Gunnedah
Gunnedah is one of NSW's top-performing councils, ranking =22nd of 128 and strongest on lifestyle & amenity.
"Koala capital of the world — Liverpool Plains farming and country hospitality"
See where Gunnedah ranks: Best Councils in New South Wales 2026
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 13,392
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
61 out of 100
#13 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#22 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 70/100 |
| Community Services | 47/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 83/100 |
| Core Operations | 45/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Gunnedah performs strongest in Lifestyle & Amenity (scoring 83 out of 100 against peers). Performance in Core Operations is moderate, scoring 45 out of 100 against peers.
What Makes This Place Unique
Koala capital of the world — Liverpool Plains farming and country hospitality
Gunnedah sits on the Liverpool Plains, some of Australia's richest farming land, and is famous for its koala population.
Known For
- Koala capital — wild koalas in town
- Liverpool Plains black soil farming
- Dorothea Mackellar — 'My Country' poet heritage
- Country hospitality
Living Here
Gunnedah is a welcoming country town with good basic services. The koalas are genuinely everywhere.
Hidden Gem
Porcupine Lookout — koalas in the wild at dusk, plus views over the Liverpool Plains.