Community Overview

Welcome to the Shire of Brewarrina, a rural and remote community located in the outback region of New South Wales on the banks of the Barwon/Darling River.

The shire covers an area of 19,000 square kilometres. The shire borders the state line of Queensland and is surrounded by the local governments of Walgett, Warren, Bogan and Bourke.

Our shire includes the towns and villages of Brewarrina, Goodooga, Weilmoringle, Angledool and Gongolgon.

Brewarrina is strongly grounded in its First Nations heritage. Situated on the banks of the Barwon River, it is home to what is thought to be the oldest man-made structure on earth, the National Heritage listed Baiame’s Ngunnhu (Brewarrina Fish Traps). This was one of the great inter-tribal meeting places in Eastern Australia for many nations of Aboriginal peoples, including the Morawari, Barkinji, Weilwan, Kamilaroi, Koamu, Valarai, Baranbinja, Wiradjuri, Ngemba, and Yualwarri peoples.

Archaeologists estimate Baiame’s Ngunnhu to be over 40,000 years old, and they continue to have a strong social, cultural and spiritual association for Aboriginal people with connections to the area.

Fast facts about the Brewarrina Shire

Area:18,874 sq kms (1,887,486 ha)

Shire Population: 2193

Town Population: 1250

State Roads Length: 214kms

Regional Roads Length: 250 kms

Local Roads Length: 1171 kms

Longitude: 146º52’E

Latitude: 29º58’S

Height above sea level: 115m

Mobile Phones

When visiting the Brewarrina Shire please be aware that Telstra is the only mobile service provider in our area so customers of other service providers such as Optus and Vodafone, will have to make alternative arrangements during their stay with us.

Brewarrina has 4G mobile service around the township of Brewarrina and 3G mobile phone service across a large percentage of the shire however there are still some areas considered to be “blackspots” that do not receive mobile service. It is because of this that mobile phones with Telstra’s “Blue tick” rating are recommended to maximise the available mobile service coverage.

Radio

ABC Western Plains – 657AM or 99.3 FM

2WEB – 585 AM

2CUZ FM – 106.5 FM

Roads

All major roads are sealed, however some regional and local roads are unsealed and only accessible in dry weather. All unsealed roads are usually closed after rain. Please contact the Council for the latest road condition information.

Motorist should also be aware of wildlife and livestock when travelling throughout the Brewarrina Shire and all regional areas, most notably kangaroos.

Drivers who are unfamiliar with driving in the regional areas of Australia should also be aware of cattle grids that are scattered along country roads.