Disused Mine, Barraba

Barraba NSW 2347 (Pop 2 400)

Barraba is an attractive New England rural service centre on the Manilla River 478 km north of Sydney. Situated on the Fossickers Way, Barraba is surrounded by the Nandewar Ranges, Horton Valley & scenic tablelands. Originally occupied by the Kamilaroi Aborigines whose name for the area means ‘camp by the riverbank’, European settlement began in 1830s and gold and copper discoveries followed. Mining became a major industry and included quartz, asbestos, limestone, magnesite and chalk. Today the local economy is based around wool and sheep production. Barraba markets 1st Sat each month. Country Music Festival (Jan), Agricultural Show & Rodeo (Feb/Mar), Jazz & Blues Festival (Easter), Frost Over Barraba Art Festival (July), BarrArbor (Nov).

Accommodation:
Barraba has a motel, three hotels and a couple of caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 116 Queen St.  Tel (02) 6782 1255.

Airport:
Tamworth Airport (TMW) Oxley Hwy. (90 km s-e). 

Hospital:
Manilla District Hospital, Court St. Tel (02) 6785 4000. (46 km south)