On the edge of the ancient Warrumbungle Range lies Tambar Springs – a tiny village with a big personality and even bigger fossils. Settled in the 1860s after early grazing began in the 1830s, today it's known for rich farmland, relaxed country living, and one very impressive discovery.
In 1987, local farmer Louise Friss uncovered the fossilised bones of a Diprotodon – an extinct, wombat-like giant that once roamed the region. Estimated to be around 33,500 years old, the skeleton now resides at the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre.
To celebrate this rare find, locals created the Diprotodon Drive – a quirky self-guided trail marked by corrugated iron sculptures that guide visitors through the village and its historic highlights.
Tambar Springs may be small, but it ticks all the essentials: a school, general store (with petrol and takeaway!), a pub, ag services, and a local police station keeping things in check.
Drop into the Tambar Springs General Store for a good coffee and a bite, then wander to the Royal Hotel for a cold drink and a yarn with locals overlooking black-soil country.
Tambar Springs – where the past walks with giants and the present rolls at a country pace.
