Plan for Castlereagh River activation as Gilgandra, Coonamble, Warrumbungle councils team up for tourism

Three sister councils have teamed up to attract tourism along one of the state’s most celebrated but under-utilised rivers with stargazing platforms and a “town beach” more than 350km from the coast. Here’s what else is included in the plans.

Coonamble Shire Council, Warrumbungle Shire Council and Gilgandra Shire Council have teamed together to increase tourism and the economy of the region. Photo: Supplied

Safer swimming areas, stargazing platforms, boardworks and a riverside beach more than 350km from the coast are at the centre of a bold plan by three outback councils to get more visitors enjoying one of the state’s most celebrated but under-utilised rivers.

The three councils, which all sit on the Castlereagh River in central-west NSW, have announced their collaboration to turn smaller towns into “leading destination for travellers seeking authentic Australian real country experiences”.

The Real Country Project is an effort between Gilgandra Shire Council, Coonamble Shire Council and Warrumbungle Shire Council aimed at shaping a “brighter future” for the region.

The Destination Strategic Plan draft includes a riverside beach, boardwalks, adventure playgrounds, safe swimming areas, star gazing platforms and a range of other activation features.

The project’s planner said a “crucial element” of the strategy was to “capture the vibrancy” of the river network and foster stronger local and regional ties to elevate experiences and attractions.

The destination project is expected to incorporate a town beach in Gilgandra. Photo: Supplied

“This approach is designed to captivate and delight visitors, painting a collective portrait of regional prosperity and appeal,” the planner said.

“The strategy positions the Castlereagh River as a key component of the tourism experience, transforming it into a pathway of discovery with bespoke experiences that narrate the land’s story.

Boardwalks will also be included in the design. Photo: Supplied

“This vision encompasses the town centres and villages, seen as dynamic centres for cultural exchange and economic collaboration.

“The aim is to weave local tradition with innovative tourism offerings, generating an impact that extends beyond local confines and establishes real country as a prime destination for investment and rural rejuvenation.”

If developed, there will be an addition of river pontoons, safer swimming areas and larger amenities in Coonamble, a town beach, adventure park and a boardwalk area in Gilgandra and night-time experiences throughout the Warrumbungles.

“By enhancing these spaces with thoughtful amenities and clear signage, we create welcoming environments for shared learning and connection,” the planner said.

Safer swimming areas are also included in the plan. Photo: Supplied

“Simultaneously, by weaving in the real country’s unique cultural, historical, and ecological stories, public spaces will

contribute to the visitor experience, spark community pride and ensure that each space not only serves a functional purpose but also becomes a living celebration of the real country’s story.”

Coonamble Shire Council’s mayor Tim Horan said councils had engaged with their local communities to understand what infrastructure projects would best be suited to the region.

“We have consulted our communities and custodians of Weilwan, Gamilaraay and Wiradjuri Country to develop a strategy that capitalises on current opportunities, and which proposes infrastructure to draw visitors to our region to stay here longer,” Mr Horan said.

“We are real country people working together to solve our common challenge, and like real country people, we plan on offering genuine hospitality to our guests.

“The real country strategy and the business cases developed for our priority infrastructure projects underpin a growing tourism industry that will further support our local economies and help develop our resilience.”