Boasting a picturesque setting on the banks of the Castlereagh River, Gilgandra is a rural town in the Great Western Plains. It has been nicknamed the “Windmill Town” after the more than 300 windmills that operated in the 1950s to supply Gilgandra with sub-artesian water.
Things to do in Gilgandra
Discover the history of Australia’s iconic “Coo-ee” call at the Coo-ee Heritage Centre, which showcases the people and events that have made Gilgandra what it is today. It also tells the story of the 26 men who set out from Gilgandra to Sydney in 1915 on a World War I recruiting march, calling out “Coo-ee” at each town they passed.
Visit the Gilgandra Rural Museum, which houses an impressive collection of historic agricultural machinery. This open-air museum includes the Tooraweenah Police Gaol and the Bullagreen Station shearer's quarters, together with Aboriginal artefacts from the surrounding region.
Want to meet emus face-to-face? Head to the Emu Logic farm for a guided tour to learn about these fascinating birds. See fluffy chicks and full-grown adults, along with a range of emu products in the farm shop.
Stroll along Gilgandra’s “Windmill Walk”, which meanders along the banks of the Castlereagh River. Discover the importance of Gilgandra’s historic windmills and the local riparian ecology, with an avenue of eucalypts providing plenty of shade.
Getting around Gilgandra
Gilgandra is 45 minutes’ drive from Dubbo Airport, with regular flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Buses connect Gilgandra to the surrounding towns, while its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.