The Visitor Information Centre can provide you with a map, or it can be the start of your tour.
Following is the directions for the tour. Simply follow the signs, see the sights, refer to this copy and enjoy the tour!

TOUR SIGN NO: 1

Tour commences at cnr. of Conadilly and Abbott Streets. Proceed south in Abbott Street.

TOUR SIGN NO: 2

Cnr. of Abbott and Barber Street proceed up over the rail bridge and turn left into South Street and Anzac Park.

TOUR SIGN NO: 3

The GUNNEDAH WAR MEMORIAL POOL situated on the left is Olympic size and was built on the side of a hill set amongst 2 hectares of garden, shady trees and rolling lawns. On completion the project cost over $300,000 and was made possible by the co-operation of the residents of Gunnedah shire in a major community effort which apart from raising $60,000 towards the construction cost has, by initial 'working bees', transformed a rocky hillside into a showplace of the town. All thanks go to the building and construction efforts of local ex-servicemen.

In 1972, a 25 metre HEATED POOL was added to the complex and in 1996 the area was covered by a building to fully enclose the heated pool area allowing comfortable year round swimming for residents and visitors. Australian champion swimmer, Samantha Riley, officially opened this.

Picnic tables and electric B.B.Q's are scattered throughout the Pool area and Anzac Park.

THE DOROTHEA MACKELLAR MEMORIAL STATUE is a prominent feature in Anzac Park. Dorothea Mackellar was a frequent visitor to the family properties at Gunnedah, 'Kurrumbede' and 'The Rampadells'. Today, the bronze statue of the famous Poet, sculptured by Dennis Adams, gazes out over the Namoi Valley, an area that undoubtedly inspired Dorothea to write much of her poetry and prose including her most famous poem 'My Country'.

The SHIRE BAND HALL is yet another example of community spirit. The project was constructed in 1974 at a cost of $64,000 for the Gunnedah Shire Band specifically; who have won many State and National Band Championships over the years.

The GUNNEDAH VISITORS INFORMATION CENTRE was built by volunteer labour from the combined District 7 Zone 5 Apex Clubs and was opened in 1982. The Centre stocks free information and maps of Gunnedah & district, most towns in the area and the rest of NSW. The Centre is open weekdays from 9.00am till 5.00pm and on weekends it is manned by volunteer staff from 10.00am till 3.00pm. In 1995 the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society Inc. relocated its office to the Visitors Centre and in September 1996 the DOROTHEA MACKELLAR MEMORIAL WING was added to the building. At present the Dorothea Mackellar Collection is established enhancing the Centre. In 1984, Mrs. Mikie Maas OAM PHF was responsible for the establishment of the DOROTHEA MACKELLAR NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION for SCHOOLS and winning entries from the previous years are on display. An Honour Board lists the winners' names from the competition's inception.

The GUNNEDAH WATER TOWER MUSEUM is located at the top of Anzac Park and was originally constructed in 1908 as a water reservoir. The Gunnedah Historical Society has been responsible for the tower's renovation and the construction of 3 floors inside the complex. The Tower houses a fine collection and display of items, pictures and implements from the Gunnedah district. The building has a spiral staircase leading from the third floor to the observation deck that provides a fine view of the surrounding area. The Museum is open on Saturday afternoon from 2.00pm till 5.00pm. School groups and coach companies are welcome anytime and prior notice is asked so a guide can be arranged to accompany the group.

Admission is $2.00 per adult and 50 cents for children & pensioners. Contact President John Buchanan on (02) 6743 1524.

REMEMBRANCE GROVE was established in 1995 and is dedicated to all Gunnedah Servicemen and women who perished in War.

TOUR SIGN No: 4

Cnr. South & Acacia Streets. Turn right into Acacia Street.
Located on the right is the GUNNEDAH SERVICES & BOWLING CLUB. This club offers visiting bowlers a chance to play bowls with local members in a congenial and pleasant atmosphere.

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TOUR SIGN No: 5

Cnr. Acacia & 8th Division Memorial Avenue. Turn right into 8th Division Memorial Avenue. EIGHTH DIVISION MEMORIAL AVENUE was established as a Memorial to those in the Eighth Division who fell. This Avenue of Flowering Gums, with a commemorative plaque at the base of each tree and remembrance wall is, as far as known, the only memorial of its type to the Eighth Division in Australia.

TOUR SIGN No: 6

Cnr. 8th Division Memorial Avenue & Anzac Parade. Turn left into Anzac Parade. On the right located in the Hospital Grounds is the Lions Park Picnic Area. This area houses covered picnic shelters, newly finished public toilets. The Gunnedah Garden Club has established gardens within the park area and has pledged to maintain them.

Also on your right is the Hospital Helipad and HIV/Aids Monument. This monument and garden area was established in 1993 by the Gunnedah District HIV/Aids Education & Support Group who conduct the only New South Wales country Memorial Candlelight Service to all those who have died from Aids related diseases in the New England Health region.

TOUR SIGN No: 7

Cnr. Anzac Parade & Hunter Street. Turn left into Hunter Street. On your left is MORNINGTON PARK. This area incorporates a Picnic shelter & public toilets. Tennis Courts are available for public hire. Proceed east along Hunter Street.
On the left is ARTHUR HEATH PARK - this area was named for the late Mr. Arthur Heath who contributed much to the rural development of the district and was responsible for the concept of the natural park areas in the shire.

TOUR SIGN No: 8

Cnr. Hunter & Porcupine Streets. Turn right into Porcupine Street. Travel south through residential area along Porcupine Street.

TOUR SIGN No: 9

Cnr. Porcupine Street & Stock Road. At the Keep Left sign cross Stock Road and veer left along Apex Road. STOCK ROAD, according to local historians was part of the original north/south overland stock route. The street has a double row of Gum trees, which help support the local koala colony. A cycle/walkway has been installed through the centre of the island area and Stock Road is flanked on each side of the footpath by a row of Jacaranda trees.

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TOUR SIGN No: 10

Cnr. Stock Road & Apex Road. On the left is the GUNNEDAH RETIREMENT VILLAGE. This area offers new 2 bedroom home units for sale to seniors. The area also incorporates the latest addition to aged care in Gunnedah the $2.5 Million AGED CARE NURSING HOME COMPLEX. A croquet lawn has been established on the western border of the Village.

TOUR SIGN No: 11

Cnr. Apex Road Junction. Proceed along Apex Road to turn left into Apex Drive to PORCUPINE LOOKOUT. The construction of the road to the summit of Porcupine Hill was a project of the Apex Club of Gunnedah. Sealing of the Road was undertaken by the Gunnedah Council in the mid 1960's. The northern platform overlooks the town and beyond to the NANDEWAR RANGE towards NARRABRI and the MT. KAPUTAR NATIONAL PARK some 100 kms away on the horizon. To the right is NOBBY'S ROCK a notable feature standing out in the afternoon sun. After heavy rain and run off, a small inaccessible waterfall is visible.

The southern platform provides a view of rich AGRICULTURAL LAND of the PULLAMING and BREEZA PLAINS. The Range of mountains on the far horizon is part of the LIVERPOOL RANGE beyond Quirindi. In times of flood, the Pullaming Plain presents a picture of a huge inland sea for many days at a time hence the new OXLEY HIGHWAY deviation of 3 large bridges across the flats on the northeastern approach to Gunnedah.

The name 'Porcupine' Lookout dates back to the early white settler days. The hill was known to the local aboriginals of the KAMILAROI TRIBE as 'BINDEA'. This word translates into, 'The place where the shrubs with leaves like a porcupine quill grow'.

TOUR SIGN No: 12

Apex Road Junction - Returning from Porcupine Lookout, turn left into Apex Road.

TOUR SIGN No: 13

Corner of Apex Road and Baxter Street. Turn right into Baxter Street. The tour now passes along BAXTER STREET returning to STOCK ROAD via GOODWIN ROAD.

TOUR SIGN No: 14

Corner of Baxter Street and Goodwin Road. Turn right into Goodwin Road.

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TOUR SIGN No: 15

Corner of Goodwin and Stock Roads. Turn left into Stock Road. On the left you will find the G.S. KIDD MEMORIAL SCHOOL for mentally and physically disadvantaged children. A project of the Lions Club of Gunnedah, it is named after the late G.S. Kidd who inspired the project within the Lions Club and was Health Inspector with the Municipal Council for many years. This school assists families to complete their children's education without local children having to leave the district for their schooling.

On the left is the GUNNEDAH SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL, one of the four Primary Schools in Gunnedah and educates about 650 students from Kinder to Year 6.

TOUR SIGN No: 16

Corner of Stock Road and Bridge Street. Turn left into Bridge Street. The TOWN TOUR now takes you through some of the new residential areas of Gunnedah and provides a striking indication of the growth and development of the town in recent years. Visitors to the town constantly comment upon the standard of the homes and gardens in Gunnedah and Gunnedah boasts an abundant underground water supply, which is evident by the many exceptionally attractive gardens, and tree lined streets.

TOUR SIGN No: 17

Corner of Bridge and Palmer Crescent. Turn right into Palmer Crescent.

TOUR SIGN No: 18

Corner of Palmer Crescent and Links Road. Turn right into Links Road. GUNNEDAH GOLF COURSE. Attractive grass greens with irrigated fairways. Visitors are always welcome to experience the exquisitely presented 18 Hole Golf Course, or relax in the Club overlooking the Course. Delightful lunch and evening meals are available from the restaurant every day. Visitors are always welcome.

TOUR SIGN No: 19

Corner of Links Road and Stock Road. Proceed North along Links Road. On the right is 'YALLAMBEE', one of Gunnedah's homes for senior citizens. A combined effort of the registered and service clubs of the town, the home provides accommodation for up to thirty senior citizens with self contained units for ladies and serviced rooms available for gentlemen.

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TOUR SIGN No: 20

Corner Links Road and George Street. Turn right into George Street.

TOUR SIGN No: 21

Corner of George and Rodney Streets. Turn left into Rodney Street. Travel north along Rodney Street past 2MO/2GGG RADIO STATION, one of the first commercial stations in Australia. Set up by Marcus Oliver in 1923, who together with his wife Babe did all the announcing and selling work for advertising and radio sets as well. Marcus was a central figure in the North West, well known for his comments during news reading - he would go to air at any time, refusing to be rostered to specific times and talk about anything he thought would interest the locals. 2MO is, in fact, the oldest surviving commercial station in rural Australia.

TOUR SIGN No: 22

Corner of Rodney and Hunter Streets. Continue along Rodney Street. (Now Marquis Street). On the left you will observe the Gunnedah Campus of the New England Institute TAFE (Technical and Further Education). This campus boasts a wide range of educational facilities that caters for the interest areas available through the TAFE system. The newly completed 'Sugar Gums Family & Children's Centre' is a multi purpose facility consolidating the services of Gunnedah Family Day Care, the Mary Ranken Child Care Centre and the Women and Family Centre.

If you were to turn left into Hunter street, you would observe a lovely Flame Tree lined street leading to the Hunter Street Cemetery on the left - a place where you can discover a myriad of local history.

GUNNEDAH HIGH SCHOOL is a modern and progressive High School catering for up to 1500 secondary school students from the town and district. Just opposite the Gunnedah High School on the right is the GUNNEDAH BAPTIST CHURCH. The simple beauty of this church is maintained inside with a colour of royal blue carpet and white furnishings.

Also opposite the Gunnedah High School is the New England & North West Health Service GUNNEDAH HOSPITAL. Originally built in 1882, the Gunnedah District Hospital has served the town and district since then. Also located within the grounds is "ALKIRA", a modern hostel which offers senior citizens self care units which open onto communal dining and recreation areas with trained staff available 24hrs a day to assist with any residents needs. Alkira was opened in 1990 at a cost in excess of $1,500,000, half of which was raised locally.

TOUR SIGN No: 23

Corner of Marquis and South Street. Turn left into South Street. (Oxley Highway) The High School playing fields and Tennis Courts are on the left. Travel past the SCOUT & GUIDES HALL located within the GUNNEDAH SHOWGROUND area. Many events are held at the Gunnedah Showground including all horse sports, gymkhanas, pony camp, and the Gunnedah Show. Many sports including Junior Football are played on the LONGMUIR PLAYING FIELDS. The Showground area also contains the LYLE GRIFFITH GYMNASTIC CENTRE and the men and women's BASKETBALL STADIUM built at a cost in excess of $280,000, half of which was again raised locally.

On the right, opposite the Show Ground is the GUNNEDAH RAILWAY STATION. The National Trust has classified this very picturesque and historical landmark. Built in 1879, the Station stands as a proud historical representative of early Gunnedah.

TOUR SIGN No: 24

Approach round-a-bout at Corner of South Street and View Street. Turn RIGHT, cross railway level crossing into New Street.

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TOUR SIGN No: 25

Intersection of New and Barber Streets. Turn left into Barber Street. Follow around to right into Warrabungle Street. The MARCROFT CARAVAN PARK on the left is designed for semi-permanent occupancy, each site having its own amenities.

Prior to turning right into Conadilly Street, (on the left-hand side along Conadilly Street) is the Gunnedah Saleyards, one of the largest stock selling centres in the state. Weekly sales are held every Tuesday commencing at 9.00am. Monthly store sales are also a feature.

TOUR SIGN No: 26

Corner of Warrabungle and Conadilly Streets. Turn right into Conadilly Street. Proceeding east along Conadilly Street, on the right is GUNNEDAH WORKSHOP ENTERPRISES. This group is responsible for creating jobs for the disabled and among other things produces a host of Christmas decorations that are on display throughout Gunnedah during the festive season. Next on the left is WOLSELEY PARK - the first recreational park area in Gunnedah. WOLSELEY PARK has many desirable facilities, CHILDREN'S PLAY EQUIPMENT, FREE ELECTRIC B.B.Q's, PICNIC TABLES AND BENCHES - This area is a host to many entertaining events which include the GUNNEDAH MARKETS every 3rd Saturday of the Month, Carols By Candlelight annually in DECEMBER and various activities every year on AUSTRALIA DAY.

TOUR SIGN No: 27

Corner of Conadilly and Chandos Streets. Turn left into Chandos Street. This area is home to the GUNNEDAH BICENTENNIAL CREATIVE ARTS CENTRE - built with grant money in 1988, the Creative Arts Centre includes artwork from many local artists and is an ideal function centre, host for town meetings and exhibitions. On permanent display is the JEAN ISHERWOOD 'MY COUNTRY' EXHIBITION - A collection of 32 watercolours depicting the four central verses of DOROTHEA MACKELLAR'S' famous poem 'MY COUNTRY'.

Next door to the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre stands the monumental TOWN HALL. This Gunnedah landmark has played host to many varying functions throughout its history, including annual eisteddfods that are always strongly patronised. Each year the Hall is enveloped by the combined beautiful musical sounds of the Infant, Primary and Secondary Schools during the annual Massed Choir Night.

TOUR SIGN No: 28

Corner of Chandos and Bloomfield Streets. Turn right into Bloomfield Street.

TOUR SIGN No: 29

Corner of Bloomfield and Marquis Streets. Turn left into Marquis Street.

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TOUR SIGN No: 30

Corner of Marquis and Maitland Streets. Turn right into Maitland Street.
MAITLAND STREET was the main street in Gunnedah prior to the major flood of 1864. The three storey building on the corner or Marquis Street was the first store opened in the settlement by Mr GEORGE COHEN. In the next block on the right hand side, the two story brick residence (now a B&B - Roseneath Manor) was Mr Cohen's home, alongside, the first Convent of Mercy occupied in 1879 and again next door, the FIRST BANK in Gunnedah, The Commercial Banking Company of Sydney.
FLOOD HEIGHT GAUGE Abbott Street corner. This marker post records the height of the major floods that have occurred in Gunnedah.

TOUR SIGN No: 31

Corner of Maitland and Abbott Streets. Turn right into Abbott Street. Opposite the Gunnedah Police Station in Abbott Street on the corner of Little Conadilly Street, is the site of the BURIAL PLACE of the powerful ABORIGINAL WARRIOR - "Red Kangaroo". The life story of this famed chief of the GUNN-E-DARR TRIBE is told in a book "THE RED CHIEF" written by the late Ion Idriess. A memorial to the Red Chief is located at the entrance to the adjacent State Office Block. This modern office block was opened at the end of 1979, costing $1.5 million and houses State Government Department offices.

TOUR SIGN No: 32

Corner of Abbott and Conadilly Streets. Turn left into Conadilly Street. GUNNEDAH SERVICES & BOWLING CLUB is a popular venue for conventions and socials with an a la carte Dining Room open every day for lunch and dinner. The club also provides Squash Courts, Sauna Room facilities and Bowling Greens.

Opposite is the former Shire Council Building. The Council is now located in new premises in Elgin Street and is the Local Government Body for the town and district covering a population of 13,500.

Adjacent is the Catholic Presbytery and CATHOLIC CHURCH. St Joseph's Church was constructed in 1914.

Further along Conadilly Street on the left the tour passes KITCHENER OVAL. This is the main sporting oval in Gunnedah. The complex has a modern dressing room and kiosk facility and the surrounds of the oval have been terraced to provide a natural grandstand for spectators. The road inside the oval is called BREAKER MORANT DRIVE - Named after Henry Harbord (The Breaker) Morant, who lived in the area on Pullaming Station, GUNNEDAH in the 1890's. Legend recalls that Harry rode horses over the jumps on Kitchener Park, among them 'The Rattler' who was owned by a local businessman. This horse held the Australian High Jump record for many years.

Breaker Morant was court martialled and sentenced to death after the death of several Boer Prisoners. On February 27th, 1902, just outside Petoria, Harry Morant faced the firing squad of eighteen rifles and was executed. Kitchener Park was named after Sir Horatio Herbert Kitchener, one of the Commanding Officers who refused to amend the sentence.

TOUR SIGN No: 33

Corner of Conadilly and Wentworth Streets. Turn left into Wentworth Street.

TOUR SIGN No: 34

Corner of Wentworth and Bloomfield Streets. Turn left into Bloomfield Street. ST MARY'S COLLEGE and ST XAVIER'S PRIMARY SCHOOL. The Sisters of Mercy came to Gunnedah 112 years ago and have continued to conduct primary and secondary schools throughout that time.

St Mary's college used to operate as a Boarding School for female pupils however has ceased to operate as such since the mid 1980's and is now co-ed. A feature of the convent is the beautiful Chapel erected in 1935.
Also within the Convent grounds is the McAuley Hostel. This hostel is run by the Sisters of Mercy and is a hostel for frail aged ladies.

TOUR SIGN No: 35

Corner of Bloomfield and Henry Streets. Turn left into Henry Street. Next door to the Red Chief Motel in Bloomfield Street is the site of one of the first Cobb & Co Coach stops. Refreshments were available for weary travellers and horse teams were changed before the coach headed west.

TOUR SIGN No: 36

Corner of Henry and Conadilly Streets.

END OF TOUR

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