Not far from the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum and located in a small park the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Statue acknowledges this famous Australian Poet’s connection to the Gunnedah district.
Dorothea is shown as a young woman sitting side-saddle on her horse, and gazing into the distance.
Dorothea Mackellar
Known for her poem My Country, perhaps the best known Australian poem, Dorothea Mackellar, OBE (1885 – 1968) was an Australian poet and fiction writer.
The Mackellar family owned several properties in the Gunnedah area, including “Kurrumbede” and “The Rampadells” on the Blue Vale Road near Gunnedah. Dorothea Mackellar, found the inspiration for My Country on her brother’s property Kurrembede where she witnessed the breaking of a severe drought.
The inscription on the statue contains lines from the poem My Country, possibly Australia’s most famous poem.
” I LOVE A SUNBURNT COUNTRY A LAND OF SWEEPING PLAINS OF RAGGED MOUNTAIN RANGES OF DROUGHTS AND FLOODING RAINS… “
The Dorothea Mackellar Memorial in GunnedahDorothea Mackellar Sitting Side Saddle on Her HorseRear of the statue
Other Dorothea Mackellar Sites in Gunnedah
Depicted on the historic Gunnedah Maize Mill is a fantastic piece of silo art of Dorothea Mackellar. An impressive sight, because it stands over 20m tall.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
We planned a road trip to take us from our home town of Singleton to Dubbo, Gunnedah and Tamworth. Along the way we planned to stop at several other places and see what else there was to see.
During the trip we passed through several towns we visited before but have included them below with links to our blogs. If you are driving here for the first time these other towns have a lot to offer, so take your time and explore.
Merriwa
Having stopped at Merriwa many times in the past we drove through this time. A beautiful country time, with Silo art, and golden canola flowers at the right time of year. For more photos and more ideas, read our full blog here.
Merriwa Welcome Sign
Dunedoo
Now with a recently completed Silo art of the racehorse Winx, Dunedoo is a great place for a break driving those long country roads. We stopped here for a snack at the White Swan Cafe and walked around the Silo and sculpture garden. Our full story and pictures click here.
Winx and her Jockey Hugh Bowman Along with Trainer Chris Waller
Dubbo
Our first major stop with a two-night stay, Dubbo is a large regional town, with lots to offer. The main attraction is Taronga Western Plains Zoo, but Dubbo is much more than just the zoo. Historically it is the home of the Kamilaroi people, you can see their history at the Western Plains Cultural Centre. European settler history is on display throughout town with buildings like the Old Gaol. Slightly out of town at the airport learn the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, or discover astronomy at the Dubbo Observatory.
More detail and photos can be found in our Dubbo blog.
Black Rhinoceros
Coonabarabran
We didn’t stop in Coonabarabran this time, having spent a few days here before. However, if you have a extra few days, this is a great place to spent them, because it has attractions all around it. From Siding Spring Observatory and the Warrumbungle National Park to sandstone caves and sculptures in the bush, there is plenty to see and do. Read our blog on Coonabarabran here.
Diprotodon Skull an extinct giant marsupial at the Visitors’ Centre
Gunnedah
Using its connection to Dorothea Mackellar to advantage, Gunnedah, has a memorial statue in addition to a huge piece of Silo art dedicated to the poet. The beautiful buildings in the town centre, along with a sculpture park, also make the town worth visiting. Our blog has more details and photos.
Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Statue
Baan Baa
A quick stop, as we passed through, when we saw the old bus being used as a grandstand for the local cricket club. A fun interesting stop, all the better for being unexpected.
Derelict Leyland Titan
Paul Wild Observatory
A great find, as we were unaware of this Observatory, until reading about it at our hotel. It was certainly worth the visit, being able to see five huge radio telescopes up close. Our blog has more details and photos.
Five Antennas
Sawn Rocks
A marvel of nature and geology, Sawn Rocks appear to be organ pipes growing up a cliff in the Australian bush. An easy walk from a nice car park with picnic facilities and barbecues. See more details and photos here.
The Cliff Face From the Viewing Platform
Barraba
Barraba was a quick stop on our way to Tamworth. A large silo art, visible from the highway, depicting a water diviner makes it a must stop if you like these huge art works.
Barraba Silo Art
Tamworth
The country music capital of Australia, Tamworth is famous for its music festival and hall of fame. Although many of the town’s attractions associate themselves with country music, the historical buildings in the centre of town provide something else to see.
Outside town, Goonoo Goonoo Station provides quality accommodation and dining. We spent the last night of our road trip here, enjoying the peaceful setting.
Tamworth Conservatorium of Music in the Old Dominican Convent Building
Wallabadah
Another surprise find during our trip, the First Fleet Memorial Garden at Wallabadah is a great stop. You get to stretch your legs while walking around a nice garden and discovering facts about the First Fleet. More information here.
Picnic Shade Area, Designed to Resemble a Sailing Ship
Scone
Close enough to home for a day trip, we have visited Scone several times, so only stopped for petrol. Our Scone trip can be found here.
Painted by Melbourne artist Heesco Khosnaran, on the historic Gunnedah Maize Mill is a fantastic piece of silo art. Depicting the poet Dorothea Mackellar and lines from her famous poem My Country, it stands over 20m tall.
The silos must be viewed from outside a fence because they are part of an operating mill. This does not stop you viewing the whole mural, because of its size and location. We parked in New Street and walked around the outside of the fence, but found the best view for a photo was from the locked gate. With workers gone for the day, the view was great as nothing was in the way.
Another good view was from the Warrabungle Street Bridge, although a fence obscures part of the view.
