Narromine

Up in the air 

The Narromine area is renowned for its fantastic thermals, which make it one of the world's best gliding locations. Some of the greats of aviation have visited the aerodrome, including aviators Nancy-Bird Walton and Charles Kingsford Smith and American flying ace and test pilot Chuck Yeager. Australia’s first regional flying club began here in 1929 and air force pilots trained at the aerodrome in World War II. 

Narromine Aviation Museum, Narromine - Credit: Narromine Shire Council

Explore this intriguing history at the Narromine Aviation Museum, home to artefacts, photographs and vintage aircraft. Marvel at the world’s first flyable replica of the 1907 Wright Flyer Model A, a 1938 Corben Super Ace and a 1953 Hawkridge Venture glider. You can experience the thrill of flight in a sailplane, glider or ultra-light aircraft, where joyflights are often available at the aerodrome through the Narromine Gliding Club. 

Things to do 

Narromine is dotted with pretty parks such as the riverside Rotary Park, a popular spot for picnics, kayaking and fishing. In Tom Perry Park is a life-size bronze statue of cricketing great Glenn McGrath, a fast bowler born in Narromine. Enjoy a dip in the Macquarie River or watch water skiers zip past along the flat water. At the southern edge of town, the Narromine Wetlands is a tranquil spot for birdwatching. 

Learn about the area’s rich history of cotton farming on a tour of the 150-year-old Waverleigh Cotton Farm. Stop for a drink at one of the town’s historic hotels, like the Royal Hotel which was built in 1890 as a stop for the Cobb & Co trading route. Each year over the October long weekend, the town comes alive for the Dolly Parton Festival, celebrating the country music legend. 

Dolly Parton Festival, Narromine - Credit: Dolly Parton Festival

In Trangie, northwest of Narromine, is one of Australia’s iconic ‘big things’ – the Big Billy – and the fascinating Wungunja Cultural Centre. Explore the Aboriginal artefacts in the centre, such as carved ceremonial trees, and browse authentic Aboriginal art, boomerangs and didgeridoos. 

South of Narromine is the village of Tomingley, which has a long history of gold mining and the Cross Roads pub. It’s also the gateway to the spectacular Caloma lookout in the Goobang National Park. There are 4WD tracks, bushwalking trails and camping sites in the park, which is home to wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas and colourful birdlife. 

Trangie Wungunja Cultural Centre, Narromine - Credit: Terrie Milgate - Narromine Shire Council

Getting there 

Narromine is around a 5.5-hour drive from Sydney or a 30-minute drive west of Dubbo. You can also fly into Dubbo Regional Airport or take a scenic train trip from Sydney, which takes around 6.5 hours, and hire a car for the short drive. There are a handful of places to stay in Narromine, including a motel, pub rooms and the Narromine Aerodrome Tourist Park.