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ATTRACTIONS |
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Baradine is an ideal place for a quiet holiday for the whole family, with many things to see and do in town and the surrounding areas. This is particularly so for anyone eager to explore and experience Australia's unique native flora and fauna or wanting a taste of true country life. All of these are found in the picturesque settings of the Pilliga State Forest and the Warrumbungle Mountains.
We hope you will visit and enjoy your stay in Baradine.
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Baradine Memorial Hall |
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Featuring at the top of the town's main street, the Memorial Hall is probably the most recognisable building in Baradine. The memorial stone was laid on Remembrance Day in 1925. The building was built in honour of the men who fought in WWI. An additional stone was laid in 1953 in memory of the men and women who fought during WWII. The Latin phrase on the front of the hall ‘Fidelis ad Urnam’ meaning ‘Faithful til Death’. This building was made possible by the fundraising efforts of the Baradine Community. |
| Baradine Forestry Office | |
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The Baradine Forestry Office is the management centre of forestry operations in the Pilliga State Forest. The office itself is a reflection of the industry with its features of paneling and furniture in locally milled timber, preserving the timber heritage of the area, and features many historic photographs of timber works in the forest. The office is open from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm during weekdays and maps and information books on the Pilliga State Forest are available by phoning: (02) 6843 1607 or on enquiry at Emmy Lou's Eatery For further information, visit the New South wales State Forests website |
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Baradine Community Park |
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A restful place, situated in Baradine's main street, the community park is an ideal place to stop for a refreshment stop when traveling. The kids can amuse themselves in the shaded play area, toilet facilities are available and there is immediate access to the main shopping area. |
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PILLIGA FOREST ATTRACTIONS |
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The Pilliga State Forest |
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The Pilliga State Forest is a haven for native wildlife including koalas, kangaroos and emus and an abundance of bird-life. It is a vast and unusual woodland which is characterised by white cypress and ironbark forests. It’s the perfect place for bush walking, bird watching, 4-wheel driving and getting back to nature. You will find many picnic facilities throughout the forest, making it an a great setting for a family barbecue. There are many fascinating places to investigate in the Pilliga that have historical, cultural and natural significance. So come and explore the following picturesque sites throughout the Pilliga State Forest.
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The Aloes |
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The Aloes marks the site of an historic homestead and early pioneers graves. You might even come face-to-face with some of the large community of koalas living in the area. Another of the Aloes attractions is the wide, sandy creek in which native trees abound. For directions to the Aloes, call into Baradine Forestry Office or enquire at Emmy Lou's Eatery.
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| Rocky Creek | |
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Rocky creek is the site of one of the earliest timber mills in the Pilliga forest. Although little remains today, you can still see indications of the settlement. It is hard to believe this was once a thriving forest community, with its own school and football team.
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| Salt Caves | |
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Salt Caves provides an ideal family picnic spot. You can explore the caves, and there are many hiking trails you can take to walk off your picnic meal. If you can be at Salt Caves Dam at sundown, you might see the Glossy Black cockatoos come to drink. Rock salt from these caves was used by the early settlers to corn and preserve their meat. A fire observation tower is situated on top of the caves, which is used by the forestry to monitor conditions.
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| Pilliga Hot Artesian Bore | |
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The hot artesian bore bath in Pilliga has recently been renovated. The therapeutic benefits of the artesian water are well known to relax, soothe and relieve aches and pains. The bore is situated 70km from Baradine on the Pilliga road.
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Cuttabri Wine Shanty is located 98km from Baradine. The old slab-construction wine shanty was built in 1882, once a Cobb & Co coaching stop. It was the second wine shop license in Australia and is still the only one operating in the country. Recently revamped, the old shanty now has air conditioning, flushing toilets, pool table and a dart board. Camp Oven dinners and sausage sizzles are available every Sunday evening. Bookings are essential. It is open 7 days a week for morning teas, lunches and dinners but please phone to be sure, Tel: (02) 6792 3583. |
| Yarrie Lake | |
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Take a pleasant drive through the Pilliga Forest to Yarrie lake, a large pool of water (1.6km in diameter) on the forest's boundry, 85km from Baradine. It is believed by some to be a meteor crator. A water bird haven, the lakeis ideal for camping, swimming, water skiing, sailing and other water sports.
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| Wolleybah | |
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It is hard to believe that the original Wooleybah sawmill, which started in 1934, was a thriving community for 10 families. It had a public school and tennis courts with regular mail services, a visiting butcher and grocer. Still owned by the Underwood family, this historic site is 45 km from Baradine along the Western Way. |
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Developed by local ornithologist, David Johnston, special trails have been mapped out for bird enthusiasts to follow throughout the region to view some of the impressive lists of birds in the area. The drives cover areas as diverse as open grassland, the foothills of the Warrumbungle Mountains to the forest areas of the Pilliga State Forest and Pilliga Nature Reserve. ‘Birds of Baradine and the Pilliga’ brochures are available at the Coonabarabran Tourist Information Centre and at various outlets throughout the region, or you can download a copy from the website. You can alse view the 'bird board' at the front of Matey's IGA Supermarket in Wellington Street. To learn more about the birds of Baradine & the Pilliga go to...
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The Pilliga forest is a wildlife haven in which many unique species can be seen in their natural habitat. You will find koalas in abundance, and Australian native animals such as emus, kangaroos, possums, echnidnas, goannas, over 240 species of birds and our very own species of mouse, the Pilliga mouse. Driving through the Pilliga you are assured of a sighting of our local fauna. Legend has it that the infamous Yowie lives in the Pilliga forest. You might be lucky enough to spot him...so have your camera at the ready! |
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At certain times of year, and favourable weather conditions, the Pilliga forest comes alive with a variety of native flora. Through spring to summer, brilliant, golden wattles line the roads through the forest. |
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LEFT TOP: Native Grevillea, Gwabegar
CENTRE: Native apple blossom
BOTTOM Macrozamia sp. Cycad These were around with the dinosaurs Rogers Road, Pilliga Forest |
RIGHT TOP: Erect Guinea Flower (hibbertia riparia) Dangar road, Pilliga forest
CENTRE: - Pimelea Linifolia Rocky Road, Pilliga Forest
BOTTOM: Golden wattle |
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The variety of timber from the Pilliga is used by the craftspeople in the region to produce some magnificent articles. These can be purchased from various outlets in Baradine. Other traditional handicrafts are also available. |
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LEFT TOP: An
example of local Aboriginal art.
MIDDLE: Timber clocks made by Charlie hadfield. BOTTOM: Jeremy Johnston, cabinet maker, and one of his sideboards. |
RIGHT TOP:
Brenda Croxon with a display of a variety of her decorative eggs.
MIDDLE: Beautiful local patchwork quilt. BOTTOM: Small lavender bags make ideal gifts.
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IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A MAP WHEN TRAVELING IN THE PILLIGA FOREST AND TO BE AWARE OF CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO CARRY DRINKING WATER WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES. For more information on the Pilliga State Forest, call into the Coonabarabran Visitors’ Centre (phone (02) 6842 1441) or, in Baradine, call into the Forestry Office on the corner of Lachlan and Darling Streets (phone (02) 6843 1607).After hours, maps and information are available from Emmy Lou's Eatery, Wellington Street, Baradine.
For more information on the Pilliga State Forest visit... |
This website is produced by the
Baradine Progress Association with the assistance of funding from the Department
of State and Regional Development.
Last updated August 17, 2006
© Baradine Progress Association
Town attractions
