Warrumbungle Shire Council has welcomed new data confirming the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre as one of the top three performing Visitor Information Centres in New South Wales.
Official figures released by The Tourism Group, which administers the Accredited Visitor Information Centre program, show the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre ranked third statewide for walk-in visitor numbers during the July to September 2025 reporting period.
During this quarter, the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre recorded 25,623 visitors, placing it behind only Echo Point and the Snowy Region, and ahead of several larger coastal and metropolitan-adjacent destinations.
Top five NSW Visitor Information Centres (July to September 2025)
1. Echo Point Visitor Information Centre, 128,563 visitors
2. Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre, 58,391 visitors
3. Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre, 25,623 visitors
4. Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre, 21,127 visitors
5. Eden Visitor Information Centre, 20,315 visitors
Despite servicing a smaller population catchment and experiencing higher seasonal variation than many coastal centres, the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre outperformed a number of larger regional destinations.
According to the council the result highlighted the strength of the Warrumbungle Shire’s tourism offering and its appeal to visitors seeking nature-based and experience-led travel.
Strong visitation continued well beyond the formal Accredited Visitor Information Centre reporting period, demonstrating that interest in the Warrumbungle region was not limited to a single season. Visitor activity remained steady through spring and early summer and continued into the Christmas holiday period, reflecting ongoing demand for regional travel and local experiences.
Across 2025, the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre saw an overall increase in visitation compared to the previous year, including growing interest from interstate and international travellers. This trend reflects broader shifts towards inland and experience-led travel, with visitors choosing to explore regional destinations and spend more time in local communities.
Warrumbungle Shire Council attributes this continued growth to the region’s key attractions, including Warrumbungle National Park, Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, world-class astronomy and observatory experiences, outdoor recreation opportunities, and an expanding calendar of regional events.
The results highlight the importance of ongoing investment in visitor facilities, destination marketing and high-quality visitor services to encourage visitors to stay longer, explore more of the Shire, and increase the economic benefits across local towns and businesses.
The Council views the combined statewide ranking and year-round visitation figures as a clear indicator of changing travel behaviour towards regional destinations, and a strong validation of Coonabarabran’s role as a leading inland tourism gateway for New South Wales.
