Walgett is a town of 2100 people at the centre of an enormous pastoral area which stretches to the state border. The town is located by the Namoi River near its junction with the Barwon River in northern NSW, 696 km north-west of Sydney via Wee Waa (which is 124 km east) and 114 km north of Coonamble. It is 135 m above sea-level.

Walgett proclaims itself the 'Gateway to the Opal Fields' as it is situated on the road that leads north to Lightning Ridge (76 km) and north-west to the Grawin, Glengarry and Sheepyard Opal Fields.

It is essentially a railhead and stock transport centre to the surrounding district which is based around the production of wool, beef cattle, fat lambs, sheep studs and wheat. Its riverside location also makes it a good spot for fishing.