Major city · Australia
Kootingal and Moonbi
Give Kootingal and Moonbi half a day from Tamworth: drive the 17–28 km (11–17 mi) north on the A15 for the Moonbi Lookout and museum, then leave.Give Kootingal and Moonbi half a day from Tamworth: drive the 11–17 mi (17–28 km) north on the A15 for the Moonbi Lookout and museum, then leave.
Kootingal and Moonbi are two small satellite towns on the New England Highway just north of Tamworth, together home to about 2,100 people. There is no town centre to wander: the reason to come is the Moonbi Lookout over the Moonbi Hills and Pass, a small local museum, and a pub and motel if you want a cheaper bed than Tamworth during festival weeks. Almost everyone visits as a half-day drive or an overnight on the highway.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Sep–Nov, Mar–May
- avoid Jan–Feb (heat), late Jan during the Tamworth Country Music Festival
- Airports
- TMW · SYD
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kootingal and Moonbi000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kootingal and Moonbi, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a rural highway stop.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · 131 444 Non-emergency police line
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckTMW Tamworth Regional Airport (Nearest airport, about 25–30 min south by car; check current schedules).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical way: the lookout is up Moonbi Lookout Road and there is no useful local bus for sightseeing.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Sit-down mealPub main courseA$20–35 (≈ US$14–25)
- Beerschooner at a pubA$6–9 (≈ US$4–6)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$15–35 (≈ US$10–25)
- Budget bedFamily or twin room, a night, per roomA$160 (≈ US$110)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$150 (≈ US$100)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$220 (≈ US$150)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$80 (≈ US$55) · Mid A$140 (≈ US$95) · High A$240 (≈ US$160)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TMW Tamworth Regional Airport (Nearest airport, about 25–30 min south by car; check current schedules) · SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith (Long drive or a daily train to Kootingal; check times)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid*
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Feb
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Aug
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Dec
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jul (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (8 rain days), driest Apr (6). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Kootingal and Moonbi: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
6 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
7 rd
Jul
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
6 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Nov
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical way: the lookout is up Moonbi Lookout Road and there is no useful local bus for sightseeing. Kootingal station has one train a day each way between Sydney and Armidale, and the 444 bus links Kootingal with Moonbi and Tamworth along the highway; the Oxley Highway coach stops at Kootingal but not Moonbi. Check current timetables before relying on any of them.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 15–20 min
Drive south on the New England Highway, about 17–20 km (11–12 mi)Drive south on the New England Highway, about 11–12 mi (17–20 km)
The regional centre: shops, museums and most of the beds and food.
Door to door: About 20 min
Drive north on the New England Highway, about 24 km (15 mi)Drive north on the New England Highway, about 15 mi (24 km)
Small highway village with an old pub; pairs well with the lookout.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Drive north-east over the range on the Oxley Highway
Cooler tablelands town; a full day out, not a quick detour.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive north on the New England Highway past Bendemeer
Gold-rush-era main street and good pubs; combine with Armidale.
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive south-west via Tamworth and the New England Highway
Mostly a fuel and supplies stop unless you are heading that way.
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive south-west via Tamworth
Railway heritage museum; check opening days before going.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Kootingal (Gate Street and the highway)
The pub and the motel sit here, next to the station; the only real choice of beds.
Moonbi
A general store and a park; almost no accommodation, so treat it as a stop, not a base.
Tamworth
17–20 km (11–12 mi) south; far more beds, restaurants and services if you want a base.11–12 mi (17–20 km) south; far more beds, restaurants and services if you want a base.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$80–130 (≈ US$55–90) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$130–220 (≈ US$90–150) excl. bed
- High
- A$220 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × A$150 | A$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$140 | A$280 |
| Fuel, about 60 km of driving1 × A$12 | A$12 |
| Pub meal, main course2 × A$28 | A$56 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$54 |
| Trip total≈ A$296 per person per day, bed included | A$592≈ US$400 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pub main course | A$20–35 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer, schooner at a pub | A$6–9 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Motel double room, per nightHigher during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. | A$110–220 (≈ US$75–150) |
| Fuel, per litre | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances are short but the highway is fast and carries trucks: pull fully off the road before stopping.
- The Moonbi Pass climb is steep for caravans and slow vehicles; expect to be held up.
- Moonbi Museum opens by arrangement only: phone ahead before driving out.
- Summer days here are hot and dry; carry water for any walk.
- Kangaroos and other wildlife cross the highway around dawn and dusk.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- Non-emergency police line
- 131 444
Pocket card
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Kootingal and MoonbiKootingal and Moonbi
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No consulates here; embassies and consulates-general are in Canberra and Sydney. US citizens: the consulate-general is in Sydney (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Kootingal → Tamworth by car: about 17 km (11 mi), 15–20 minabout 11 mi (17 km), 15–20 min
- Kootingal → Moonbi Lookout by car: about 11 km (6.8 mi) from Kootingal, 15 minabout 6.8 mi (11 km) from Kootingal, 15 min
- Kootingal → Sydney by train: one service a day each way; check times and fares
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the servo? — Where is the petrol station?
- Is it far? — Is it far?
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card?
Phone signal is patchy on the highway between towns; download an offline map before you drive.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kootingal and Moonbi. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Sep–Nov, Mar–May · avoid Jan–Feb (heat), late Jan during the Tamworth Country Music Festival · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for TMW: field-checked taxi and hire-car options, late-arrival fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking and driving clusters with rescue anchors: Kootingal station and pub, Moonbi store and museum, Moonbi Lookout, the pass.
- Place pages with verified hours (Moonbi Museum, Moonbi Lookout) and eat pages with last orders at the Kootingal pub.
- Festival-week and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.