Population: Approximately 250

16 kilometres South East of Quirindi on the New England Highway is the settlement of Willow Tree.

It was once said that the route from Wallabadah to Willow Tree, which crosses creek flats and streams flowing from the hills, was a popular site for bushrangers. Bushrangers are said to have preyed on lone travellers and coaches as they made their way along the uncertain steeply graded roads fleeing with their booty into the hills where they could safely hide. No risk of high jinx for today's traveller though, the trip is a smooth 18 kilometre run on highway bitumen.

The township of Willow Tree is a service centre to the rural areas of Warrah and Mount Parry. This area is the country through which Sir Edward Parry travelled in 1832 when he came to look at land for the Australian Agricultural Company. Willow Tree stands on land resumed from the AA Company grant issued in 1833.

The township developed with the advent of the railway line and from subdivisions of part of the great Warrah estate into small farms. Today it is a gateway village to the fertile Liverpool Plains.

It's worthwhile taking a detour to visit the explorer, Allen Cunningham's Memorial. There you will find a picnic site on the northern side of Coolah Creek and the Memorial.

If your looking for a great view visit Pandora's Pass where in 1832 Cunningham crossed the Warrumbungle Range onto the Liverpool Plains. There are excellent views back over the Coolah Valley and north over the Liverpool Plains from this vantage point.