Quirindi

Festivals & events 

Quirindi is southwest of Tamworth on the fertile Liverpool Plains, one of Australia’s richest agricultural regions. And it celebrates its natural bounty with gusto. Every September, you can meet the locals and taste regional produce at the Quirindi Spring Show, a three-day event that brings the entire district together for old-fashioned family entertainment. 

For a small town, Quirindi has a lot going on. Every May you can attend the Vintage Machinery and Miniature Railway Rally and Swap Meet, and then in February there’s the high-octane Quirindi Rodeo. This family-friendly event is full of steer wrestling, bull riding, barrel racing and more… and will have everyone cheering on their favourite riders. 

Quirindi Post Office, Quirinidi

Things to do 

Visit Quirindi between December and March to see something truly special – vast fields of sunflowers that transform rural farmland into bright swathes of sunshine. Nature lovers will also want to make a beeline to nearby Quipolly Dam, a sanctuary for many bird species including diamond firetails and black-chinned honeyeaters. 

Quirindi's silo has been repurposed into a stunning tourist attraction. Artist Peter Ryan transformed the giant canvas of the silos to tell the story of Quirindi, its past, present and future by day and by night. By day you can admire Yurrandaali – the tree goanna, totem of the Liverpool Plains and protector of the land – starring in an Aboriginal Dreamtime story. By night, the art comes to life with animations starting from 7pm EST (8.30pm during Daylight Saving Time). 

Quirindi Silo Art, Light and Sound Show, Quirindi - Credit: Kim Lawlor - Quirindi Silo Art Committee

The Australian Railway Monument and Rail Journeys Museum, housed in the historic Werris Creek Railway Station, tells the story of railway life in Australia. The monument also commemorates those who lost their lives working on Australia’s rail infrastructure. Ride on the miniature railway at the Quirindi Rural Heritage Village. 

Take a stroll down Memory Lane at Bob's Shed, where you can find an old-time general store stocked with authentic 40s and 50s items, admire the collection of historic pub items and listen to Bob himself regale you with stories attached to his collection, which just adds to the quirk of the place.  

Bob's Shed, Quirindi

Eat & drink 

Start your day at the Sugar Plum Tea and Coffee House or The Coffee Pot. End the day at Willow Tree Inn, where you can enjoy a delicious paddock-to-plate experience at its Graze restaurant, which serves beef and lamb reared on Colley Creek pastures, just 2km away. 

Graze Restaurant at Willow Tree Inn, Quirindi

Getting there 

Quirindi is just over four hours’ drive from Sydney and less than an hour from Tamworth. You can take a scenic train trip from Sydney to Willow Creek, Quirindi and Werris Creek, via the Upper Hunter. Or fly from Sydney to Tamworth Airport, where you can rent a car.