Narrabri: History, Markets and Recreation

For a stay in Narrabri, you can focus on cultural history, recreation by the water, or a market or event, depending on your plans. Narrabri Old Gaol provides a clear historical timeframe for the town’s story. At Narrabri Lake, there is a three-kilometre path, canoeing on calm water, and islands that serve as a refuge for birds. Markets and event venues round out the options, with a regular market date and spaces for a variety of occasions. If you are looking for a hotel in Narrabri, your reason for travelling can help guide you towards suitable options.

History at Narrabri Old Gaol

Narrabri Old Gaol opened as a prison in September 1882, remained in operation for exactly 100 years, and closed in 1982. It was built in the 1880s as part of an impressive complex of colonial government buildings. These dates mark different stages in its history: the construction period refers to a decade, the opening to September 1882, and the operating period to exactly a century. This makes it possible to trace the building’s development from its construction to its closure without conflating the construction period with the opening date.

Walking tours that begin or end with a visit to the Narrabri Old Gaol Museum can be arranged through the Narrabri Historical Society and are led by society members. The museum visit thus serves as the starting or finishing point for a walking tour that looks beyond the building itself to Narrabri. If you would like to include a guided tour in your plans, contact the Historical Society to arrange it.

Walking, Canoeing and Birdlife at Narrabri Lake

A three-kilometre path runs around Narrabri Lake and is used for walking and cycling. Canoeing takes place on the lake’s calm water. This offers a choice between a land-based route and a water activity.

At the southern end of Narrabri Lake, the islands provide a refuge for native and migratory birds. Pirate Park, with a playground for younger visitors, is also at the southern end. The islands are a place to enjoy the lake’s birdlife, while Pirate Park offers a specific play option for younger visitors.

Markets and Event Venues

The Narrabri Rotary Markets are held on the banks of Narrabri Creek behind Leitch Oval, on Tibbereena Street in Narrabri. The regular date is the first Saturday of each month. If the first day of the month falls on a Sunday, the markets are held the day before. Fruit and vegetables are sold at the markets. If visiting a market is important to your trip, check the date that falls during your stay before adding it to your plans.

The Crossing Theatre offers four fully licensed event spaces for lunches, dinners, meetings, conferences, weddings, exhibitions and performances. The range of uses extends from business gatherings to celebrations and performances. For planning your trip, the specific occasion can therefore be a useful starting point for considering Narrabri as a destination.

A Public Swimming Pool in Narrabri

Narrabri Aquatic Centre is located in Narrabri and is one of three public swimming pools in Narrabri Shire. Alongside activities at the lake, there is also a public swimming pool in town. The Centre and the lake offer different options to consider if you are planning water-based recreation.

Discover more destinations: Mylestom, Millers Point, Malabar, Fitzroy Falls, Varroville, Gungal, Peakhurst, Murrumburrah

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.