The Gunnedah Shire is situated on the LIverpool Plains between the Nandewar and Great Dividing Ranges, with the tallest hills being 400 to 500 metres (1,300 to 1,600 ft) above sea level. The climate is hot in summer, mild in winter and dry, although heavy rain in catchment areas occasionally cause flooding of the Namoi River. Major floods cut transport links to Gunnedah, briefly isolating it from the outside world. The Gunnedah area is noted for its abundance of native wildlife, including kangaroos, echidnas and koalas. Koalas can often be found in trees within the town, as well as in the surrounding countryside with the help of signs placed by the local tourist centre.

At the 2011 census, there were 12,066 people in the Gunnedah local government area, of which there was an equal number of males and females. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 11.3% of the population which is four-and-a-half times higher than both the national and state averages. The median age of people in the Gunnedah Shire was 40 years; slightly higher than the national median. Children aged 0 – 14 years made up 21.1% of the population and people aged 65 years and over made up 18.4% of the population. Of people in the area aged 15 years and over, half were married and 9.9% were either divorced or separated.

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Wikipedia