Painted by Fintan Magee, the Barraba silo art depicts a water diviner, representing the constant search for water in the Australian bush. A water diviner is someone who searches for water using either two metal rods, or as depicted here, two sticks. Barraba is a small town 99 kilometres north of Tamworth, New South Wales. We drove through the town because it was on our way to Tamworth from Sawn Rocks.
To view the silo, do not take the Old Manilla access road into the silos, as this will only allow you to see the unpainted rear. The silos are still operating, so there is no access. Instead, stop in the parking area on the Manilla Road, which provides excellent views of the art. Parking is provided on both sides of the road, so you do not need to cross the road to stop.
An interesting piece of artwork, with easy access and great viewing spot provided.
Located around 40 km north east of Narrabri, Sawn Rocks is a geological formation of columnar basalt which resembles organ pipes. As part of the Mount Kaputar National Park, the area is managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, which ensures it is managed correctly.
The road from Narrabri is fully sealed and was in very good condition when we visited.
Car Park
Designed for travellers, the car park has lots of space, so there is room for caravans to easily park. For somewhere so far from a town, the facilities are excellent, making it a great place to stop and relax. Next to the car park is a composting toilet. On the opposite side is a picnic area with sunshades and gas barbecues, which were in excellent condition.
There is a series of information boards explaining the formation of Sawn Rocks, as well as other things to do in the area.
Picnic Area and Bar-B-cues Near the Car Park
Information Board in the Car Park
Walking Track
The track from the car park to the viewing area only takes around 15 minutes to walk, but remember to take water. Winding through the bush, it is either paved with bitumen, or is a metal walkway, which makes the walk easy.
Bitumen Paved Access Track
Metal Walkway into Sawn Rocks
Sawn Rocks Viewing Platform
On reaching the viewing platform you look directly at the cliff face which is perfect for taking photos.
The Cliff Face From the Viewing Platform
Sawn Rocks
The Cliff Face From the Viewing Platform
Creek Bed
A short walk down from the viewing platform gets you to the creek bed. There is a path cut into the rocks to form a stairway, makes for and easy descent. The base of the cliff is littered with fallen boulders, so be careful of you footing and wear good walking shoes.
You get a different perspective of the formation from here because you can look up at the cliff. Even the boulders on the ground are interesting, as they show the piping of the rocks and how they have a cross sectional polygon.
Steps Down to the Creek Bed
Looking Up From the Creek Bed at the Cliff Face
Looking Up From the Creek Bed at the Cliff Face
Fallen Columns in the Creek Bed
Fallen Columns in the Creek Bed
Lichen Covered Columns in the Creek Bed Sawn Rocks
This was a great place to visit, with an easy well maintained track, amazing views and great facilities.
Driving between Gunnedah and Narrabri on the Kamilaroi Highway we passed the small town of Baan Baa. Like most Australian towns it has a cricket club and oval, but what made us stop was its grandstand. Originally a Leyland Titan double-decker bus, this repurposed vehicle now serves as the club’s grandstand. You can find some pictures of Titans in happier condition here.
In very poor condition, with most of the panels removed, probably to improve airflow and visibility. A wooden awning has been added outside, along with some bench seats, but they look very unstable. The interior looked unsafe, so we didn’t enter, but looked through the windows. Wooden bench seats have replaced the original bus seating, even on the upper level.
Along with the overgrown cricket pitch, this bus needs some attention, but is still a great place to stop for something so unusual. Be careful of the long grass, unstable bus and awning. Otherwise enjoy a unique site in the Australian bush.
