Wee Waa

Wee Waa is a small town (population 2,080 in 2016) in the western part of the New England region of New South Wales.

Understand

Intersection of Rose Street and George Street, showing the Imperial Hotel

The name Wee Waa (pronounced as 'we wore') means 'fire for roasting' in the indigenous Kamilaroi language. The first farm in the district was established in 1837 and a settlement was founded in the 1840s, the first settlement on the Namoi River. A railway line was extended in 1908 from Narrabri to Walgett, passing through the town, although passenger services ceased by 1975. Wee Waa serves the villages of Burren Junction, Pilliga, and Gwabegar.

Wee Waa is known as 'The Cotton Capital of Australia' as it was the birthplace of the commercial cotton industry in 1961.

Wee Waa is in the Narrabri Shire Local Government Area.

Visitor information centre

• Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre, 103 Tibbereena Street, Narrabri (on the Newell Highway, next to the cricket ground), ☏ +61 2 6799 6760, toll-free: +61 1800 659 931, tourism@narrabri.nsw.gov.au. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa Su 9AM-2PM Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. See the Wee Waa Website maintained locally here. 

Get in

By car

Wee Waa is on the Kamilaroi Highway. The town is 42 km north-west of Narrabri and is 51 km south-west of Burren Junction and 143 km south-west of Walgett.

By coach

A NSW Trainlink coach service runs between Wee Waa and Narrabri to catch the long-distance trains at Narrabri. Coaches from Narrabri stop in front of the Wee Waa Library and coaches to Narrabri stop opposite the library.

The services from Narrabri departs M 7:30 AM and arrives at Wee Waa 8:05AM (Route 331), and departs Narrabri 5:05 PM and arrives at Wee Waa 5:40 PM (Route 333); and departs Narrabri F 6:10AM and arrives at Wee Waa 6:45AM (Route 329), and departs Narrabri 5:05 PM and arrives at Wee Waa 5:40PM (Route 335).

The service from Wee Waa departs M 8:10AM and arrives at Narrabri 8:45AM (Route 332), and departs Wee Waa 5:45PM and arrives at Narrabri 6:20PM (Route 334); and departs Wee Waa F 8:10AM and arrives at Narrabri 8:45AM (Route 330) and departs Wee Waa 7:05PM and arrives at Narrabri 7:40PM (Route 336).

Drivers do not make reservations or take payment, so reservations in advance are essential.

Train connections

Trains from Sydney depart from Central Station M-Su 9:30AM and arrive at Narrabri at 4:52PM. Trains from Narrabri to Sydney depart Narrabri Railway Station M-Su 9:10AM and arrive at Central Station in Sydney at 4:38 PM.

It is possible to take the train from Narrabri north to Moree. Trains to Moree depart Narrabri M-Su 4:52PM and arrive at Moree 6PM. Trains from Moree depart M-Su 8:05AM and arrive at Narrabri 9:10AM.

In order to avoid an overnight stay in Narrabri, travelling from Wee Waa it is necessary to book the morning coach in order to catch the train to Sydney; and travelling from Sydney it is necessary to book the afternoon coach to Wee Waa.

Bookings and stops

There is no in-person booking agent in Wee Waa, and drivers do not take reservations, therefore they must be made by phone or online.

• NSW Trainlink - regular bookings, ☏ +61 13 22 32. Daily 7AM-10PM. 
• NSW Trainlink - multi-trip and Discovery Pass, ☏ +61 13 22 32. Daily 7AM-10PM. 
• Central Station, Sydney, Eddy Avenue, Haymarket, ☏ +61 2 9379 1777. Long-distance trains depart from The Grand Concourse (Platforms 1-15) 
• 1 Wee Waa - coach stops (Wee Waa Public Library). 
• Narrabri Railway Station, Logan Street (end of Bowen Street, near grain silos), ☏ +61 13 22 32. M-F 8-11AM 2:30-5:30PM. Bookings and coach stop 

Get around

Private transport is essential, as there is no taxi service in Wee Waa nor is there a local bus service.

The nearest car rental agency is in Narrabri.

See

War Memorial Clock Tower

In and near town

• 1 Namoi Echo Museum (Wee Waa Museum), Rose Street (opposite Wee Waa Servo petrol station), ☏ +61 427 668 932, namoiechomuseum@gmail.com. Th F 10AM-3PM, Sa 10AM-4PM. Collection of items, equipment, documents, and farming equipment significat to the history of Wee Waa. adults $6, children $2. (updated Mar 2021)

Out of town

• 2 CSIRO Australia Telescope (Paul Wild Observatory), 1828 Yarrie Lake Road (27 km south-east of Wee Waa via Charles Street (south-east bound), cross the Wee Waa Lagoon bridge and continue ahead on Culgoora Road, turn right onto Yarrie Lake Road, at the four-way intersection turn left onto Yarrie Lake Road, entrance is on the left), ☏ +61 2 6790 4000, narrabri@atnf.csiro.au. M-Su 8AM-5PM. 6 radio telescope antennas mounted on tracks. Interactive displays, theatrette. Visitors are advised to switch off (and not just put on silent) mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and radio transmitters/receivers as they will interfere with the telescope array. Free. (updated Mar 2021)
• 3 Yarrie Lake, Lake Circuit (23.5 km south-east of Wee Waa via Charles Street (south-east bound), cross the Wee Waa Lagoon bridge and continue ahead on Culgoora Road, turn right onto Yarrie Lake Road, at the four-way intersection turn left onto Yarrie Lake Road, turn right onto Lake Circuit, at the fork take the right road.), ☏ +61 427 666 105. Birdwatching, water sports, yabbying (crayfish fishing), camping, powered sites, hot showers, toilets, laundry facilities, on-site drinking water. Licences are required for boating and skiing - phone the caretaker. Pets are not permitted. (updated Mar 2021)
• 4 Pilliga Hot Artesian Bore Baths, Narrabri Road, Pilliga (58 km south-west of Wee Waa via Warrior Street (south-east bound), turn right into Vera Leap Road and continue over the railway line, at the intersection with Trucking Yards Lane turn left and continue on Vera Leap Road, pass the intersection with Old Pilliga Road on the left and continue ahead as Pilliga Road, pass the intersection with Womera Creek Road on the left, pass the intersection with Gwabegar Road on the left, continue ahead to Pilliga), ☏ +61 2 6799 6760. Open all year round, but closed F 9-11AM for cleaning. Artesian bore baths. Camping possible but with limited facilities - booking is essential, see website for details or phone. (updated Mar 2021)
• 5 Burren Junction Bore Baths, Burren Bore Road (48 km north-west of Wee Waa via Kamilaroi Highway (westbound), cross the three lagoon bridges, Burren Bore Road is on the left). Bore is open 24 hours but closed during summer, camping is open all year round. Open artesian bore baths, camping with amenities block, electricity, showers, pool slide, barbecue facilities, filtered water, dump point. Fees payable to caretaker who comes mornings and afternoons. Nearest food is 3 km west in Burren Junction. Free, but fee for camping $6 per night per vehicle. (updated Mar 2021)
• 6 Salt Caves Picnic Area and Lookout Tower, County Line Road (74.5 km south-west of Wee Waa via Charles Street (south-east bound), cross the Wee Waa Lagoon bridge and continue ahead on Culgoora Road, turn right onto Yarrie Lake Road, at the four-way intersection continue ahead onto Forest Way, at the next four-way intersection continue straigt ahead on Forest Way, at the next four-way intersection also continue straight ahead as Twenty Foot Road (now entering the National Park), at the next four-way intersection turn right onto Pilliga Forest Way, continue through the intersections with Lanes Mill Road, continue around the bend to the left, pass the intersection with Sixteen Foot Road on the left, turn left into County Line Road and continue thorough four-way intersection with Sixteen Foot Road, continue through intersection through Old Baradine Road, turn right onto Wellyard Road, site is immediately to the right. This route takes about an hour and goes through isolated areas, so it is advisable to check your vehicle before departing Wee Waa. Unsealed roads, trip not advisable when wet.), ☏ +61 1300 072 757. M-Su 7AM-7PM. Overhangs where the Kamilaroi people collected salt for curing meat. A short walk away is the Pilliga Lookout Tower, used for fire spotting but open to the public. On a clear day you can see the Warrumbungle Mountains to the south-east and Mount Kaputar to the north-east. Parking, pit (non-flush) toilets, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, no litter bins so take your rubbish with you. Water will need to be boiled/treated before consumption. No pets, no smoking. Further information for discovering the Pilliga can be seen here. (updated Mar 2021)

Do

Wee Waa Court House

• Wee Waa Show, Wee Waa Showground (Maitland Street), ☏ +61 418 905 613, weewaashowsociety@hotmail.com. Held in May. Annual local fair. (updated Mar 2021)

Sports

• 1 Wee Waa Golf Club, Golf Club Road (on Kamilaroi Highway heading north-eastbound, Golf Club Road turn-off on the left hand side, at the end turn left), ☏ +61 2 6795 4414. (updated Mar 2021)
• 2 Wee Waa and District Bowling Club, 69 Alma Street (opposite the tennis courts), ☏ +61 2 6795 4401. Phone for hours. Lawn bowls. (updated Mar 2021)
• 3 Wee Waa Memorial Swimming Pool, 54 Alma Street (next to tennis courts), ☏ +61 2 6795 4384. seasonal - phone for hours. 6-lane 33 m swimming pool, 1 m and 3 m diving platforms, lifting chair in the main pool, toddlers' pool, barbecue area, kiosk, large grassy areas. adults $3.50, children 3-17 $2, non-swimming spectators $2. (updated Mar 2021)

Buy

The Namoi River near Wee Waa

Self catering

• 1 Carlo's Supa IGA Plus Liquor, 88-94 Rose Street (at the pedestrian crossing), ☏ +61 2 6795 4201. M-F 8AM-8PM Sa Su 8AM-5PM. Supermarket. Liquor store. (updated Mar 2021)
• 2 Wee Waa Pharmacy, 93 Rose Street (opposite Carlo's IGA, next to ANZ bank), ☏ +61 2 6795 4231. M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM Sa 9AM-noon. Chemist. (updated Mar 2021)
• 3 Wee Waa Newsagency & Gift Shop (Newspower Wee Waa), 80 Rose Street (next to Wee Waa Hot Bread), ☏ +61 2 6795 4154. M-F 7:30AM-5:30PM, Sa Su 8AM-noon. Newsagent. Gifts. (updated Mar 2021)
• 4 Wee Waa Hot Bread, 82 Rose Street (next to), ☏ +61 2 6795 4393. M-F 4:30AM-5PM, Sa 4:30AM-noon. Bakery. (updated Mar 2021)

Eat

CSIRO Australia Radio Telescope array

• 1 Palmer's Market & Cafe, 95 Rose Street (next to Wee Waa Pharmacy), ☏ +61 2 6795 1120. M-F 7:30AM-4PM Sa 8:30AM-12:30PM. Cafe fare. (updated Mar 2021)
• 2 Marinda Nursery and Cafe, corner Albion Street and Mitchell Street, ☏ +61 409 299 304. M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa Su 9AM-1PM. Garden nursery. Coffee shop. (updated Mar 2021)
• 3 The Rose Street Cafe, 83 Rose Street (opposite Wee Waa Hot Bread), ☏ +61 2 6795 4292. Cafe fare. (updated Mar 2021)
• 4 Locke's Mini Mart, 23 Albion Street. Fast food. Convenience store. (updated Mar 2021)
• Billabong Restaurant (Wee Waa Motel), 148 Rose Street, ☏ +61 2 6795 4522. Phone for hours. Australian fare. Licenced bar. (updated Mar 2021)
• Wee Waa and District Bowling Club, 69 Alma Street (opposite the tennis courts), ☏ +61 2 6795 4108. Phone for hours. Chinese restaurant (updated Mar 2021)
• Imperial Hotel, 100 Rose Street (corner of Rose Street and George Street), ☏ +61 2 6795 4125. Pub fare. (updated Mar 2021)
• Wee Waa Servo, 170 Rose Street, ☏ +61 2 6795 3008. Fast food. (updated Mar 2021)

Drink

• 1 Imperial Hotel, 100 Rose Street (corner of Rose Street and George Street), ☏ +61 2 6795 4125. Su-Th 9AM-9:30PM F Sa 10AM-10:30PM. Liquor store on-site (updated Mar 2021)
• Wee Waa and District Bowling Club, 69 Alma Street (opposite the tennis courts), ☏ +61 2 6795 4108. Phone for hours. (updated Mar 2021)

Sleep

Imperial Hotel

Motels

• 1 Wee Waa Motel, 148 Rose Street (corner of Rose Street and Rivers Street), ☏ +61 2 6795 4522. Rooms have 32 inch TV, air conditioning, WiFi on request, private ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, secure on-site parking, microwave, fridge, toaster. Phone or see website for rates and availability. (updated Mar 2021)
• 2 Wee Waa Welcome Inn, 166 Rose Street (next to Wee Waa Servo), ☏ +61 2 6795 3997, weewaawelcomeinn@hotmail.com. Entrance around the corner in Maitland Street. Phone or email for rates and availability. (updated Mar 2021)

Caravan parks

• 3 Waioma Caravan Park, 15 Short Street (Off Warrior Street (left hand side) or Charles Street (right hand side)), ☏ +61 2 6795 4413, info@waiomapark.com.au. Powered and unpowered sites. On-site caravans and cabins. Camping sites. Guest house. Waioma Bar and Grill. Camp kitchen with open fire in winter, barbecue, microwave, crockery, cutlery, saucepans. On-site laundry. Book exchange. Phone or see website options, rates, and availability. (updated Mar 2021)
• 4 Mainway Caravan Park, 210 Rose Street, ☏ +61 2 6795 4268. Phone for options, rates, and availability. (updated Mar 2021)

Camping

• 5 Wee Waa Showground, Maitland Street, ☏ +61 428 506 363, ss462200@bigpond.net.au. Powered and unpowered sites. Barbecue. Laundry facilities. Toilets. Hot showers. Potable Water. Rubbish bins. Covered eating area. Pet friendly. Bookings essential. (updated Mar 2021)

Cope

Emergency

• 2 Police Station, Nelson Street (Corner of Nelson Street and Rose Street, next to court house), ☏ +61 2 6795 0899. Not open 24 hours. 
• 3 Wee Waa Community Hospital, 60 Alma Street (Near the swimming pool), ☏ +61 2 6795 0400. Emergency Department open 24 hours. 
• 4 Wee Waa Veterinary Clinic (Western Namoi Veterinary Services), 9 Warrior Street, ☏ +61 2 6795 3066. M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM Sa 9AM-noon. 

Fuel and mechanical

• 5 Wee Waa Servo, 170 Rose Street (on Kamilaroi Highway, north-eastbound), ☏ +61 2 6795 3008. M-Sa 6AM-7PM Su 8AM-6PM. Petrol station 
• 6 BP Wee Waa, 45 Boolcarrol Road (on Kamilaroi Highway westbound, near Tyrepower), ☏ +61 2 6795 4076. Petrol station 
• 7 GJM's Automotive Repair Centre (Garry's Garage Mechanical Repairs), 69 Rose Street, ☏ +61 2 6795 3311. Mechanics 

Public telephones

• Public telephone, Corner of Rose Street and George Street (Outside the post office). 

Public toilets

• 8 Public toilets, Ludowici Park (Alma Street, between the swimming pool and the hospital). Open 24 hours. Disabled access. Disabled parking. Potable water. Sharps disposal. 
• 9 Public toilets, Dangar Park (Corner of Cowper Street and George Street). Open 24 hours. Disabled access. Potable water. Sharps disposal. Sanitary disposal 
• 10 Public toilets, Cook Oval (Kamilaroi Highway north-east bound, left hand side). Variable hours (sporting events). 

Banks

• 11 National Australia Bank (NAB), 75 Rose Street (corner of Rose Street and Church Street). M-F 9:30AM-12:30PM. 
• 12 ANZ Bank, 91 Rose Street (opposite Carlo's IGA). M W F 9:30AM-12:30PM. 
• Bank@Post (Australia Post), 101 Rose Street. M-F 9AM-5PM. Agent for Commonwealth Bank, Westpac Bank, National Australia Bank 

ATMs

• National Australia Bank (NAB), 75 Rose Street (corner of Rose Street and Church Street). Open 24 hours. 
• ANZ Bank, 91 Rose Street (opposite Carlo's IGA). Open 24 hours. 

Services

• 13 Australia Post, 101 Rose Street (Corner of Rose Street and George Street). M-F 9AM-5PM. 

Go next

• Burren Junction - north-west of Wee Waa: 51 km via Kamilaroi Highway westbound, pass the Burren Junction Bore Baths on the left (34 min)
• Walgett - north-west of Wee Waa: 143 km via Kamilaroi Highway westbound, through Burren Junction and remain on the Kamilaroi Highway (1 hr 32 min)
• Collarenebri - north-west of Wee Waa: 143 km via Kamilaroi Highway westbound, continue through Burren Junction but continue ahead onto Merrywinebone Road and do not follow the highway to the left, pass the Millie Road intersection on the right, continue on the left at the intersection with Moomin Road, continue ahead onto the Gwydir Highway/B76, cross the Barwon River bridge (1 hr 32 min)
• Lightning Ridge - north-west of Wee Waa: 221 km via Kamilaroi Highway westbound, through Burren Junction, turn right onto the Castlereagh Highway/B55, cross the Barwon River bridge, pass the Gwydir Highway intersection on the right, turn right onto Bill O'Brien Way (2 hr 23 min)
• Narrabri - south-east of Wee Waa: 41 km via Kamilaroi Highway eastbound (30 min)
• Gunnedah - south-east of Wee Waa: 137 km via Kamilaroi Highway eastbound, at Narrarbri continue south-westbound on the Newell Highway/A39, turn left onto the Kamilaroi Highway/B51 again, continue through Baan Baa, continue through Boggabri, continue ahed to Gunnedah (1 hr 42 min)
• Tamworth - south-east of Wee Waa: 206 km via Kamilaroi Highway eastbound, at Narrarbri continue south-westbound on the Newell Highway/A39, turn left onto the Kamilaroi Highway/B51 again, continue through Baan Baa, continue through Boggabri, continue through Gunnedah then turn left at the roundabout onto the Oxley Highway/B56, cross the Mooki River bridge, continue through Carroll, pass Somerton on the left, pass Tamworth Regional Airport on the right, turn left at the intersection with Duri Road and continue on the Oxley Highway (2 hr 30 min)
• Coonabarabran - south-west of Wee Waa: 160 km via Kamilaroi Highway eastbound, at Narrarbri continue south-westbound on the Newell Highway/A39, pass the turn-off to the Kamilaroi Hightway on the left, turn right onto the Newell Highway, cross the Castlereagh River Bridge (1 hr 46 min)