New South Wales Road Photo Gallery: National Highway 39 (Newell Highway) (Narrabri to Dubbo)

New South Wales

Photo Gallery

New South Wales Road Photo Gallery:
National Highway 39 (Newell Highway) (Narrabri to Dubbo)

The Newell Highway is a major highway in New South Wales. It runs parallel to the eastern coast a few hundred kilometres inland, and is the main inland direct road link from Victoria to Queensland, bypassing the more congested coastal areas of New South Wales. It runs through Boggabilla, Moree, Narrabri, Coonabarabran, Gilgandra, Dubbo, Parkes, Forbes, West Wyalong and Narrandera. Unlike most highways in New South Wales, which are named after early explorers, the Newell Highway is named after the head of the Government Main Roads Department in the 1930s.

This section focuses on the Newell Highway south of Narrabri through to the town of Dubbo.

This section of the highway varies in quality from rural two-lane highway (one lane, undivided in each direction) through to multi-lane urban divided and undivided road in places like Dubbo. The route traverses towns and also farmland and bushland with speed limits varying from 60 km/h to 110 km/h.

Click here for photos of the former alignment through the Dubbo area.

Total Length (Victoria to Queensland):	3172 km
Route Number:	multiplexed with
Information courtesy of Wikipedia & Newell Highway Web Site

Guide Sign
Sign directing motorists heading to Brisbane to follow National Highway 39 sheilds through Dubbo. Northbound on the southwestern side of Dubbo. 2005. This type of sign is used when motorists have to negotiate a fairly complicated urban area.

Image © Rob Tilley

Advance Directional Sign
Northbound AD sign approach the intersection of the Mitchell Highway and Newell Highway (also known as Whylandra Street) at West Dubbo, 2005.

Image © Rob Tilley

Southbound ID Sign
Sign on the Mitchell & Newell Highway roundabout at West Dubbo, 2005.

Image © Rob Tilley

Northbound ID Sign
Sign on the Mitchell & Newell Highway roundabout at West Dubbo, 2005.

Image © Rob Tilley

Advance Directional Sign
Eastbound AD sign on Erskine Street approaching Darling Street, 2005. The mention of NR32 should be prefixed with the word 'TO', as Darling Street is not part of the Mitchell Highway, although was once part of the Newell Highway.

Image © Rob Tilley

Black Directional Sign
Old black roundabout AD sign facing northbound traffic on Darling Street Duboo, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Black ID Sign
Black intersection directional sign facing northbound traffic at the roundabout controlled intersection of Erskine and Darling Streets in Dubbo. July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Intersection Directional Sign
Westbound ID sign on Erskine Street, near the Dubbo CBD, 2005.

Image © Rob Tilley

Advance Directional Sign
Westbound AD sign on Erskine Street approaching Darling Street, 2005. The mention of NR32 should be prefixed with the word 'TO', as Darling Street is not part of the Mitchell Highway, although was once part of the Newell Highway.

Image © Rob Tilley

Advance Directional Sign
Eastbound as you approach the intersection of the Newell Highway (Erskine Street) and the Golden Highway (Cobbora Road) in Dubbo, just after the Darling Street roundabout. Top image is from July 2006 and the bottom is an image taken in 2005.

Image © Paul Rands (Top) & Rob Tilley (Bottom)

Sign Assembly
Massive bunch of signs located on the corner of the Newell and Golden Highways at Dubbo. These signs are facing southbound traffic using the Newell Highway (Bourke Street). 2005.

Image © Rob Tilley

Corner of Newell & Golden Highways Dubbo
Looking at the intersection of Bourke Street, Erskine Street and Cobbora Road. Note the state of the intersection in the top image from 2006 - Federal highway funding at work! Bottom image is from 2005.

Image © Paul Rands (Top) & Rob Tilley (Bottom)

Distance Sign
Northbound RD sign on Bourke Street Dubbo, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Advance Directional Sign
Southbound AD sign on Bourke Street (NH39) as you approach Erskine Street (NH39) and Cobbora Road (SR89) at Dubbo. 2005.

Image © Rob Tilley

Guide Sign
Sign directing motorists heading to Brisbane to follow National Highway 39 sheilds through Dubbo. Southbound on the northern side of Dubbo. 2005. This type of sign is used when motorists have to negotiate a fairly complicated urban area.

Image © Rob Tilley

Distance Sign
Northbound RD sign on the Newell Highway through the town of Troy Junction. Top image is from 2005 and the bottom showing the location is from July 2006.

Image © (Top) Rob Tilley & Paul Rands (Bottom)

Road Train Signage
Northbound Road Train sign at Troy Junction, July 2006

Image © Paul Rands

Heavy Vehicle Inspection Station Sign
Northbound at Talbragar, approaching the heavy vehicle inspection station. July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Northbound at Brocklehurst
Typical road conditions through Brocklehurst as you pass the heavy vehicle inspection station, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Brocklehurst
Passing through the centre of town, northbound, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Approaching Burroway Road
Northbound at Brocklehurst as you near the junction with Burroway Road, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Approaching Burroway Road
Southbound at Brocklehurst as you near the junction with Burroway Road, 2005.

Image © Rob Tilley

Distance Sign
Southbound RD sign outside Brocklehurst, 2005.

Image © Rob Tilley

Start of 110 km/h Speed Limit
The beginning of the national highway speed limit of 110 km/h, northbound at Brocklehurst. July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Advance Directional Sign
Interesting looking AD Sign at Eumungerie as you approach the intersection of Narromine-Eumungerie Road and Cobboco Road, July 2006.

Image © Rob Tilley

Road Train Sign
Northbound at Eumungerie is this sign located after the above intersection, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Distance Sign
Northbound RD sign after the intersection of Narromine-Eumungerie Road and Cobboco Road, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Tourism Distance Sign
Northbound tourism based RD sign not far after the intersection of Narromine-Eumungerie Road and Cobboco Road, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Marthaguy Creek
One of the many crossings between Balladoran and Gilgandra over Marthaguy Creek, this photo from July 2006 is at Balladoran.

Image © Paul Rands

Rest Reminder
One of the many rest reminder signs located along the Newell Hwy, this one is at Gilgandra. July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Trucks Entering Sign
Somewhat unusual trucks entering sign, located near an industrial facility, northbound at Gilgandra.

Image © Paul Rands

Gilgandra Town Sign
RTA sign announcing Gilgandra, its height above sea level and population, northbound, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

End Road Train Route Sign
Northbound entering Gilgandra with the level crossing in background for the rail line to Dubbo, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Distance Sign
Southbound RD sign and road train sign as you leave Gilgandra, 2005.

Image © Rob Tilley

Advance Directional Sign
Northbound AD sign as you approach the intersection with Miller Street, the Oxley, Castlereagh and Newell Highways. Top image is 2005 and the bottom one from July 2006.

Image © (Top) Rob Tilley & Paul Rands (Bottom)

Intersection Directional Sign
ID sign assembly at intersection with Miller Street, the Oxley, Castlereagh and Newell Highways. Top image is 2005 and the bottom one from July 2006.

Image © (Top) Rob Tilley & Paul Rands (Bottom)

Black Directional Sign
Black AD sign approaching the terminus of National Route 55 on the Castlereagh Highway (Miller St) for the Newell Highway at Gilgandra. Note the missing arrow on the middle panel.

Image © Rob Tilley

Directional Sign
AD sign approaching the terminus of National Route 55 on the Castlereagh Highway (Miller St) for the Newell Highway at Gilgandra.

Image © Rob Tilley

Black Directional Sign
Black AD sign approaching the terminus of National Route 55 on the Castlereagh Highway (Miller St) for the Newell Highway at Gilgandra.

Image © Rob Tilley

ID Sign
Signage on the junction with the Castlereagh & Oxley Highways at Gilgandra. This is not officially NH39 (Newell Hwy), it's actually another 100 metres from this sign, but is signposted the way it is for easier navigation. Top image is from 2005 and the bottom, July 2006. The Oxley Highway (NR34) is now duplexed with the Newell Highway from here until Coonabarabran.

Image © (Top) Rob Tilley & Paul Rands (Bottom)

Bridge over the Castlereagh River
Typical 1970s style bridge over the Castlereagh River at Gilgandra, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Castlereagh Highway & Newell Highway Junction
The other junction with the Castlereagh Highway (SR86) which eventually takes you to Mudgee and Lithgow. Top photo: July 2006, and the bottom is from 2005.

Image © Paul Rands (Top) & Rob Tilley (Bottom)

Castlereagh Highway & Newell Highway Junction
The other junction with the Castlereagh Highway (SR86) which eventually takes you to Mudgee and Lithgow. 2005.

Image © Rob Tilley

Distance sign
Northbound RD sign after the junction with the Castlereagh Highway (SR86) at Gilgandra. Top photo: July 2006, and the bottom is from 2005.

Image © Paul Rands (Top) & Rob Tilley (Bottom)

Road Safety Message Part 1
First sign of 2 offering a road safey message to motorists. July 2006 at Bidden.

Image © Paul Rands

Road Safety Message Part 2
Second sign of 2 offering a road safey message to motorists. July 2006 at Bidden.

Image © Paul Rands

Typical Road Conditions
Typical roadway and surroundings as you head northeast through Bidden, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Tourist Route Sign
Alternate route to Coonabarabran via Siding Springs (Coonamble-Tooraweenah Road) shown on this sign at Tooraweenah, heading northeast, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Services Sign
Northeastbound sign indicating local services available in the town of Tooraweenah. July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Advance Directional Sign
Nice clear AD sign approaching the intersection with Coonamble-Tooraweenah Road (Left) and Mendooran Road (Right) at Tooraweenah, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Junction
Looking northeast and the intersection of Coonamble-Tooraweenah Road (Left) and Mendooran Road (Right) at Tooraweenah, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Distance Sign
RD sign heading northeast after the above intersection, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Uargon Creek
Crossing Uargaon Creek at Gowang. July 2006, heading northeast.

Image © Paul Rands

Typical conditions
Typical scenery as you pass through the hills at Gowang, July 2006. This area is quite curvy and a little steep in parts, some larger vehicles struggle in this area.

Image © Paul Rands

Welcome to the Warrumbungle Shire
Council welcome sign to their local government area, heading northeast at Gowang, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Road Upgrade Sign
Sign indicating details on upgrade works. This one is for the Warrumburrawang Deviation at Gowang, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Warrumburrawang Deviation Works
Heading towards Coonabarabran, July 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Warrumburrawang Deviation Works
Old & new pavements at Gowang, July 2006.

Warrumburrawang Deviation Works
Old & new pavements at Tannabar, July 2006.

Typical Conditions
Nice country highway scene as you pass through Tannabar, July 2006, northeastbound.

Typical Conditions
Change of scenery as the highway takes on an isolated feel as you pass through Tannabar, July 2006, northeastbound.

Tannabar
View towards Coonabarabran and into the Warrumbungle National Park, July 2006 at Tannabar.

Advance Directional Sign
AD sign as you approach the intersection with Tannabar & Mendooran Roads at Tannabar. July 2006.

Intersection
The junction of Tannabar & Mendooran Roads at Tannabar. July 2006.

Distance Sign
RD sign as you travel northeast at Tannabar after the above intersection. Top photo July 2006, bottom photo is from 2005. Note the incorrect blue SR34 sheild.

Belar Creek
Crossing Belar Creek between Tannabar & Coonabarabran, July 2006.

Jack Halls Creek
Crossing Jack Halls Creek just outside Coonabarabran, July 2006.

Approaching Warrumbungles Way
Heading northeast as you approach the intersection with the Warrumbungles Way at Coonabarabran, July 2006.

Warrambungles Way Intersection
Looking north through the intersection with the Warrumbungles Way at Coonabarabran, July 2006.

Distance Sign
Northbound RD sign after the Warrumbungles Way, July 2006.

Safe-T-Cam
The Coonabarabran Safe-T-Cam, July 2006.

Rest Sign
Another highway rest sign, this time as head north into Coonabarabran, July 2006.

Coonabarabran Welcome Sign
Sign announcing the town of Coonabarabran, July 2006.

Old Black Sign
Very old black advance directional sign on John Street (Newell Hwy) at Coonabarabran, just before the intersection with Edwards Street. July 2006.

New and Old Signs
Old and new signs standing together, northbound on John Street as you approach the intersection with Dalgarno Street at Coonabarabran, 2005.

Clock Tower
War memorial clock tower on the intersection with John (NH39 / NR34) and Dalgarno Streets at Coonabarabran, 2005.

Black Directional Sign
Old black AD sign as you approach the intersection with Baradine Street, Coonabarabra, 2005.

Vehicle Checking Area
Heavy vehicle inspection area at Coonabarabran, February 2007.

Advance Directional Sign
Approaching the hard left turn for the Newell Highway and also the end of the NR34 duplex, a couple of kilometres northeast of Coonabarabran, 2005. Note the incorrect blue SR34 sheild.

ID Sign
Intersection directional sign at the junction of the Newell & Oxley Highways, northeast of Coonabarabran, 2005.

RD Sign
Northbound distance sign on the Newell Highway at Coonabarabran, after the intersection with the Oxley Highway. 2005.

Northbound at Coonabarabran
Heading north from the Oxley & Newell Hwy intersection at Coonabarabran, 2005.

Welcome to New England Northwest
Tourism RD sign in the Pillaga Scrub, February 2007.

Welcome to Explorer Country
Tourism RD sign in the Pillaga Scrub, February 2007.