Welcome to Brewarrina – a rural and remote community located in the outback region of New South Wales, strongly grounded in First Nations heritage, colonial history, culture, Dreamtime folklore and nature.
Uniquely positioned between some of the most famous outback towns, including Bourke and Lightening Ridge, Brewarrina is approximately 400 kilometres northwest of Dubbo, with a number of renowned road trip routes to lead you into the great outback. Check out The Darling River Run, The Great Artesian Drive and Kamilaroi Hwy routes for inspiration.
Situated on the banks of the Barwon River, Brewarrina is home to what is thought to be the oldest man-made structure on earth, the National Heritage listed Baiame’s Ngunnhu (Brewarrina Fish Traps). Where the township of Brewarrina is situated was one of the great inter-tribal meeting places in Eastern Australia for many nations of Aboriginal peoples, including the Morawari, Barkinji, Weilwan, Kamilaroi, Koamu, Valarai, Baranbinja, Wiradjuri, Ngemba, and Yualwarri peoples.
Archaeologists estimate Baiame’s Ngunnhu to be over 40,000 years old, and the traps continue to have a strong social, cultural and spiritual connection for Aboriginal people of the region.
The Ngunnhu is a great example of human ingenuity from long before recorded time, and when the river runs, First Nations people still use the traps to catch fish traditionally.
Aboriginal legend explains that the fish traps are an ancient Dreamtime site built by the ancestral creator, Baiame, and his two sons Booma-ooma-nowi and Ghinda-inda-mui. Baiame came up with the design by throwing his net over the river and, with the help of his two sons, built the fish traps to their current shape.
Learn more about Baiame’s Ngunnhu by booking a tour at the Brewarrina Cultural Museum or visit the traps and take a self-guided 2.4 kilometre walk along our brand new River Walk pathways connecting the National Heritage-listed fish traps with camping reserves along the Barwon River and the Brewarrina Ochre Beds.
As well as the town of Brewarrina, the outback community also encompasses four smaller villages rich with Australian history and heritage. To the north, on the way to the Queensland boarder, you’ll find Angledool, Weilmoringle and Goodooga, and Gongolgon to the south.
Our smaller villages hold secrets of the past – First Nation sacred sites, historical cemeteries, Cobb & Co. routes, hideouts of the legendary bushranger Captain Thunderbolt, churches, mud buildings that date back 120 years, honour roles in places of pride and our very own healing Artesian hot spring.
As well as the heritage-listed fish traps the region is rich with First Nations history, memories of our colonial past and ample opportunities to connect with nature. Brewarrina’s uniqueness lies in the natural attractions and surrounding countryside thanks to the majestic Barwon River, which offers challenging hunting, some of the best fishing in the state, bush walking, water sports, Artesian Springs, swimming, sightseeing and much more.
Secluded riverside areas with good facilities and boat launching ramps provide the perfect opportunity to really experience the river. The only interruption to your solitude is the quarrelling local bird life at dawn and dusk. As the sun sets, light a campfire, relax in your camp chair and marvel at the Milky Way appearing. You’ll never see anything like the stars in an Outback night sky.
Find out more about visiting Brewarrina, including where to stay, eat and explore today.
