Day Trips Sub Committee

A sub committee of the Warialda Tourism Committee has been formed to develop and liaise with major bus companies who regularly run tours through Warialda, but do not stop to see what the town has to offer. Major attractions that the sub committee will be marketing include a guided town tour, Carinda House, the new Visitor Information Centre, Poison Anvil, Cranky Rock and Ceramic Break Sculpture Park. It is also envisioned that if catering is required, it will be supplied by local business houses. Suggestions are welcome, as the project is still in the development stage.

Warialda Bird Watching Group

The Warialda Bird Watching Group held its first "meet and greet" meeting on 30th October at Captain Cook Park, so that everyone could meet each other, enjoy some afternoon tea, and talk about and spot some birds in the Park.

It was decided that the next meeting would be held at Don and Gay Mack's property "Berrybank", 20km west of Bingara on the Narrabri Road. The afternoon was held on 9th November, and 23 species were spotted, with the Black Honeyeater and Musk Lorikeet being named "Birds of the Day". The next meeting is being organised and it is envisioned that the group will meet monthly for an outing, social afternoon tea and discussion about birds.

Trakmaster Off Road Caravan Club Day Trip to Warialda

Sunday 18^th October 2009, 100 members of the Trakmaster Off Road Caravan Club enjoyed a day of touring Ceramic Break Sculpture Park, a demonstration by local blacksmith Ashley Sutton at Poison Anvil, a tour of the township of Warialda with a focus on its historical buildings, and lunch and wine tasting at Thomas New England Estate Wines near Delungra.

When the group arrived at Ceramic Break, Kerry Cannon, the owner and sculptor, introduced them to the park and gave a brief history and then talked about the different areas to the park. The group then split up, some doing the Ceramic Break walk, other to the Pink Gazebo and the three galleries. Morning tea was provided by the Warialda CWA ladies with a yummy selection of cakes and slices available. Everyone hopped back on the bus to head to Warialda.

On the way the four guides – one on each bus – talked about the area, the two towns of Bingara and Warialda, Allan Cunningham’s exploration and many other bits and pieces. Through Warialda Rail the group got a quick run down on the bustling village that it was when the rail was operating, and a glimpse of the trucks that now take its place to cart the grain.

The group then split, with half going to Ashley Sutton’s Poison Anvil for a fascinating demonstration, where Ashley made a bull’s head hat rack in less than half an hour and a browse through all the interesting pieces in the Posion Anvil Shed.

The other half were sent off in the capable hands of Carmel Gobbert and Fay Cains to explore the township of Warialda. This was well received by the whole group, who especially appreciated learning from locals about the town and what it has to offer for those considering moving into the area.

It was back into the bus again, headed for New England Estate Wines and a scrumptious lunch of salads and roast lamb. The group enjoyed some wine tasting and a browse around the gift shop and ice creamery.

The weather was fantastic, they day ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all. Special thanks to Bilsborough’s for providing four fantastic bus drivers, Kerry and Nerida at Ceramic Break, the Warialda CWA, Ashley Sutton and his helpers at Poison Anvil, Carmel Gobbert, Fay Cains, the Thomas family at the Winery and their helpers, Gwydir Shire Council and the 100 lovely people who thoroughly enjoyed the time they spent in the Gwydir area.

The Warialda Tourism Committee offers guided tours to any group interested in exploring the Warialda area. They are also currently looking into the possibility of including a tour of Warialda in the itineraries of several large bus companies who often pass through the town without stopping. If you would like to get involved or have any suggestions about the tours, please contact the Warialda Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6729 0046.