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We know what you’re thinking, small country town, population of just over 2000 people, what could you possibly do to fill your time?! Truth be told, Guyra packs a punch when it comes to unique experiences, from trout fishing to historical haunts, poetry reading to bushwalking and annual events bursting with homegrown markets, live music, workshops and expos. Check out our top 10 things to do when you go to Guyra – you can thank us later.
Go fishing at Uncle Billy’s Retreat
Motivational playlists at the ready folks – we’re going fishing. That means we need to dial up our observation skills, review our fish behaviour knowledge and pack a boatload of patience (and rods, bait etc). And where better to do all of the above than Uncle Billy’s Trout Fishing Retreat, just 25 minutes outside Guyra. Offering several pristine, spring fed water dams (the largest of which is the 15-acre Lake Yoolimba) and cosy cabin accommodation for up to nine, it’s no wonder Billy’s has been described as a fisherman’s paradise. The stunning New England scenery delivers the perfect backdrop to your private fishing adventure, which comes complete with wood heating for those chilly New England nights and barbecue facilities to keep your systems fuelled. Heads up, Billy’s has rods available for hire and flies to purchase, and operates on a strictly catch and release system. Let the good times roll! (Psst! Can’t get into Billy’s? Check out the equally amazing Dunmore Trout Waters, Milanai Trout Cottages or Moredun Ponds!)
527 Wandsworth Road | Ben Lomond NSW 2365 | 0427 794 201 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Dive into Deano’s Fishing Adventure
From Billy’s to Deano’s, your next fishing adventure boasts eight spring water growing ponds stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon. Book for a fun day out or stay the night at one of their recently upgraded camping sites. Deano’s also invites you to ‘catch and keep’ trout for $30 per kilo – they’ll even prepare the fish for you so it’s cleaned and ready to cook on the campsite’s bbq kitchen, or take home for a feast like no other. Need to add something else to the mix? You’ll find a range of smoked trout and other delish products at Deano’s shop – a must-visit before you hit the road.
643 ‘Ardrossan’ Black Mountain Road | Black Mountain NSW 2365 | 0427 750 182 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Meet Brian at Burgess Garage Car Museum
Back in 2019, a man by the name of Brian arrived in Guyra with a dream – to open his own car museum. He started with just three cars, found the perfect location in the town’s old mechanics workshop and hasn’t looked back since. Today, the Guyra institution invites visitors to take a trip down memory lane with its vast collection of vintage cars and automotive memorabilia. A must-visit for classic car enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the museum also has cars for sale from time to time, so Brian can keep his collection updated. He’s also on hand to answer any questions and will happily fill you in on anything and everything you’d like to know about his passion project turned lifelong dream come true.
131 Bradley Street | Guyra NSW 2365 | 0474 211 785 | Facebook
Choo-choose trains at the Antique Machinery Museum
Dig trains? We’ve got you. Head directly to the Guyra & District Historical Society Machinery Group museum, suitably housed at the heritage-listed Guyra Railway station. Once inside you’ll discover a next-level impressive collection of everything from antique machinery and police memorabilia to railway artefacts.
190 Bradley Street | Guyra NSW 2365 | (02) 6779 2132 | Facebook
Learn something new at the Historical Museum
This joint houses some rare stuff – we’re talking a barbed wire collection dating back to 1875 and shearing handpieces from 1900. There’s a washing machine used in the 1880s, the only other known one is at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum, and even a projector from the Arcadia Theatre which was opened in 1929 and used for balls, formal events, films and boxing. (These days, The Arcadia is home to Guyra’s Poetry Hall of Fame – more on that later). These are just a handful of the museum’s 4000 items, a collection that’s grown significantly since doors swung open in 1988. Keep your eyes peeled on the museum’s Facebook page for opening times, and consider booking your own tour to get the most out of this history hit to remember.
188 Bradley Street | Guyra NSW 2365 | (02) 6779 2132 | Facebook
Celebrate words at the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame
The name alone is uber poetic… welcome to the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame folks! Created to preserve and celebrate Australian languages, song-lines, poetry and prose, this one-of-a-kind venue is on a mission to promote Aussie words. The team also nurtures and supports emerging and existing poets by giving them opportunities to perform, publish and compete against their peers to hone their craft. Hosting weekly classes and seasonal workshops, as well as an array of musical and open mic events, wordsmiths and musos will find themselves right at home here on a regular basis. So prepare to wear your heart on your sleeve and schedule in a visit to this truly unique regional arts and entertainment hub.
144 Bradley Street | Guyra NSW 2365 | 0423 478 656 | Website | Facebook
Stretch your legs at Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve
Are you a bird watcher from way back? Do you like picnics and pretty vistas? Then you can’t go wrong with Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve, a hidden gem tucked away just a 22-minute drive from Guyra. Home to Llangothlin Lagoon, one of the few remaining high altitude freshwater lagoons on the New England Tablelands, this place is a haven for more than 100 bird species and an abundance of animals. Pack your boots for a comfy bushwalk along the Lagoon Circuit walking track (4.8km), before settling down at the idyllic picnic area for a hot cuppa. If you’re uber organised, you might have even packed an esky with everything you need for a barbie – yup, wood barbecues are provided. Sanger sandwiches all round!
Go birdwatching at Mother of Ducks Lagoon
If you, or someone you know, loves ducks – you’ve just hit the motherlode. Truth be told, the Mother of Ducks Lagoon is a major bird habitat for over 87 species who rely on the reserve for survival. You’ll find black swans, wading ibis and cormorants diving for fish. You might even spy a grey falcon or one of the park’s rare reptiles such as the endangered Booroolong frog (they’re small and brown if that helps). Stake out a spot on the observation platform, throw down a picnic rug, grab your binoculars and settle in for a bird-watching session to end all other bird-watching sessions. Just a friendly heads up, there’s a nearby golf course, so keep your eyes peeled for golf balls as well as birds.
Dig in at the Lamb and Potato Festival
Do you love lamb? Have a passion for potatoes? Then Guyra’s Lamb and Potato Festival is where your dreams come true. Held every January, the jam-packed 12 days includes market stalls, live music, a car, truck and bike show, an antique machinery display, model trains and military vehicle display and a paddock 2 plate dining experience to write home about. Word to the wise – don’t leave town without taking a selfie with the magnificent Big Lamb statue on the New England Highway. The Poll Dorset sheep stands over a potato plant and was constructed in 1988 to promote this very festival. It’s an icon and you need it on your highlights reel pronto.
89/87 New England Highway | Guyra NSW 2365 | 0404 485 585 | Website
Open the fishing season at TroutFest
Earlier in this guide, you might have noticed that Guyra and the nearby surrounds is quite the location for trout fishing. It should therefore come as no surprise that the town hosts a trout festival, aptly named TroutFest, every October long weekend. The event celebrates the opening of trout fishing season and invites visitors near and far to check out markets, music, open gardens, art workshops, metal craft expos and kids’ activities that include a fishing clinic and yabby touch tank. Fun times all round!
Guyra NSW 2365 | Website | Facebook
Steph Wanless
Editorial Director. Grammar-obsessed, Kate Bush impressionist, fuelled by black coffee, British comedy and the fine art of the messy bun.
