Things to see and do
HAVE YOU SEEN WARREN?
Sick of the traditional travel experiences and over-hyped tourist traps? It’s time to do something a little different in 2025, and go beyond.
Beyond the usual holiday destinations and well-known attractions.
Beyond the crowded caravan parks and tired tourist tracks.
Beyond the places on the map you know by heart and don’t ever make it past.
Beyond what you have ever known or imagined.
Destination With a Difference
When you open your imagination beyond these regular possibilities, you will discover an extraordinarily warm and welcoming rural region, with a friendly sense of fun.
Where you’ll feel like family and discover amazing attractions and stunning rural scenery that will have you mesmerised and leave you wanting more.
That’s right, we’re talking about Warren.
Why Warren?
Located in the Orana region of Central Western NSW, this year’s most impressive undiscovered destination is only one hour’s drive north-west of Dubbo.
It’s the perfect place for Grey Nomads, Caravan Crusaders or 4WD Adventurers seeking Aussie towns that offer an authentic experience and the ideal family holiday destination for socially and environmentally conscious families searching for traditional holiday alternatives.
Authentic Agritourism
Famously known as ‘the last town with a bloke’s name for 200km,’ Warren Shire allows you to experience diverse agricultural industries from wool, sheep and cattle to cotton, wheat and canola, all within an authentic working environment.
It provides a chance to explore the start of the production cycle and allows you the opportunity to understand the true meaning of ‘from paddock to plate.’
The Wonders of Warren
Warren Shire is home to an incredible number of both man-made and natural wonders that are perfect for the day-tripper or anyone who wants to stick around a little longer.
Top Ten things to see and do
1. Window on the Wetland Centre and Bird Watching at Tiger Bay Wetlands
Located on the outskirts of Warren on the Coonamble Road is the Tiger Bay Wetlands and the WoW Centre. View the information boards, highlighting information on the region’s environment, culture and heritage. Walk the Tiger Bay Wetlands, next to the WoW Centre. This wetland is a natural overflow of the Macquarie River system, and home to numerous species of birds and aquatic flora.
The WoW Centre is also home to the Visitor Information Centre. For more information please phone the VIC 02 6847 6665.
2. Aboriginal Heritage at the Beemunnel
The Beemunnel is a significant cultural site where Aboriginal families lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Walk the interpretation trail located 1.5km past The Window on the Wetlands centre on the Oxley Highway.
3. Warren Museum and Art Gallery
History has a home in Warren - a magnificently restored heritage building at 142 Dubbo Street. Immerse yourself in the story of Warren and district in a state-of-the-art museum and gallery.
Opening times are:
Monday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Closed Sunday and Public Holidays
For up-to-date information on opening hours and holiday closures visit https://www.thewam.com.au or phone: 02 6813 0997.
4. Shopping
Stroll down Dubbo Street in Warren to discover its range of gifts, home wares, jewelry and fashion items or perhaps grab a coffee and a bite to eat at one of the cafes.
5. Flora and Fauna at the Macquarie Marshes
One of the largest semi-permanent wetlands in southeastern Australia, the Macquarie Marshes, is located around 100km north of Warren. Containing extensive areas of reed, cumbungi, river red gum, coolibah and water couch grasslands, the Marshes support over 200 bird species.
The Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve is managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The remaining 90% is private land. Publicly accessible areas include views of the reed beds at Monkeygar Creek and the viewing platform at Big Terrigal Creek both on Gibson Way.
Highlights for a visit to the Marshes include the magnificent Burrima Boardwalk, Monkeygar Creek bird viewing platform and the bird viewing platform at Big Terrigal Creek.
For all your Marshes, maps, and access information please contact the Warren and Macquarie Marshes Visitor Information Centre on 02 6847 6665 or email discover@warren.nsw.gov.au.
From Warren, take the road to Carinda for just over 100km then turn right at the telephone tower into Gibson Way. Gibson Way is unsealed and not suitable for vehicles other than 4WD after rain. Please get local advice before driving as there are occasions where water crosses the road and makes it impassable even for a 4WD.
A variety of accommodation is available close to the Macquarie Marshes at Willie Retreat. For accommodation information please contact the Visitor Information Centre on 02 6847 6665.
6. Golf
Visit the Warren Golf Club on the Oxley Highway and play on a mixture of grass and sand greens. The 18-hole golf course has beautiful vistas of the Gunningbar Creek.
7. Wine Tasting
Tilley's Wines is located just 1km from the centre of Warren on Charles and Christine Tilley’s property, Darbalara. To arrange a tasting experience, please contact 0419 248 690.
8. Fishing
Warren has numerous fishing spots all within 5km of town.
- Oxley Park Wharf: Located at Oxley Park on Oxley Highway.
- Bob Christensen Reserve / Bryan Egan Weir: follow the Oxley Highway out of Warren towards Gilgandra, turn left at Industrial Access Road and continue for 1.6km. There is a boat ramp and picnic tables at this site.
- The Warren Weir Reserve: Follow the Wambianna Road 4.3km from Warren. The reserve is on the right-hand side.
- Quinines Reserve: Follow the Carinda Road 4.6km from Warren. The reserve is on the right-hand side.
9. Murals and Public Art
Take a leisurely a stroll through the town and walk your way around our many murals, sculptures, and water tower art. A mural map can be obtained from the Warren and Macquarie Marshes Visitor Centre.
10. Heritage Walking Tour
The Warren Historical and Family History Society offers free walking tours by appointment. Please contact 02 6847 6665.
So, it’s about time you saw Warren. Do something different, and go beyond. You won’t regret it.