Population: Approximately 3000

Even though there have been several translations of the name Quirindi, which is derived from the Kamilaroi Aboriginal language, the most appropriate would have to be ‘nest in the hills’. From any approach road the town looks a haven of tranquillity tucked within undulating slopes and ranges, its surrounding region blessed by some of the richest soil in Australia the Liverpool Plains.

Quirindi is the hub of the Liverpool Plains Shire. It’s located a short distance off the New England Highway, a comfortable four hour drive from Sydney, 50 minutes from Tamworth and is situated midway between the famous wine growing area of the Hunter Valley and the cooler climate vineyards of the New England. Quirindi is also ideally located within four hours of Australia’s magnificent coastal resorts of Forster, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. Quirindi is the “Gateway to the North-West” with the Kamilaroi Highway commencing in the township and ending at Bourke.

Take the drive from Willow Tree and your approach to Quirindi will be the same as Surveyor-General, Sir Thomas Mitchell’s in 1831 where he came across squatters who had pushed beyond the legal limits of location at the time looking for rich pastures.

To embrace the full beauty of the area the Whod-A-Thought It Lookout is a must. A full 360 degree expanse offers panoramic views of the town, the Liverpool Plains and the Great Dividing Range. It’s the picnic perfect location to watch the sun set and contemplate how the region once supported oceanic coral reefs and beaches and now crops such as sorghum, wheat, cotton, sunflowers, lucerne and corn. To get there follow the Gunnedah signs to the edge of town where you’ll see a signposted right-hand turn. The Lookout also has a location compass providing distances to various places of interest as the crow flies.

If you’ve packed your binoculars you’ll want to take a drive north-east of Quirindi to old Quipolly Dam to look at some of the most plentiful waterbirds in the region. Even with the naked eye the Quipolly Bird Hide offers a bird’s eye view of the dam and its inhabitants. The all weather viewing structure is snuggled amid reeds, and as the water gently laps at the pylons and the sun sparkles against a back drop of Cyprus Pine even the most disinterested feather watcher will become hooked. To find the Bird Hide head out of Quirindi along Borah Creek Rd, which is north-east opposite Nowland St, and follow the signs. The round trip is approximately 35 kilometres.

Quirindi has a place in the horse sports history books with the first Australian polo club formed in the region in 1888. The annual polo carnival, Australia’s oldest, commenced in 1893 and is still held every August.

The Duke of Edinburgh played polo at Quirindi in 1968.

The town has a very active racecourse which hosts numerous meetings and the main event, the Quirindi Cup, is held in February. Equestrian sports are also particularly popular. The racecourse and showgrounds are a short distance from town on the road to Wallabadah.

No town steeped in such rural heritage as Quirindi’s would be complete without a museum or heritage village. Quirindi is fortunate to have both. The museum is situated in Station St in a building constructed in 1887. The Rural Heritage Village is 3 kilometres from town on the Gunnedah Road. Both provide a host of historic information and memorabilia.