The Gwydir country area consists of two main townships Bingara and Warialda and a number of smaller villages including Cobbadah, Coolatai, Croppa Creek, and Warialda Rail.
The Gwydir River enters the Gwydir Shire where it spills from Copeton Dam and meanders in a westerly direction through the towns of Bingara and Gravesend. In addition to the traditional crops of wheat, barley, oats and sorghum, there are olive groves, pecan nut plantations and freshwater fish farms in the Gravesend district. Heading northwest from the timbered surrounds of the town of Warialda and the close-knit community of Coolatai, the countryside opens into an undulating vista of basalt farmland. This part of the Shire which includes the villages of Crooble, Croppa Creek and North Star, is known as the “Golden Triangle”.
Fossicking lures many visitors to the shire however Gwydir Shire has plenty more to offer the visitor from sedate activities including bird watching and fishing to those suited to the more adventurous such as whitewater rafting or horse riding.