Regional Councils - Warrumbungle Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire includes several charming towns and is the major gateway to the spectacular mountain ranges of the Warrumbungles. Coonabarabran is the main centre, with smaller towns of Coolah, Binnaway, Baradine, Dunedoo and Mendooran each having their own character.Coonabarabran is nestled in the foothills of the Warrumbungle Range at the head of the Castlereagh River. Known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, Coonabarabran is the home of Australia's largest optical astronomy research centre, Siding Spring Observatory. This complex sits atop the Warrumbungle Range and affords views of a vast and diverse landscape - the craggy peaks and spires of the Warrumbungles, the environmental haven of the Warrumbungle National Park, the "million wild acres" of Pilliga Scrub (State Forest and Nature Reserve) and the vast open western plains. Siding Spring Observatory is open to the public through the day. For night time viewing, Skywatch Observatory has been built closer to Coonabarabran.Agriculture is the main contributor to the local economy. Beef cattle breeding, fine wool production, wheat and other cereal crop farming are the traditional pursuits. There are several farming properties which are showpieces and fine examples of newer conservation techniques including mudbrick. There is, by contrast, a large heritage woolshed, Garraween, which is very photogenic.Warrumbungle Shire is home to a good number of heritage style and older Australian Pubs, buildings and homes. The scenery is spectacular and the clear night skies are a reason why Astronomy is a big industry here.All of these industries and properties are accessible to the public with prior notice.The Aboriginal people, the Gamilaroi, inhabited the area and today there are several sites which are accessible to the public.

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