Brewarrina Travel Guide

Discover all the must-see sights, thrilling adventures, mouth-watering cuisine, and fascinating culture of Brewarrina, Australia's historic town enshrined in the vast wilderness of Outback New South Wales.


Introduction to Brewarrina

Nestled in the heart of Northwestern New South Wales, Brewarrina is a small town with a big history. Home to some of Australia’s oldest cultural heritage sites and diverse natural beauty, Brewarrina is often overshadowed by its more popular regional counterparts. But this hidden gem is a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts, history buffs, and culture aficionados alike.

Brewarrina sits along the banks of the highly-regarded Barwon River, a lifeline to the area’s people and environment. Although it might seem like a remote and uneventful place, Brewarrina has served as an important cultural and trading center for indigenous people for over 40,000 years. The town’s heritage is unique, the perfect destination for those interested in experiencing the area’s rich culture and natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Brewarrina

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Brewarrina is rich in cultural history and contains several historical landmarks and museums that take visitors back in time. A few must-see stops to include on your itinerary include:

  • Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum: The museum displays the cultural heritage of the area’s Yuwaalaraay/Gamilaraay community, including exhibitions of sacred ceremonial artifacts, artwork, and archeological discoveries.
  • The Brewarrina Fish Traps: Australia’s oldest fish traps, thought to date back over 40,000 years, are unique and considered sacred to the region’s indigenous population.
  • The Grawin Opal Fields: Located outside the city, visit the Grawin Opal Fields to see an underground mine and browse for precious opals.
  • Brewarrina Old Jail: A well-preserved jail from the 19th-century that once held notorious outlaws.

Natural Attractions of Brewarrina: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Brewarrina and the surrounding areas are known for their astounding natural beauty and vast wilderness. Here are a few locations to explore:

  • Gongora Lookout: The scenery in the area is nothing short of breathtaking and Gongora Lookout provides panoramic views of the Barwon River and the rest of the region.
  • Beemunnel Campgrounds: A fishing, camping, and hiking haven for outdoor enthusiasts with activities for all levels of experience.
  • The Coolabah Trees: Along with the river bank, these trees form a lush and serene location ideal for picnics, bird watching, and relaxing after a long day of exploring.

Hiking/Biking Routes in Brewarrina

Brewarrina’s landscapes offer abundant opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts. The scenery ranges from the dense forests to rugged, arid desert landscapes. Here are a few of the best tracks and paths for biking or hiking:

  • Barwon Bridge to Culgoa Floodplain National Park Trail: This 10 km hike, part of a local long-distance trail, offers stunning landscapes, rich natural heritage, and perfect for birdwatching.
  • Coolabah Tree Route: This 14 km route takes you along the riverbed of the Barwon River towards the Coolabah Trees and is an excellent spot camping for the night.
  • The Organ Pipes Loop: This 7 km biking route begins in the heart of the town of Brewarrina and goes through the sandstone rocks of the Oxley-Riverside and culminates in an incredible view of the Barwon River.

Best Things to Do in Brewarrina: Activities and Tours

If you’re looking to experience Brewarrina’s fun and adventure, these thrilling activities and tours must not be missed:

  • Indigenous Cultural Experiences: The Yuwaalaraay/Gamilaraay host an array of indigenous cultural experiences, from traditional art workshops and storytelling to bush tucker tours and 4WD tours.
  • Fishing: The Barwon River is well known for its recreational fishing opportunities as it is home to a variety of fish. The local fishing tours offer everything a fisherman could want.
  • Camping in the Outback: The stunning beauty of the Brewarrina region offers plenty of campsites, each with their own unique experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Brewarrina

Suppose you’re planning to stay in Brewarrina for a week. In that case, you can use the following itinerary as a guide:

  • Day 1: Explore the town’s secrets and visit historical sites, such as the Old Jail and the Aboriginal Cultural Museum.
  • Day 2: Experience the cool waters of the Barwon River with a fishing trip or kayaking excursion.
  • Day 3: Take an indigenous cultural experience tour to understand and learn more about the cultural traditions of the communities who call Brewarrina home.
  • Day 4: Hike or bike the various trails within the town, including the Barwon Bridge to Culgoa Floodplain National Park Trail.
  • Day 5: Head out to Grawin Opal Fields to scavenge for opal gems and engage with local miners.
  • Day 6: Explore the scenic landscapes of the region with a 4WD tour or a visit to the area’s natural parks.
  • Day 7: Enjoy a relaxing picnic at the Coolabah Tree sites before your departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Brewarrina

Brewarrina offers hungry travelers a myriad of dining options where they can savor the local specialties and quench their thirst with the region’s iconic beverages. Be sure to sample these delicious dishes and drinks while visiting Brewarrina:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kangaroo Stew: A robust stew containing kangaroo meat, tomatoes, onions, and vegetables.
  • Saltbush Lamb: Saltbush lamb is a local specialty in Brewarrina, lightly seasoned with local herbs and roasted to perfection.
  • Damper: A baked bread with flour and water, filled with nuts and fruits to give flavor. The locals often serve it with tea or jam.

Local Beverages

  • Emu Bitter: A popular beer brewed by the local brewery, the Brewarrina Brewing Company, using natural spring water from the nearby mountains.
  • Red Earth Winery: An independent winery and cellar door, producing high-quality wine in the heart of Brewarrina.

Where to Stay in Brewarrina: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Brewarrina offers a vast array of accommodations to suit all budgets, whether you are a solo traveler or traveling with family.

  • Brewarrina Motel: A modern and affordable motel located in the town’s center, with air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi.
  • Four Ways Caravan Park: A well-equipped caravan park with BBQ grills, laundry facilities, and an outdoor pool, perfectly located near Barwon River and the fishing spots.
  • Barwon Hotel: The historic hotel offers rooms and suites with stunning views of the Barwon River and conveniently located close to the town’s many attractions.

What to Buy in Brewarrina: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Brewarrina’s artistic heritage is incredible! Be sure to take home a few souvenirs to remember your trip by, such as:

  • Indigenous Art: The area is rich in indigenous artworks depicting the traditions and stories of the Yuwaalaraay/Gamilaraay people.
  • Opal: Two opal fields surround the town, making it an ideal location to purchase local opal jewelry and polished stones.
  • Local produce and wine: Local breweries and wineries offer a unique selection of regional beers and wines taking inspiration from the town’s landscape.

Local Culture and Customs of Brewarrina

It’s important to respect and understand the local culture and customs of a place you visit. The community in Brewarrina is highly reverent of their heritage, and visitors should follow the appropriate guidelines.

Best Time to Visit Brewarrina

Brewarrina, like most Australian Outback towns, is best visited from March to May or from September to November. The temperatures are moderate, and the weather is less humid, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brewarrina

Do:

  • Follow all the rules in the fishing and camping spots on the Barwon River.
  • Respect the culture and heritage of the Yuwaalaraay/Gamilaraay people and follow the appropriate guidelines while exploring cultural heritage sites and museums.
  • Engage with the locals, you’ll find them helpful and friendly.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the cultural protocols and sacred sites.
  • Leave any litter or trash on your adventures, take only memories, leave only footprints.

Safety and Health

Safety in Brewarrina

Brewarrina is considered a safe travel destination, but it’s essential to keep track of weather conditions, particularly during outback summer months, from December to February. When taking a dip in the Barwon River, be aware of crocodiles and bull sharks.

Health in Brewarrina

Medical facilities in the town are limited. Ensure you have adequate health insurance before visiting Brewarrina and consult medical professionals before taking any outdoor activities in the area. Drinking enough water is crucial when traversing the vast wilderness of the Outback.

Getting to Brewarrina: Transportation Options and Logistics

Brewarrina is an isolated town, but you can still reach it by different means of transportation.

Airports Near Brewarrina

  • Dubbo Airport: Located 250 km southeast of Brewarrina.
  • Cobar Airport: About 220 km northwest of Brewarrina.

Bus Stations Near Brewarrina

  • Greyhound buses run from Sydney to Brewarrina via Dubbo.

Other Options

Visitors can alternatively drive to the town, although the vast distances and rugged terrain can prove challenging.

How to Get Around in Brewarrina

Although there are no public transportation systems available in Brewarrina, it’s a small town with easily accessible places to visit within walking or biking distances.

Where to Go Next from Brewarrina: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Suppose you’re trying to explore other destinations near Brewarrina. In that case, you can add these places to your itinerary:

  • The small town of Walgett, located about 90 km south of Brewarrina, offers visitors exciting cultural experiences and scenic beauty.
  • White Cliffs, About 305 km northwest from Brewarrina, offers unique underground dugouts for accommodations and a chance to visually understand the opal mining industry.
  • Cobar, about 215 km northwest of Brewarrina, has a rich mining history and a unique blend of Australian outback culture.

Conclusion

Brewarrina is an excellent destination that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, intriguing history, and scenic beauty. It’s a must-visit for anyone planning to explore the Australian Outback.

So pack your bags and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Australia’s outback.