Open 7 days
You may have seen their sign as you’re cruising on the Newell Highway towards Coonabarabran, but if you’ve never ventured in for a sticky beak be assured you are missing out on a magical experience. Pilliga Pottery is truly a manmade treasure.
Nestled in the beautiful woodlands of the Pilliga Forest sits the extensive studio workshop, gallery and café that make up Pilliga Pottery. Even the buildings are works of art, with inspirational architecture that so complements the surrounds you’ll imagine they sprouted up of their own accord.
Pilliga Pottery utilises a unique and stunning “lead-light” effect which brings their traditional and Australian designs to life. Ranging from garden pottery to beautifully designed kitchenware and decorative pottery of every shape and size, everything is handmade on site from locally sourced clay. Visitors are welcome to watch the potters and artists at work.
Pilliga Pottery is a family owned business. The Rickert family has owned ‘Barkala’, an 8000 acre rural farm and home to Pilliga Pottery, for over 20 years. They share their place with a very loyal staff, most of whom have become part of the large ‘Pottery Family’. You will taste the unique atmosphere of relaxed cooperation between all the members of this amazingly hospitable extended family when you visit.
Offering farm tours, horse riding, pottery classes, bush walking, stargazing or the chance to purely relax, Pilliga Pottery is truly a jack of all trades. Take some time to wander the magnificent gardens or sit and relax in the ‘Blue Wren Cafe’ with a cappuccino and some delicious homemade scones.
Birdwatchers take note; the property is a haven for a remarkable number of distinctive birds, with over 120 species resident or regular migrants. If you’re lucky you may spot of one the eight threatened species found here, the Grey–crowned Babbler, Hooded Robin, Speckled Warbler, Brown Treecreeper, Turquoise Parrot, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Diamond Firetail or the Black–chinned Honeyeater.
Next time you’re passing by think of the myriad outdoor and indoor activities awaiting the whole family and journey in for an unforgettable excursion!
If one day just isn’t enough Pilliga Pottery has several accommodation options. You will find more information about Barkala Farmstay in our Accommodation section, or by clicking here.
Getting there
Pilliga Pottery is located south of Narrabri on the Newell Highway approximately 28 km north of Coonabarabran.
From the Visitor Information Centre take the Newell Highway south towards Coonabarabran. Follow this road for 95kms until you reach the turn off on your right. Pilliga Pottery is well signposted.
Turn right and follow the signs until you reach Pilliga Pottery. Please see the map for more detail.
Pilliga Pottery is located on a well maintained dirt road, accessible for all 2 wheel drive vehicles, but as with all dirt roads, please take care to drive to conditions. In wet weather the road can become quite slippery. While driving anywhere in the Pilliga Forest be alert for wildlife.
