Major city · Australia
Coleambally
Stop for 2–3 hours on the Kidman Way: dragline, tiled water tower, coffee. Sleep here only if you are driving the Riverina loop.
Coleambally is a small irrigation town on the Kidman Way (B87) between Darlington Point and Tocumwal, opened in 1968 as the service centre for the Coleambally Irrigation Area. There is no station and no bus worth planning around, so you arrive by car. Two roadside sights, one café and one pub-motel cover it; the surrounding cypress pine country is where you see kangaroos and birds.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Dec–Feb (40 °C (104 °F) days), Jan school holidaysavoid Dec–Feb (104 °F (40 °C) days), Jan school holidays
- Airports
- SYD · ABX · NTL
- Nights
- 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.
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
Emergency numbers for Coleambally000 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- NSW Rural Fire Service bushfire information1800 679 737
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 Coleambally, 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
- SafetyA quiet, safe town.
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 · 1800 679 737 NSW Rural Fire Service bushfire information
- 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.
- AirportSYD Sydney Kingsford Smith (645 km (401 mi) by road via the Hume and Sturt highways; a full driving day.).SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith (401 mi (645 km) by road via the Hume and Sturt highways; a full driving day.).
- Getting aroundWalk.
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)
- Street or quick mealBakery pie or sandwichA$6–12 (≈ US$4–8)
- Beerschooner in a pubA$7–10 (≈ US$5–7)
- Budget bedCaravan park cabin or powered site, a night, per roomA$60 (≈ US$40)
- Mid-range bedMotel or pub room, a night, per roomA$150 (≈ US$100)
- High-end bedMotel or pub 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$220 (≈ US$150)
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
- SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith (645 km (401 mi) by road via the Hume and Sturt highways; a full driving day.) · ABX Albury (About 3 h 30 min by road; the nearest airport with useful connections.) · NTL Newcastle (Long drive; only relevant if you are already heading north.)SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith (401 mi (645 km) by road via the Hume and Sturt highways; a full driving day.) · ABX Albury (About 3 h 30 min by road; the nearest airport with useful connections.) · NTL Newcastle (Long drive; only relevant if you are already heading north.)
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
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jul
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Aug
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jul (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jul (8 rain days), driest Jan (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Coleambally: 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)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Feb
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Mar
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
6 rd
Jun
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
7 rd
Jul
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
7 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Dec
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 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
Walk. The whole town centre is flat and takes under 10 minutes end to end. You need a car for everything outside it: the forest walks, the channels and the next town.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Darlington Point
goDoor to door: About 30 min
B87 north, about 30 min
Murrumbidgee River frontage and a small museum; good for a picnic and a fuel stop.
Tocumwal
goDoor to door: About 45 min
B87 south, about 45 min
Murray River town with beaches and a golf course; the natural next stop heading south.
Griffith
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
B87 north then the Burley Griffin Way, about 1 h 30 min
Wine, food and the region's biggest town; a full day or an overnight.
Leeton
goDoor to door: About 1 h
About 1 h by road via Darlington Point
Irrigation-era architecture and the Rice Bowl; pairs well with Griffith.
Hay
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
About 2 h 30 min west
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep there if you are heading west.
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.
Brolga Place and the town centre
The pub-motel, caravan park and shopping strip sit within a few minutes' walk of each other. This is the only practical place to sleep.
Darlington Point
About 30 min north on the B87; more beds and a river frontage if Coleambally is full.
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$130–200 (≈ US$90–140) excl. bed
- High
- A$200 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or pub room1 × 1 night × A$150 | A$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$140 | A$280 |
| Fuel, 100 km at country prices1 × A$18 · check | A$18 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$50 |
| Trip total≈ A$274 per person per day, bed included | A$548≈ US$400 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and long drives excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pub counter meal | A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Bakery pie or sandwich | A$6–12 (≈ US$4–8) |
| Beer, schooner in a pub | A$7–10 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| Motel room, per nightcheck | A$110–220 (≈ US$75–150) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No fuel after the town's single service point closes; fill at Darlington Point or Tocumwal if you are low.
- Kangaroos on the road at dawn and dusk: slow down on the B87.
- Summer days pass 40 °C (104 °F); carry water and do not walk the forest at midday.Summer days pass 104 °F (40 °C); carry water and do not walk the forest at midday.
- Mobile coverage is patchy in the pine forest and along the channels.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- NSW Rural Fire Service bushfire information
- 1800 679 737
Pocket card
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ColeamballyColeambally
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Can you take me to this address?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Bushfire information1800 679 737
Embassy
No consulates here. The nearest are in Sydney; the US and UK have consulates-general there.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fuel, Darlington Point to Coleambally: about 30 km (19 mi), roughly A$6–8 (≈ US$4–6) (check)about 19 mi (30 km), roughly A$6–8 (≈ US$4–6) (check)
- Pub counter meal: A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25)
- Motel room, per night: A$110–220 (≈ US$75–150) (check)
Say or show
- Where's the servo? — Where is the fuel?
- Table for two, thanks — A table for two, please
- Card okay? — Can I pay by card?
- Got a caravan park? — Is there a caravan park?
Fuel, food and phone signal are the three things to sort before you leave town.
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 Coleambally. 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: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Dec–Feb (40 °C days), Jan school holidays · month by month →
- 3 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for the Riverina: Albury and Wagga Wagga arrivals, drive times, fuel and last-check-in rungs.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Lions Park, Brolga Place, the water tower, the caravan park.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (dragline, water tower, The Coffee Nest, Brolga Hotel Motel) and eat pages with last orders.
- Bushfire and heatwave fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about Coleambally
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