IF heaven for you is a clear night sky filled with a billion flecks of cosmic light, the scent of wood smoke from a dozen campfires overlaid by the aroma of good food cooking, the murmur of voices of friends met and those still to say g’day to, then the Boggabri (pronounced as in eye) Drovers’ Campfire is not to be missed.
Every year on the last week in April the charming north-western NSW township, population 900, becomes a mecca for lovers of the romantic vision of the Australian drover.
Hundreds of travellers, from young couples to grey nomads, arrive with their caravans, motorhomes and tents to set up on the town’s showgrounds for three days of bush tucker and entertainment organised by the local Lions Club.
From working dog and heavy horse demonstrations to woodturning, damper cooking, vintage cars and antique machinery, arts and crafts, trash and treasure, antique fashions, pony club, bush poetry and blacksmithing displays, bingo in the big shed and evenings alive with music, there’s something for just about everybody.
Many visitors arrive early in the week and take the opportunity to explore the beautiful Narrabri Shire in the heart of the Namoi Valley.
The Newell and Kamilaroi highways run through the shire, bringing visitors keen to explore the ancient landscape with its hot artesian bore baths, millions of acres of wild forest – one of the most important areas of bio-diversity in eastern Australia – rolling farmlands, Yarrie Lake, thought to have been formed by a falling meteorite, and the natural wonders of the Nandewar Ranges and Mount Kaputar National Park.
Several small towns with engaging names such as Baan Baa and Wee Waa, Pilliga and Gwabegar boast the opportunity to indulge in good food and wine.
And for something truly out-of-this-world, you can visit the CSIRO’s radio telescope array observatory, 25km west of Narrabri and discover the magic that draws scientists in their quest to unlock the secrets of the universe. It’s open seven days 8am-4pm (allow two hours).
Boggabri Drovers’ Campfire, April 27-29. The campsite is open from April 23 – 0448-011-940, www.droverscampfire.com.au
