Gwydir Shire Council

Most of the Gwydir system falls within the traditional lands of the Gomeroi / Kamilaroi people. As a major pioneer

route from the 1830s, it provides unique insights into Australian

history, including the tragedy of the Myall Creek Massacre.

The shire is made up of two main townships Bingara and Warialda and the smaller villages of Gravesend, Cootatai, Crooble, Warialda Rail, Cobbadah, North Star, Croppa Creek and Upper Horton. Bingara is one of the few places in Australia where diamonds have been found. In fact, Bingara was the largest producer of diamonds in Australia in the 1850’s. Warialda derived its name from the “Weraerai” people who frequented the area. The name ‘Warialda’ translates to “Place of Wild Honey” . This shire is known as the Gap to the agricultural ‘Golden Triangle’ on the great black soil plains south of the McIntyre River, the shire boasts an extraordinary diversity of geology and habitat with special flora sites, the nature reserve Cranky Rock as well as significant cultural offerings of the Roxy Theatre, Bingara’s Living Classroom and Ceramic Break Sculpture Park all contribute to the unique experience of this region.