Guyra is a small town (population 2,207 in 2016) in the New England region of New South Wales in Australia.
Understand
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The local indigenous people were the Anaiwan people, who called the place either 'hillgo-el' or 'illgo-el', meaning 'a swamp'. The name Guyra comes from their word meaning either 'a white cockatoo' or 'a fishing place', after one of the first farms in the area. The indigenous Gumbayniggir people lived in the eastern part of the district.
The settlment of the district began with farms established in 1835. The Great Northern Railway reached Guyra in 1884 (passenger services ceased in 1989), and the settlement was proclaimed a town the following year. Dairying and potato cultivation became important industries in the district. The town became the focus of national attention in 1960 when a 4 year old boy wandered away from his home on a property and was lost for 4 days, found asleep against a log. A popular country music song 'Little Boy Lost' by Johnny Ashcroft commemorates the event. Sheep, cattle, potatoes, and tomatoes are the main agricultural industries in the district.
Guyra is in the Armidale Regional Council Local Government Area.
Tourist information centre
[edit]- 1 Armidale Visitor Information Centre, 82 Marsh Street, Armidale (next to Hungry Jacks Restaurant), ☏ +61 2 6772 3888, fax: +61 2 6771 4486, [email protected]. 7 days from 9AM to 5PM. See the local website here.
Get in
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Map of Guyra
By car
[edit]Guyra is on the New England Highway/A15, 38 km north of Armidale and 61 km south of Glen Innes.
By coach
[edit]A NSW Trainlink coach service runs between Tenterfield and Armidale to catch the long-distance trains to Sydney. Coaches stop near to the Guyra Post Office.
Southbound coaches depart Tenterfield M-Su 5:40AM, depart Guyra at 7:51AM, and arrive at Armidale Railway Station at 8:20AM. Northbound coaches depart Armidale Railway Station M-Su 5:50PM, depart Guyra 6:26PM, and arrive at Tenterfield 8:28PM.
A map and timetable can be downloaded here. Bookings are essential.
Bookings and stops
[edit]- NSW Trainlink - regular bookings, ☏ +61 13 22 32. Daily 7AM-10PM.
- NSW Trainlink - multi-trip and Discovery Pass, ☏ +61 13 22 32. Daily 7AM-10PM.
- 2 Armidale - coach stop and bookings (Railway Station), Brown Street, ☏ +61 13 22 32. M-F 7:30AM-11:30AM, 2PM-5:30PM.
- 3 Armidale Flight Centre - bookings, Shop 3A, Corner Complex, 108 Dangar Street (near the corner of Dangar Street and Beardy Street), ☏ +61 2 6771 5474. M-F 9AM-5:30PM, Sa 9AM-noon. The coach does not stop here - it stops at the railway station.
- 4 Guyra - coach stop, Bradley Street (near the post office).
- 5 Guyra - bookings (Guyra Adult Learning Association), 136 Bradley Street (next to the SPAR Express convenience store). M-F 9AM-5PM. The coach does not stop here - it stops 85 m south near the post office.
- 6 Tenterfield - coach stop, 136 Manners Street (opposite the Telegraph Hotel).
- 7 Tenterfield - bookings (Tenterfield Insurance Agencies), 279 Rouse Street (near the corner of Rouse Street/New England Highway and High Street/Bruxner Highway), ☏ +61 2 6736 2426. M-F 9AM-4:30PM. The coach does not stop here - it stops in Manners Street opposite the Telegraph Hotel.
Brisbane-Guyra
[edit]Crisps Coaches run between Brisbane and Tamworth via Guyra. Bookings are required - phone or use the website to secure your seat.
Note that the times given are Australian Eastern Standard Time/Queensland Time (GMT+10). From the first Su in Oct to the first Su in Apr New South Wales is on Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time (GMT+11), so adjust arrival/departure times for stops in New South Wales by adding 1 hour.
Also note that services may be adjusted or cancelled at little or no notice due to Covid-19 lockdowns, natural disasters, or changes in operations, so please confirm with Crisp's before departure.
- Crisps Coaches, 78 Grafton Street, Warwick, Queensland, ☏ +61 7 4661 8333, [email protected]. Office: M-F 7:45AM-5:30PM, Sa 11:30AM-12:30PM, 11:30AM-12:30PM 4:30-5:30PM. See full timetables and book online here.
Outbound coaches depart Brisbane M and F 10:45AM from the long-distance bus station in Parkland Crescent (outside Platform 10 at Roma Street Railway Station) and arrive at Guyra at The Big Ram on Malapas Street/New England Highway 6:50PM.
Inbound coaches depart Guyra from The Big Ram on Malapas Street/New England Highway M and F 7:45AM and arrive at Brisbane at the long-distance bus station in Parkland Crescent (outside Platfrom 10 at Roma Street Railway Station) 2:30PM.
By plane
[edit]Guyra isn't served by any domestic airlines. The nearest airport with regularly scheduled services is in Armidale.
Get around
[edit]Private transport is the most conventient way of getting around Guyra, and essential to explore the surrounding district.
The nearest car rental agencies are in Armidale.
By taxi
[edit]- Guyra Taxi, ☏ +61 408 659 366. Taxis must be booked, not hailed
See
[edit]In and near town
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- 1 Antique Machinery Museum (Guyra Railway Station), Sandon Street, ☏ +61 2 6779 1621. By appointment only. Collection of antique farm machinery, access to disused Guyra Railway Station.
- 2 Australian Poetry Hall of Fame, 144 Bradley Street (near the coach stop near the post office), ☏ +61 423 478 656. Housed in an old theatre, the hall preserves Australian poetry, songlines, and languages. Phone for hours and fees.
- 3 Burgess Car Museum and Bookstore, 131 Bradley Street (opposite the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame), ☏ +61 2 6779 1011. Phone for hours. Car museum with automotive memorabilia. Second-hand book store. Gold coin donation.
- 4 Guyra Historical Museum, 190 Bradley Street (next to Guyra Bowling and Recreation Club), ☏ +61 2 6779 2132. Su 11AM-3PM. Comprises a collection of rural and domestic items from the district and a photographic collection. Phone for fees.
- 5 Mother of Ducks Lagoon Nature Reserve, McKie Parkway, near the back of the Guyra Bowling and Recreation Club (turn westbound into Moredun Street, turn left into McKie Parkway). Enjoy scenic views and a picnic while birdwatching, a bird-hide is nearby.
- 6 The Big Lamb, Malpas Street (New England Highway) (opposite The Woolly Lamb Cafe). A monument commemorating both the sheep industry and the potato industry for the growth and development of the Guyra district.
Out of town
[edit]- Baxter's on-Farm Museum (34 km north-west of Guyra via Guyra Road westbound, turn left onto Tenterden Road, turn right onto Moredun Dams Road), ☏ +61 2 6779 4535. By appointment only. Collection of antique farm equipment, many still in working order. Free (pay for beverages).
- 7 Cathedral Rock National Park, Round Mountain Road (near Ebor) (82 km south-east of Guyra via Ollera Street/Guyra Road eastbound, cross the Gara River bridge and continue ahead as Guyra Road, continue through the Rockvale Road intersections, turn right/south onto Waterfall Way towards Armidale, turn right onto Round Mountain Road. Roads are mostly unsealed.), ☏ +61 1300 072 757. M-Su 7AM-7PM. Camp, bushwalk, birdwatch, and enjoy scenic views. See website for details regarding camping. Free entry.
- 8 Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve, Bagot Road (23 km north-east of Guyra via New England Highway northbound, turn right onto Tubbamurra Road, turn left onto Bagot Road). Open 24 hours, but may be closed due to poor weather or fire danger. Picnic area with toilets, picnic table, barbecue amenities. Lagoon Circuit walking trail - 4.8km, Grade 3, about 2-3 hours.
- 9 Malpas Dam, Malpas Dam Road (18 km via New England Highway southbound, turn left onto Springmount Road then next left onto Malpas Dam Road, turn-off to picnic area on the left), ☏ +61 1300 136 833. Built 1968 to supply water to Armidale. Picnic facilities, viewing locations but absolutely no camping. No toilet.
- 10 Thunderbolt's Cave, Thunderbolts Cave Road (17 km south of Guyra via New England Highway/A15 southbound, turn right onto Thunderbolts Cave Road, turn sharp left onto Robbers Run Trail). A tiny cave used as the hide-out and lair of the bushranger Captain Thunderbold (Fred Ward) 1867-1868. Small parking area, picnic tables, no toilets. 150 m walk to the cave may be difficult.
Do
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Events
[edit]- Guyra Lamb and Potato Festival. Held last week in Jan. Runs concurrently with the Hydrangea Festival.
- Guyra Rodeo. Held in Nov.
- 1 Guyra Show, Marne Street (corner of Marne Street and Dutton Parade), ☏ +61 488 699 147, [email protected]. Held in Feb. Annual local fair.
Sports
[edit]- 2 Guyra Bowling and Recreation Club, 192 Bradley Street (next to the Guyra Historical Museum), ☏ +61 2 6779 1499, [email protected]. Phone for hours. Lawn bowls. 18-hole golf course.
- 3 Guyra Swimming Pool, Dutton Parade North (eastbound) (near the Guyra Showground), ☏ +61 2 6779 1335. Season: Oct-Mar M W F 6:30-8AM, 10AM-6PM, Tu Th 10AM-6PM, Sa Su public holidays 10:30AM-5:30PM. 25 metre solar-heated swimming pool with toddler pool. Phone for fees.
Buy
[edit]Self catering
[edit]- 1 Guyra Country Fresh Hot Bread Shop, 124A Bradley Street (opposite the National Australia Bank), ☏ +61 2 6779 1866. M-F 5AM-6PM, Sa 6AM-noon. Bakery.
- 2 Guyra Pharmacy, 106 Bradley Street (near the corner of Bradley Street and Moore Street), ☏ +61 2 6779 1192. M-F 8AM-5:30PM, Sa 9AM-noon. Chemist.
- 3 Kirks IGA Plus Liquor, 94 Bradley Street (near the Guyra Hotel), ☏ +61 2 6779 1555. M-F 7AM-6:30PM, Sa Su 8AM-1PM. Supermarket. Liquor store.
- 4 SPAR Express Guyra, 132-134 Bradley Street (opposite the Burgess Car Museum), ☏ +61 2 6779 1991. M-Th 6:30AM-7PM, F 6:30AM-7:30PM, Sa 8AM-7:30PM, Su 8:30AM-7PM. Convenience store.
- 5 Vidler's Butchery, 145 Bradley Street (opposite the post office), ☏ +61 2 6779 1030. Phone for hours. Butchers.
Eat
[edit]- Donna's Bistro (Guyra Bowling and Recreation Club), 192 Bradley Street, ☏ +61 2 6779 1499. W Th 6-7:30PM, F 5:30-8:30PM, Sa noon-2PM 6-8:30PM, Su noon-2PM 6-8PM. Bistro fare.
- Guyra Hotel, 88 Bradley Street (corner of Bradley Street and Ollera Street), ☏ +61 2 6779 1018. Pub fare.
- 1 Jojo's Cafe, 128 Bradley Street (corner of Bradley Street and Nincoola Street), ☏ +61 2 67791759. M-F 8AM-3:30PM, Sa 8AM-noon. Coffee shop.
- 2 Juneil's Cafe (120A Bradley Street), ☏ +61 467 315 915. Cafe fare.
- Royal Hotel - Guyra, 122 Bradley Street (opposite the National Australia Bank), ☏ +61 2 6779 1005. Pub fare.
- 3 The Woolly Lamb Guyra, 87 Malpas Street (next to the Guyra Motor Inn, opposite The Big Lamb), ☏ +61 2 6779 1753. Cafe fare.
- 4 The Guyra Cafe, 110-112 Bradley Street (next to the Guyra Pharmacy), ☏ +61 2 6779 1605. Tu W 6:30AM-2PM, Th F 8:30AM-2PM, Sa Su 8:30AM-2PM. Cafe fare.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Guyra Bowling and Recreation Club, 192 Bradley Street, ☏ +61 2 6779 1499.
- 2 Guyra Hotel, 88 Bradley Street (corner of Bradley Street and Ollera Street), ☏ +61 2 6779 1018.
- 3 Royal Hotel - Guyra, 122 Bradley Street (opposite the National Australia Bank), ☏ +61 2 6779 1005.
Sleep
[edit]Hotels
[edit]- Guyra Hotel, 88 Bradley Street (corner of Bradley Street and Ollera Street), ☏ +61 2 6779 1018. Single, twin, and family rooms. Shared bathroom and shared kitchen. Phone for rates and availability..
- Royal Hotel - Guyra, 122 Bradley Street (opposite the National Australia Bank), ☏ +61 2 6779 1005. Single and double bedrooms. Shared bathroom and shared kitchen. Phone for rates and availability..
Motels
[edit]- 1 Guyra Motor Inn, 89 Malpas Street (New England Highway (opposite The Big Lamb), ☏ +61 2 6779 1022, [email protected]. 20 rooms with free WiFi, air conditioning, electric blankets, flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, microwave, toaster, bar fridge, undercover parking. On-site parking for trucks, trailers, and buses.
- 2 Shiralee Motel Guyra, 125-127 Malpas Street (New England Highway) (corner of Malpas Street and Urandangie Street), ☏ +61 2 6779 1380. Phone for rates and availability.
Bed and breakfast
[edit]- 3 The Old Manse Bed and Breakfast, 4 Urandangie Street, ☏ +61 427 023 501, [email protected]. B&B in a former Presbyterian minister's residence built 1901. Phone for rates and availability - bookings essential.
Caravan parks
[edit]- 4 Guyra Summit Caravan Park, 245 Falconer Street (New England Highway), South Guyra, ☏ +61 2 6779 1241. 40 caravan & RV sites, 4 cabins, 3-bedroom cottage. Open-fire pits, free WiFi, gym, volleyball court. Pet friendly. Phone for availability. Unpowered sites from $20/night, powered sites from $25/night, cabins from $60/night, cottage from $120/night.
Cope
[edit]Emergency
[edit]- 8 Guyra Multipurpose Service Hospital (Guyra Hospital), 44-48 Sole Street, ☏ +61 2 6738 4000. Emergency Department open 24 hours.
- 9 Police Station, 176 Bradley Street, ☏ +61 2 6738 4299. Not open 24 hours.
Fuel and mechanical
[edit]- 10 Caltex/Ampol, 4352 New England Highway (northbound) (corner of New England Highway and Falconer Road), ☏ +61 2 6779 1462. M-Su 6AM-10PM. Petrol station
- 11 Guyra Fourways Service Station, 87-89 Bradley Street (corner of Bradley Street and Ollera Street), ☏ +61 2 6779 1284. Petrol station. Mechanics.
- 12 Jones Roy Guyra, 2/4 Moore Street (corner of Moore Street and Booroolong Street), ☏ +61 2 6779 2127. Exhaust. Tyres. Batteries. Servicing.
Public telephones
[edit]- 13 Public telephone (near the corner of Moore Street and Bradley Street).
- Public telephone (outside the post office).
Public toilets
[edit]- 14 Public toilets, Rotary Park (New England Highway, near Guyra Motor Inn and The Big Lamb). Open 24 hours. Disabled access. Parking. Sanitary disposal.
- Public toilets, Volunteer Park, Bradley Street (at the coach stop next to the post office). Open daylight hours. Disabled access.
- Public toilets, Mother of Ducks Lagoon Nature Reserve (behind the Guyra Bowl and Recreation Club). Open daylight hours. Disabled access.
- Public toilets, Apex Park (opposite the Guyra Bowl and Recreation Club). Open daylight hours. Disabled access. Unisex toilet.
Banks
[edit]- 15 National Australia Bank (NAB), 119 Bradley Street (opposite the Royal Hotel), ☏ +61 132 265. M Th F 9:30AM-12:30PM.
- 16 Regional Australia Bank, 114A Bradley Street (next to High on Bikes), ☏ +61 132 067. M-Th 10AM-3PM F 9AM-5PM.
- Bank@Post (Australia Post), 154 Bradley Street, ☏ +61 2 6779 1580. M-Th 9AM-12:30PM, 1:30-2PM F 9:30AM-12:30PM, 1:30-5PM. Agent for Commonwealth Bank, Westpac Bank, National Australia Bank
ATM
[edit]- National Australia Bank, 119 Bradley Street (opposite the Royal Hotel). Open 24 hours.
- RediATM (Regional Australia Bank), 114-116 Bradley Street. Open 24 hours.
Services
[edit]- 17 Australia Post, 154 Bradley Street (corner of Bradley Street and MacKenzie Street), ☏ +61 2 6779 1580. M-Th 9AM-12:30PM, 1:30-2PM F 9:30AM-12:30PM, 1:30-5PM.
Go next
[edit]- Glen Innes - north of Guyra: 135 km via New England Highway (A15) northbound, through Llangothlin, through Glencoe, continue ahead to Glen Innes (1 hr 39 min)
- Tenterfield - north of Guyra: 152 km via New England Highway (A15) northbound, through Glen Innes, through Deepwater, continue ahead to Tenterfield (1 hr 50 min)
- Ebor - east of Guyra: 81 km (mostly unsealed road) via Ollera Street/Guyra Road eastbound, cross the Gara River bridge, pass through the Rockvale Road intersections, pass the Waterfall Way turn-off to Armidale on the right and continue ahead on Waterfall Way to Ebor (53 min)
- Armidale - south of Guyra: 38 km via New England Highway (A15) southbound, turn left at the roundabout onto Glen Innes Road (29 min)
- Uralla - south-west of Guyra: 60 km via New England Highway (A15) southbound, through Armidale (42 min)
- Tamworth - south-west of Guyra: 148 km via New England Highway (A15) southbound, through Armidale, through Saumarez, through Uralla, through Bendemeer, through Moonbi, through Kootingal, through Nemingha, continue to Tamworth (1 hr 46 min)
- Inverell - north-west of Guyra: 90 km (mostly unsealed) via Ollera Street/Guyra Road westbound, turn left onto Tenterden Road, turn right onto Moredun Dams Road, pass the Junction Road turn-off on the left and continue ahead as New Valley Road, continue through Tingha, pass the Inverell Airport on the right, turn right onto Bundarra Road and continue through Gilgai, pass the Inverell Golf Club on the right, cross the Macintyre River bridge (1 hr 17 min)