ARTESIAN SPA MOTEL

Kaputar National Park – Outdoor adventures Northern NSW

Artesian Spa — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 02:46:59 +0000

If you’re interested in outdoor adventures birdwatching and bush walks we have some truly unique outdoor adventures within a 2 hour drive from Moree. Take a day trip and visit Mount Kaputar National Park.

Mount Kaputar National Park is the traditional Country of the Gamilaroi Aboriginal people. The park has provided a rich source for food, medicines, shelter and weapons and the landscape is part of Dreaming stories. Reminders of the Gamilaroi's connection to this ancient landscape are evident in Aboriginal rock carvings, campsites, marks on trees and axe grinding grooves throughout the park.

Over 2 million years in the making Mount Kaputar exists from Two volcanos that pushed Mount Kaputar high above the plains, and millions of years of erosion have carved a dramatic landscape of narrow valleys and steep ridges. Many of the mountains are ancient lava terraces.

Below we have outlined some of the most enjoyable things to see and do within the Mount Kaputar National Park.

Mount Kaputar scenic drive

The Kaputar scenic drive ascends about 1,100m and snakes up the mountainside. The beautiful plant life changes as you ascend, with wildflowers like golden wattle in September and white tea tree in the warmer months. The drive finishes at the summit of Mount Kaputar – be sure to bring your binoculars if you want to take in the wonderful views from above. Excellent for birdwatching!

One of the best things about this driving route is it can reach the quieter corners of the park, like stunning Doug Sky lookout, or Bark Hut, which is a perfect place to picnic. You can find barbecues at Dawsons Spring and plenty of walking tracks along the way.

Governor Summit (Corrunbral Borawah) Walking Track

For a rewarding walk with brebreathtakingenic views across the dramatic volcanic landscape, try Governor Summit walking track, also known as Corrunbral Borawah. It’s a great track for experienced walkers and birdwatching.

The walking track follows an easy sealed boardwalk to Governors lookout, where you can bask in the superb scenic mountain views. The second half of the track, though, will definitely get your heart racing. Ascending steeply via ladders, you’ll have to do some rock scrambling, but it’s all worth the effort.

From the unfenced summit, you can take in the magnificent 360-degree panorama across Nundewah Ranges and Euglah Rock. Raptors such as wedge-tailed eagles are often seen circling on the updrafts and clear autumn days are ideal for unending scenic views.

Scutts Hut Trail

Several pioneering families lived in the Mount Kaputar area in extremely harsh conditions. Stockmen looked after sheep and cattle on the Kaputar Plateau, often going for months without seeing another person. Enjoy a walk to the historic Scutts Hut to experience the pioneers' harsh lifestyle.

Discover the rugged landscape of Mount Kaputar National Park on your mountain bike on the beautiful Scutts Hut trail. The 20km trail winds its way along a ridge between two creeks, through magnificent bushland with amazing views. It makes a great day ride, and while you’re cycling, keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife, kangaroos and other local wildlife.

Before heading back, hop off your bike and walk down the track to check out historic Scutts Hut to see how pioneers lived in Mount Kaputar in the 1940s and 1950s.

The Scutt family lived in the hut in the 1940s and 50s, and it has been carefully restored to its original condition. Most of the materials to build the hut and furniture were brought in by horse - even the rainwater tank.

Mill-bullah Walking Track

From here, you can explore the nooks and crannies of the ancient formation. Mill-bullah walking track offers a good introduction, finishing at the beautiful Mill-bullah waterholes. 'Mill-bullah' means 'two eyes', and nearly anybody can see them on this medium-grade path along a shady creek.

Start your walk near the information shelter, which provides a fascinating insight into the box-cypress forest and dry rainforest of the area. The track from here is 500m long, so it’s suitable for most visitors.

Waa Gorge Walking Track

Following on from Mill-bullah walking track, the Waa Gorge walking track is picturesque and suitable for more intrepid hikers through the Grattai Wilderness Area. This track is unformed, so be prepared for a bit of a challenge as you climb a small hill on the left side of the Mill-bullah waterholes and down the other side to follow the creek into the gorge.

The walls of the gorge are spectacularly colourful, and the cool shelter offers a nice picnic spot amid the dramatic setting of the NSW Western Plains. In spring, you’ll find a myriad of wildflowers here, and the gorge is also studded with fig trees.

Sawn Rocks Picnic Area

Visit Sawn Rocks to see one of Australia's best examples of a spectacular rock formation called organ-piping - it really does look like a wall of giant organ pipes.

Set in native woodland overlooking the peaceful farmland and craggy mountains of North West NSW, Sawn Rocks picnic area is an idyllic picnic spot with free gas barbecues and shaded picnic tables.

West Kaputar Lookout

For scenic mountain views across the wilderness of Mount Kaputar National Park, enjoy West Kaputar lookout on a scenic car tour. It’s a no-fuss stopover on a scenic driving tour and easily accessible for all the family.

From the lookout, feast your eyes upon the grandeur of the imposing basalt face of West Kaputar rock formation. Gaze across the fertile valleys below and the rolling slopes of Upper Bullawa Creek. To the north, you’ll see the distinctive angular peaks of Nandewar and Grattai wilderness areas.

A great lookout any time of year; it’s a welcome escape from the summer heat and in winter the surrounding slopes are often cloaked in mist.

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Exciting times for the Moree Planes Gallery now known as BAMM

Artesian Spa — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 23:03:41 +0000

Exciting times for the Moree Planes Gallery now known as BAMM

After thirty years of operation the rebrand of the Moree Planes Gallery to BAMM reflects the contemporary edge of programs and exhibitions it curates as well as highlights its history and responsibilities as a collecting institution.

BAMM is an art institute with a difference. They have worked to inspire the cultural life of Moree curating exhibitions that challenge and educate as well as delighting visitors and the local community for over thirty years.

BAMM’s mission is to educate and inspire the local artists to continually grow and improve the appreciation and practice of art in our community. We care for and develop our permanent collection and currently hold the most significant collection of Aboriginal paintings in regional NSW.

The original building BAMM has occupied all this time was once the Commercial Banking Co. of Sydney available to them with the invaluable support of the Moree Planes Council.

Whilst your visiting Moree, the BAMM is a must see. You’ll be inspired and educated, as well as being a part of an ever evolving creative community in this wonderfully vibrant Northern NSW town.

Address:
25 Frome Street
Moree NSW 2400
Australia

Open hours:
Mon 10am – 5pm
Tue 10am – 5pm
Wed 10am – 5pm
Thu 10am – 5pm
Fri 10am – 5pm
Sat 10am – 1pm
Sun Closed

Book your accommodation now

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Moree on a plate food and wine festival

Artesian Spa — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 02:40:50 +0000

Moree on a plate festival is on the 12th May 2018

Moree on a plate features producers from around the New England North West Region will turn Moree into a food & wine lover’s delight when they gather in the most productive agricultural shire in Australia, MOREE NSW. Be entertained and enjoy the tasty delights of the region during a relaxed, social day out the whole family can enjoy.

Be sure to get in early and organise your accommodation in the area. Stay with us during your visit to Moree for this fabulous family friendly event.

Book your Moree accommodation now

CELEBRITY CHEF - BEN O’DONOGHUE

The chef for 2018 is Ben O’Donoghue. Celebrity Chef, television presenter, author and brand ambassador. Four wonderful seasons of cooking series ’Surfing the Menu’ alongside Curtis Stone catapulted Ben into an Australian household name, and he has since authored four cookbooks and owns three award winning Brisbane restaurant and retail fronts – Billykart Kitchen, Billykart West End and Billykart Provisions.

Ben has worked in some of the world’s top restaurants, such as London’s famous River Cafe and alongside world class chef’s, such as Jamie Oliver.

KIDS ENTERTAINMENT - BUBBLE MUFFIN

Kevin Starow, Popular children’s healthy eating advocate, will be bringing ‘Bubble Muffin’ back to this year’s Festival. He plans to educate whilst entertaining the children through his quirky, fun and interactive cooking demonstrations, teaching children on the benefits of healthy eating.

BLOKES ON THE BBQ

Local teams or individuals will battle it out with the tongs to decide once and for all who really is Moree’s BBQ King for 2018. The competition is looking fierce this year with teams already committed and busy preparing their menus for the day. Barbies fire up at 2pm.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Moree talent will continue to be on show at this year’s Festival with Hoi Polloi keeping the crowds enthralled and dancing throughout the day with their fabulous tunes. We are excited also to have The String Section return to the Festival to entertain the crowds with their original sounds.

KIDS KORNER

Always a highlight for the little ones, this year Kids Korner will include a fun themed photo booth, craft stations, face painting and much, much more to keep the little ones entertained.

PRODUCERS

Hosting over 45 amazing producers at this year’s festival. With local produce on display from all over the region, festival goers are assured of being thoroughly satisfied!

3D Lamb
A Tasty Surprise
Any Occasion Catering
Arc-en-Ciel Trout
Bakarindi Bush Foods
Café One23
Cater Concepts – Healthy Options
Clarence Valley Gourmet Dips
Cold Comforts
Deluxe Cafe
Fe Fi Fo Patisserie
Fork & Spade Nursery
Freshly Berried
Goodmix
Grumpy’s Ginger Beer
Gwydir Grove
ilias the GREEK
Lindy’s Marinated Sun Dried Tomatoes
Jojoba Natural
Kurrajong Downs Wines
Lindy’s Tomatoes
Little Thai Kitchen
Moree Lions Club
Moree Preschool
Moree Secondary College
Moree Thai Cuisine
Outback Expresso
Pally Pecans
RothWood Cherries
Roy’s Organic Garlic
Seed Food with Love
Sleep Sanctuary
So Sweet Fudge
South Moree Butchery
Sunhill Goat Cheese and Skin Care
Tandoori Bites
The Bare Shelf Pantry
The Brew Shed
The Conscious Farmer
Thub Thim Thai
Vickers Gluten Free Fudge and Confectionery
Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Woodfire Pizza Guy
Woolaway Wines
Wright Robertson of Glencoe
Yagaburne Beef
Your Inspiration at Home
Zappa Wines

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Things to do in Moree

Artesian Spa — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 03:03:08 +0000

Ideally nestled on the New South Wales and Queensland border, Moree is a town rich in culture, heritage, agriculture and natural beauty. Situated in the heart of NSW's northern wheatbelt and recognised nationally as Australia's Artesian Spa Capital.

One of Moree’s stand out features is it’s Art Deco town centre which provides a spectacular old-world ambience. Browse through speciality boutiques, popular for their quality designer clothing, dine in cafes and restaurants, explore regional art galleries, or taste test some pecans, olives, wines and other regional produce.

The Moree History Tour

The Moree History Tour is a guided walking tour that departs from the Moree Visitor Information Centre and explores the CBD focusing on the History and Art Deco buildings that date back to 1920. Art Deco utilises a combination of modern art movements and design styles. This tour explores the main street of Moree which showcases exquisitely restored heritage-listed buildings influenced by American, Egyptian, Greek and Spanish design practices.

You will discover of some of the major events in the history of Moree and enjoy stories of early pioneers and some of the influential people in the history of the town.

Moree Golf Club

Enjoy a relaxing day at Moree Golf Club, play on the challenging 18 hole, par 72 championship Golf Course with 328 couch grass greens, laid over 6110m of undulating landscape bisected by the Mehi River.

Or just relax on the balcony of the clubhouse, overlooking the golf course. Whether you're playing golf or just relaxing in the off-course facilities, you're sure to have a great time. Enjoy Ice Cold Beer on Tap, outdoor balconies, TAB & Sky Channel (NO TVN), Friday night raffles, Club keno, Fox sports & big screen.

The Golf Club has motorised Carts available, a fully stocked pro shop, AAA Accredited Club Professional, Professional Club Fitter, and golf equipment to hire.
Phone: 02 6752 1480

Moree Plains Gallery

The Gallery has one of the most extensive Aboriginal art collections in regional New South Wales. This has been made possible through significant gifts. The Gallery promotes and enriches the cultural life of the community through the display of significant works of art. As well, it supports the work of contemporary Australian artists, especially Aboriginal artists.

Free Entry
Open Monday - Friday 10am to 5pm
Saturdays 10am to 1pm
25 Frome Street, Moree NSW 2400.
(02) 6757 3320

Yana- Y Warruwi Walking Track

Starting with cypress pine and silver leaf ironbark woodland, the track then weaves through open grassland and smooth bark apple woodland. In spring, wildflowers bloom abundantly, spreading colours across the landscape.

Numerous birds occupy the area, so don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars for birdwatching. Though there are places to rest as you walk, consider packing a picnic lunch and taking advantage of the facilities back at the picnic area.

Yana-y Warruwi walking track offers a scenic stroll through the beautiful vegetation surrounding the town. The traditional Kamilaroi Aboriginal People once used this area for important ceremonial gatherings, and evidence of this usage still remains in the form of axe-grinding grooves on rocks.

Mehi Murri Art Studio

The founders of Mehi Murri wanted to set up an environment where Aboriginal students could study their culture and express it through art and craft. The studio provides an opportunity for you to meet with and hear the Murri's share their stories of their life.
At the Mehi Murri Art Studio you are free to watch students as they paint. They are happy to talk with you about their designs, their style of art and what has inspired the designs they are creating.

Art works can be purchased directly from the artist giving you the opportunity to have the artist tell you the story behind the piece and enable you to take home something you now have a personal understanding of. Mehi Gallery is only open school hours.

Mary Brand Park

Situated on the banks of the Mehi River and representing great significance to Moree's history is Mary Brand Park named after Moree's first store-keeper and hotelier, Mary Brand.

Featuring a traditional four-room slab hut 'Meei Cottage', Mary Brand Park offers a spectacular opportunity to relax under the shady canopies of century-old fig trees whilst enjoying the various bird and wildlife that inhabit the surrounding parklands.
Enjoy the picnic area the park has to offer as well as the Mehi River jetty which is popular for fishing and water sports.

The park commemorates Mary Brand's return to Moree after the death of her first husband, James Brand. Mary built her second store in Moree on this site. She also founded the town's first Hotel, the Moree Inn in 1861.

Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area

Created in 2005, Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area was once an important ceremonial and gathering place for the traditional Kamilaroi (Gomeroi, Gamileroi, Gamileraay) Aboriginal People. Today, it’s a tranquil spot, scattered in sections around the small town, which is also called Terry Hie Hie. Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area is home to a staggering variety of native wildlife, including woodland birds, mammals, and reptiles. These can often be seen in lush communities of cypress pine and silver leaf ironbark woodland.

Evidence of long-term use of the area includes at least 240 axe-grinding grooves and the remains of a corroboree ground. A bora, several carved trees, scarred trees, and two Aboriginal cemeteries can also be found nearby. The local community and descendants of the Kamilaroi People often visit for cultural, recreational and educational purposes.

Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area also has an innovative educational program that provides teachers and students a rare opportunity to learn about the language, history and culture of Kamileroi people.

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Cotton Farm and Gin Tours Moree

Artesian Spa — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 00:05:46 +0000

While you're in Moree take advantage of your time and check out some of the amazing agricultural business in the surrounding area.

Cotton farming is grown in the region. Areas that grow cotton need to receive between 400 and 800mm of rainfall in the summer to help the crops grow during the growing season. Australia is a relatively minor producer on a global scale but is the world’s third largest exporter which is significant. In an average year, the growers of Australia produce enough cotton to clothe approximately 500 Million people.

Take a tour around a cotton farm where the cotton is picked and packed into modules ready for transportation to the gins (engine). The tour will then proceed to the ginning process. The ginning is the removal of seed and sticks, cleaning the raw cotton before bailing.

This tour also includes a Moree township familiarisation. The tour includes a courtesy pick up and return drop off service to any accommodation house in Moree. The tour operator gives a brief history and informative talk on the differences between an irrigated and dry cotton crops.

This is a three hour tour and is seasonal. Touring around a cotton farm where the cotton is picked and packed into modules ready for transportation to the gins where the tour will proceed to. The ginning process is the removal of seed and cleaning the raw cotton, before baling. This tour also includes a Moree Township familiarisation. The tour includes courtesy pick up and return service to any accommodation house or destination in Moree.

Buses are also available for charter for Christmas parties, sporting groups, work parties and races. Phone Tourism Moree: (02) 6757 3350 for availability and times.

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Woolaway Wines

Artesian Spa — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 07:20:06 +0000

Moree's first cellar door Woolaway Wines is open for wine tasting and morning and afternoon tea. Coach, group and private bookings are always welcome.

Woolaway Wines was originally founded in 2001 in the Hunter Valley by two school mates who were looking to start a new business venture. They leased a rundown vineyard on the Milbrodale Road at Broke. The property was sold in 2004 and they had to vacate the property.

In 2005 they decided to head to Moree to open the winery there. Moree has a high volume of tourist traffic between Melbourne and Brisbane. The aim was to produce premium quality wines from grapes produced in the New England/North West region of New South Wales, while experimenting with grape varieties in Moree to determine their sustainability for the prevailing climate and soil types of the area.
Let Woolaway Wines tantalise your taste buds!

Location: 227 Bendygleet RoadMoree NSW 2400

Contact: (02) 6752 1794

Email: andrew@woolawaywines.com.au

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Stahmann Pecan nut farm Moree

user — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 07:19:52 +0000

In 1965 Deane Stahmann Jnr came to Australia with the intention of creating the first commercial pecan operation in the Southern Hemisphere. He planted the first pecan trees at Gatton in Queensland, and shortly after at the flagship property 'Trawalla' near Moree in New South Wales. Stahmann Farms was originally established in Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 1932 by Deane Stahmann Snr. He and his sons, Deane Jnr and the late Bill Stahmann, planted the pecan trees (pronounced p'cahn in southern USA) on a vast property still operated by the family.

His dream of creating a new industry was realised in 1982 when the Toowoomba processing plant began supplying the finest quality processed nut kernel from these farms to the world.
Since that time, Stahmann brand has become entrenched in Australian supermarkets.

The plantation produces 95 per cent of Australia's annual pecan crop, harvested mechanically from May to July. Currently, the Pecan Nut Farm has over 95,000 trees.

There is a three hour tour Featuring Stahmann's Pecan Nut Farm, 'Trawalla' the largest and most productive Pecan Nut Plantation in the southern hemisphere (accessible strictly by guided tour). Included in the tour is a pecan nut taste testing and you will receive a pecan recipe booklet and a Moree Township familiarisation. The tour includes courtesy pick up and return service to any accommodation house or destination in Moree.

Buses are also available for charter for Christmas parties, sporting groups, work parties and races. Phone O'Dempsey's (02) 6757 3350 or email lissyod@bigpond.com for availability and times.

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