Mackellar Motel

Intersection of the Oxley and Kamilaroi Highways

The Mackellar Motel is 430 kms north-west of Sydney on the Kamilaroi Highway between Quirindi and Narrabri and provides the perfect stopover point for travellers to the north-west of the state. It is also 650 kilometres south-west of Brisbane on the Oxley Highway between Tamworth and Coonabarabran, and is another perfect stopover for travellers from Brisbane to the south-west of NSW and to Victoria and South Australia.

The nearest airport is Tamworth Airport about 45 mins away. The local railway station is three blocks or a couple of minutes from the motel. Free transfers to and from the station are available.

Tamworth Country Music Festival

For visitors to the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Mackellar Motel is located only 40 minutes west of Tamworth on the Oxley Highway, and provides perfect affordable accommodation for visitors to the festival.

Things to do around the area 

The Gunnedah Rural Museum

The Rural Museum is sure to rival the best and most comprehensive of its type in Australia. It contains farm machinery, equipment, a gun collection, photography and other artefacts all relating to our agricultural and pioneering past. It is located on the Oxley Highway, 1 km west of the Visitor Information Centre. Also situated in the building is a magnificent display of local produce ranging from pottery and woodwork, through to locally grown lavender and homemade jams. Open seven days from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm.

Porcupine Lookout and Bindea Walking Track

The lookout has a magnificent view of Gunnedah and the beautiful Liverpool Plains. Named “Bindea” by the aborigines, after the spinifex grass that grows on its northern slope, Porcupine Lookout is an ideal place to see Gunnedah and its mountainous surrounds and experience breathtaking views across the black soil plains of the upper Namoi Valley. Take one of the many walking tracks and you are very likely to see koalas in the wild.

Dorothea Mackellar Memorial

Anzac Park is home to a statue of Dorothea Mackellar, author of ‘My Country’. Dorothea would frequently visit her brothers’ properties and these visits inspired her to write many unique poems about the district’s beauty and diversity. Across the road in the Visitor Information Centre, is the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Wing displaying memorabilia, photos, souvenirs and historical information. The Visitor Information Centre is also the office of the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society who conducts Australia’s largest and longest running national poetry competition for school students, with more than 10,000 students entering each year to see the tribute to our famous poet who was inspired by the Gunnedah landscape to write “My Country”.

Poet’s Drive

A celebration of Australian Poetry, the Poets Drive is a self-guided tour of Australian Poetry inspired by Gunnedah’s iconic landmarks and local heroes. An interpretive tour, the drive explores the essence of bush life and considers the challenges and adventures of rural Australia. The ‘Lyrical Loos’ are a must see!

Waterways Wildlife Park

Waterways Wildlife Park is set on 10 acres of bushland dedicated to the care and preservation of Australian wildlife. Waterways Wildlife Park is a family favourite for visitors and locals alike. Pack a picnic lunch and take advantage of the free BBQ facilities and play equipment. Cold drinks and ice-creams are available from the kiosk. Coach groups are also welcome. Discover Australian wildlife up close and personal and gain an appreciation for the beauty and rawness of the Australian bush and its unique inhabitants. Keep an eye out for Emus that roam through the park and look up to see if you can spot a koala snoozing in the treetops. With many more Australian animals and birds to see, such as wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, lizards, possums, parrots, eagles, peacocks, and many other birds that are native to the area.

The Water Tower Museum

Located in ANZAC Park the museum features a mural painting that captures the early Aboriginal and European history of the district. A spiral staircase leads from the third floor to an observation deck from where there are fine views of the town. The complex was the first town reservoir (built in 1908 and operative until the 1950s). It is open Saturday 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. Tours can be arranged.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations or changes to bookings must be made at least 24 hours prior to the check-in date and time or you will be charged the full amount of the booking

A deposit of one night's accommodation is required to confirm the booking. Children under three are complimentary unless they use a cot from the motel, which costs $10. Extra adults and children over two using existing beds, sofa beds or spare beds are charged $10 each