Sitting atop the Great Artesian Basin, the NSW town of Moree has been attracting visitors keen to ‘take the waters’ since at least the late 19th century and is now dubbed Australia’s Artesian Spa Capital.
At the heart of the NSW northern wheat belt, this land of broad acre farming is known for its citrus, pecans and beef as well as its hot springs. Moree is home to one of Australia’s most popular regional food festivals, Moree on a Plate. Started in 2003 by the indefatigable Margi Kirkby of Gwydir Grove Olives, it draws exhibitors from across the Queensland border (just an hour north) and visitors from across the state. While locals head to Maslina Bar & Grill for a big night out, Moree also has some surprisingly good multicultural offerings for a town of just 7,000 people. The locals love good food and wine as well as art and culture. With Moree Shire crossed by the Newell, Gwydir and Carnarvon Highways, Moree is the perfect spot for a few days R&R in northern New South Wales and I highly recommend timing your visit around Moree on a Plate in May. Check out these great venues while you’re there.
Indian Moree Indian Restaurant
What looks like an average Indian takeaway outside, hides some of the best vegetarian Indian food I’ve had in Australia. As the owners are Nepalese, there are great chicken momos as well. Two tandoors turn out excellent Indian breads, especially Peshawari naan. Dhals – makhana, tadka and chana – are all excellent, and seasonal okra is definitely worth grabbing when available. Goat curry is popular with local meat-lovers too.
Vietnamese Lotus Bistro
One of Moree’s oldest eateries, looking a bit like an American diner, got new life in early 2024 when Filipino chef Angel Longno Navarro and his Vietnamese partner took over. They’ve kept the fish’n’chips and rissoles established clientele love and won new ones over to excellent bánh mì with housemade chilli sauce, and pulled-pork bao with đồ chua (see video below) and Angel’s barbecue sauce. Excellent Vietnamese iced coffee too!
Thai Golden Taste Thai
Al (from southern Thailand) and Aim (from Bangkok) opened Golden Taste on the edge of town in late 2023. Their crisp pork belly with lots of vegetables and spicy chilli jam gets deservedly rave reviews from locals. I loved their Thai beef salad – aromatic with lemongrass, shallot and Asian herbs – finished with a textural dusting of roasted rice powder. Grab a Singha, enjoy the laidback soft rock soundtrack and tuck in.
Wine Topper’s Mountain
In regional NSW terms, Toppers Mountain – a hop-skip and 170km jump – is a local winery. If you’re driving to or from the coast it’s worth the detour down a red dirt track amid state forest, and well worth looking out for their wines on local menus. Mark Kirkby focuses on small batch wines, some from unusual varietals grown at a cool 900m. I especially love his pinotage/chenin blanc field blend, pink nebbiolo sparkling, and full-bodied manseng.
Shop Phoebe’s
While this is where locals buy flowers for a gift or entire function, there’s so much more at this main street providore and homeware shop. If you’re self-catering, this is the spot for provisions, from Olsson’s salt and Mount Zero olive oil to dips, chips and handy top-quality frozen meals. I just love a chance to browse great homewares and kitchen gadgetry when I’m travelling as I so rarely take time to do it at home, and Phoebe’s has a gorgeous range.
Do Aboriginal Art Trail Riverside Walk
Moree’s traditional custodians, the Kamilaroi people, carved trees as markers for sacred sites such as initiation grounds. Today the parkland lining the banks of the Mehi River in the centre of town contain a number of carvings and related art installations, large and small. An early morning stroll along here is a relaxing way to walk off some of the town’s delicious food and get a feel for its traditional history.
Stay Phoenix Resort
In Moree you want a hotel with access to the mineral-rich hot springs, which the Phoenix has plenty of. I love a late-night dip in the open-air pool heated by artesian waters then a quick dip in the cooler saltwater pool. For something more private, there’s a room full of thermal spas heated to different temperatures. Bedrooms are clean and comfortable, staff friendly and helpful, and there’s plenty of secure onsite parking.
Published 08 Mar 2026
