Major city · Australia
Bellata
Stop for the Pluto model and a leg-stretch on the Newell Highway, 20–30 min; sleep in Narrabri or Moree, not here.
Bellata is a highway village of about 350 people on the A39 Newell Highway in the Western New England, 37 km south of Moree and 47 km north of Narrabri. It has one sight, the outermost planet of the Virtual Solar System drive, no beds and no fuel stop worth planning around. Treat it as a 20–30 minute break, or a request stop on the Moree XPL train if you are heading to Sydney or Moree.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- avoid Dec–Feb (heat, 35 °C (95 °F)+), Jan school holidays on the highwayavoid Dec–Feb (heat, 95 °F (35 °C)+), Jan school holidays on the highway
- Airports
- MRZ · NAA · SYD
- Nights
- 0
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.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
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 Bellata000 ▾
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 Bellata, 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
- SafetyLow street crime; the real risks are the highway itself, summer heat, road trains and police drug and speed testing on the A39.
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 mobiles
- 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.
- AirportcheckMRZ Moree Airport (About 40 km (25 mi) north; regional flights, check the schedule).MRZ Moree Airport (About 25 mi (40 km) north; regional flights, check the schedule).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or takeaway teaA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- BeerBeer in a country pubA$6–9 (≈ US$4–6)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM, about a weekA$10–25 (≈ US$7–17)
- Budget bedCaravan park powered site, a night, per roomA$40 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, Narrabri or Moree, a night, per roomA$170 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel double room, Narrabri or Moree, a night, per roomA$280 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$180 (≈ US$120) · High A$340 (≈ US$250)
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
- MRZ Moree Airport (About 40 km (25 mi) north; regional flights, check the schedule) · NAA Narrabri Airport (About 50 km (31 mi) south; check whether any scheduled service runs) · SYD Sydney (Long drive of about 6 h; most travellers fly to Moree or Narrabri instead)MRZ Moree Airport (About 25 mi (40 km) north; regional flights, check the schedule) · NAA Narrabri Airport (About 31 mi (50 km) south; check whether any scheduled service runs) · SYD Sydney (Long drive of about 6 h; most travellers fly to Moree or Narrabri instead)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Feb
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Mar
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jul (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Jan (7 rain days), driest Apr (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bellata: 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
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7 rd
Feb
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Apr
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
5 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
6 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
4 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
4 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Dec
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7 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
You need a car. Bellata is a strip on the A39 Newell Highway with the railway on the western side; everything is a short walk from the highway, but there is no local transport. Road trains use this route, so overtake only where marked.
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 30 min
Drive north on the A39 Newell Highway, about 37 km (23 mi)Drive north on the A39 Newell Highway, about 23 mi (37 km)
Hot springs, artesian pools and the best bed and food choice near Bellata.
Door to door: About 35 min
Drive south on the A39 Newell Highway, about 47 km (29 mi)Drive south on the A39 Newell Highway, about 29 mi (47 km)
Gateway to the Warrumbungles and the start of the solar system drive.
Door to door: About 1.5 h
Via the Gwydir Highway from Moree, then back roads
A half-day loop; check road conditions after rain.
Door to door: About 1.5 h
Via the Gwydir Highway and local roads
Small heritage town; combine with Bingara rather than a return trip.
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.
Bellata itself
No hotel or motel: the Nandewar Inn burned down in 2006 and nothing replaced it. Do not plan to sleep here.
Narrabri (47 km south)
The nearest real bed base: motels, pubs and a caravan park on the highway.
Moree (37 km north)
Bigger choice of motels and the hot springs; good if you are heading to Queensland.
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$150–250 (≈ US$100–170) excl. bed
- High
- A$300 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room, Narrabri or Moree1 × 1 night × A$170 | A$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$180 | A$360 |
| Fuel, 100 km at country prices1 × A$20 · check | A$20 |
| Café or roadhouse meal2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$15 · check | A$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$63 |
| Trip total≈ A$347 per person per day, bed included | A$693≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; Bellata has no beds, so this covers a highway stop plus a night in Narrabri or Moree. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or takeaway tea | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Roadhouse burger or pie | A$8–15 (≈ US$6–10) |
| Fuel, unleaded per litrecheck; dearer in small towns | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| Motel double, Narrabri or Moree | A$110–280 (≈ US$75–190) |
| Beer in a country pub | A$6–9 (≈ US$4–6) |
| eSIM, about a week | A$10–25 (≈ US$7–17) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No accommodation in Bellata: the last hotel burned down in 2006.
- The train only stops if you book: an unbooked stop is skipped.
- Police patrol the Newell Highway hard for speed and drugs; keep to 110 km/h (68 mph) and expect random testing.Police patrol the Newell Highway hard for speed and drugs; keep to 68 mph (110 km/h) and expect random testing.
- Road trains need long overtaking gaps; do not pull out on a crest.
- Summer heat and long empty stretches between towns: carry water and fuel up in Narrabri or Moree.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
BellataBellata
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No consulates here; the nearest are in Sydney. US, UK, Canadian and other embassies are in Canberra.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Moree XPL, Bellata → Sydney: booked seat, request stop; check the fare and timetable
- Drive Bellata → Moree: 37 km (23 mi), about 30 min23 mi (37 km), about 30 min
- Drive Bellata → Narrabri: 47 km (29 mi), about 35 min29 mi (47 km), about 35 min
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the servo? — Where is the fuel?
- Any toilets here? — Is there a toilet here?
- I'd like to book a seat — I would like to book a seat
No phone signal in some stretches of the Newell Highway; download offline maps before you leave Narrabri or Moree.
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 Bellata. 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: Apr–May, Sep–Oct · avoid Dec–Feb (heat, 35 °C+), Jan school holidays on the highway · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Field-check the Pluto marker position and parking, plus the station platform access.
- Confirm the current Moree XPL timetable and the booking rule for request stops.
- Check fuel and food options in Bellata, Edgeroi and Gurley so drivers are not caught out.
- Add a Newell Highway road-train and overtaking fixture for the drive pages.
Sources
Ask about Bellata
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