Sunday Drive: Pub lunch with a culture hit
START THE DAY SLOW AND EASY IN MOREE
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast and coffee at the Relaxing Café in Moree. Open Sundays, this cosy spot lives up to its name, offering a gentle start to your day with friendly service and the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
On other days, you might choose to head to Brooker Trading Co, 61 Balo, Cafe Gali, Omega or any of the many great cafés in Moree.
A SCENIC COUNTRY DRIVE
Late morning, hit the road and take the back Pally Road towards Pallamallawa. This quiet country drive gives you a glimpse into the heart of the district’s farming life.
As you cruise along, you’ll pass wide-open fields and working farms. Keep an eye out for Red Mill cotton farm - easily spotted thanks to its distinctive red windmill, a cheerful landmark against the wide blue sky.
PALLY BUSH MARKETS
Once you arrive in Pallamallawa, it’s well worth visiting the Pally Bush Markets, where, a few Sundays a year, loads of stallholders gather for a country celebration of handmade goods, arts and crafts, plants and local produce. Find a gift or a treasure, or simply wander the stalls to see what’s on offer. There’s something for everyone. Check ahead of time on Facebook for dates.
LUNCH AT THE LOCAL FAVOURITE
Now it’s time to head to the welcoming Pally Pub for lunch. The bistro was named in honour of the Pub’s former trading name, The Golden Grain Hotel, built in 1963. In 2017, a group of farmers bought the hotel and changed its name to Pally Pub. They wanted to ensure the local community had a family friendly meeting place that everyone could enjoy, plus preserve the hotel into the future.
Pally Pub’s a local favourite and a great place to relax. You can sit indoors or outside at tables on the grass, in the cooling shade of big umbrellas. The ample menu features burgers, salads, pasta, pub classics and more, and the beer is icy cold!
A DIFFERENT VIEW ON THE WAY HOME
After lunch, take a different route back to Moree via the Gwydir Highway. This drive offers another perspective on the region’s agricultural life, with sweeping views of working fields and maybe a few surprises along the way. Look out for kangaroos, galahs, cockatoos and even an emu or two.
A PEACEFUL PAUSE AT TAREELAROI WEIR
If time allows, take a short detour to Tareelaroi Weir on the way back. It’s a quiet, scenic spot, perfect for stretching your legs, taking in the view or simply enjoying the stillness of the water before heading home.
BACK IN MOREE BY EVENING
You’ll return to Moree by late afternoon, having spent a slow and relaxing Sunday driving through the country, enjoying good food and simple pleasures.
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A SMASHING GOOD TIME
Keen to venture further east for an art walk through pastoral and bushland? Then jump in the car and head to the Ceramic Break Sculpture Park, about 15km from Warialda. The brain child of bronze sculptor Kerry Cannon, there you’ll find an impressive art library and three galleries, which feature the work of local artists. Follow the tracks and spot the sculpture, and best of all, you can contribute to an artwork-in-progess. Just bring your own ceramic plate or pot, then smash your pot to join in the fun. Be sure to check opening hours, as the park closes throughout summer and on rainy days.