Coonabarabran

Coonabarabran is in Central NSW and is located within two hours drive of the regional cities of Dubbo and Tamworth. It is located at the junction of the Newell and Oxley Highways midway between Melbourne and Brisbane. Known as the 'Astronomy Capital of Australia', Coonabarabran is the gateway to Warrumbungle National Park. It is a peaceful country town set beneath the majestic Warrumbungle Mountain Range. Coonabarabran has some of the clearest skies in Australia and is the home of Australia's largest optical astronomy research facility, Siding Spring Observatory. The area around Coonabarabran is ideal for stargazing with its high altitude, low humidity, a non-turbulent atmosphere for viewing clarity, clean air and an average of 70 percent clear night skies. The town is a thriving service centre for the surrounding area with plenty of things to see and do, and plenty of accommodation and eating out options.