Coonabarabran is a town in Warrumbungle Shire that sits on the divide between the Central West and North West Slopes regions of New South Wales, Australia. At the 2016 census, the town had a
population of 2,537, and as of 2021, the
population of Coonabarabran and its surrounding area is 3,477.
The gateway to Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, Coonabarabran ('Coona' to locals) is the ultimate destination for gazing at the heavens – clean air, high altitudes, low humidity and a lack of light pollution all unite to create an unparalleled stargazing experience.
In NSW’s Warrumbungle region, Coonabarabran?is known as the ‘capital of Australian astronomy’ – and there's good reason why. The region has zero light pollution and it's
home to the nation's first Dark Sky Park – an honour bestowed on
Warrumbungle National Park by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2016. Needless to say, there are a number of observatories across the region, and some are open to the public year-round – amazing night sky experiences through large telescopes await.
You’ll find plenty of?accommodation?options in Coonabarabran, from motels and pubs to cottages, farmstays, caravan parks and campgrounds. You can even stay at the?Skywatch Observatory, which has a single suite and offers guided tours of the night sky when you
check in.