbound onto the New England Highway/A15 (16 min)
  • Murrurundi - south-east of Quirindi: 36 km via Kamilaroi Highway southbound, turn right/southbound onto the New England Highway/A15, continue through Willow Tree (28 min)
  • Scone - south-east of Quirindi: 75 km via Kamilaroi Highway southbound, turn right/southbound onto the New England Highway/A15, continue through Willow Tree, continue through Murrurundi (57 min)
  • Merriwa - south-west of Quirindi: 94 km via Kamilaroi Highway/B51 eastbound, turn right/south onto New England Highway/A15, in Willow Tree turn right onto Merriwa Road, after the pass continue ahead as Coulsons Creek Road, turn right onto Scone Road, continue ahead to Merriwa (1 hr 10 min)
  • Coolah - south-west of Quirindi: 138 km via Kamilaroi Highway/B51 westbound, turn left onto Coonabarabran Road, pass through Caroona, pass through Spring Ridge, pass through Colly Blue, pass through Premer and at the four-way intersection turn left/south onto Black Stump Way, continue ahead to Coolah (1hr 33 min) Detour: after passing through Colly Blue, turn left onto Morduval Lane, pass the Bundella Road turn-off on the left and continue ahead as Rockgedgiel Road, turn left onto Pandora Pass Road, pass through Bundella, reach Pandora's Pass/Brennan's Gap which was discovered by the European explorer Allan Cunningham in 1823, pass the State Forest Road turn-off on the left and continue ahead as Coolah Creek Road, turn right onto Vinegaroy Road - trip length is 131 km, unsealed roads, takes 1 hr 45 min.
  • Coonabarabran - north-west of Quirindi: 151 km via Kamilaroi Highway westbound, pass the Quirindi Rural Heritage Museum on the left, pass the Bundella Road turn-off on the left, turn right onto Coonabarabran Road, pass through Caroona, pass through Spring Ridge, pass through Colly Blue and continue ahead as Purlewaugh Road, pass through Premer, at the four-way intersection with Black Stump Way continue straight ahead, pass through Purlewaugh, continue ahead to Coonabarabran (1 hr 42 min)
  • Gunnedah - north-west of Quirindi: 83 km via Kamilaroi Highway westbound, pass through Breeza, pass through Curlewis, continue ahead at the roundabout, take the exit on the left at the second roundabout (55 min)
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