Checking out the new Maize Mill mural in Gunnedah? Don't forget to look in on the new laneway art in the walkway from Conadilly Street through to Coles. The work references community groups and Aboriginal culture, as well as the region's art and culture. See if you can spot the green plains, local fishing spots and, of course, Gunnedah's famous koalas in the work.

The days are hot, it's time to cool off. There are plenty of great spots to duck in for a dip, with Lake Keepit, near Gunnedah, and Chaffey Dam near Tamworth, keeping locals (and tourists) alike in the swim this summer. You can also dip in your toes (or throw in a line) at the Warrabah National Park and Split Rock Dam, near Manilla, Sheba Dams, near Nundle and the Wooldridge Recreation and Fossicking Reserve Swimming Hole, outside Uralla. If there has been some rain, check out the waterfalls at the Horton Falls National Park, near Barraba.

Three exhibitions will keep you engaged (and out of the heat) these summer holidays. Seed Stitch Contemporary Textile Award 2020 features the contemporary textile work of 25 finalists in materials from waste to silk, touching on themes including AI, the environment and COVID-19. Continuing the textile theme, Ellen Howell's Never Ending Thread mixes age-old traditions with modern block-printing techniques to tell stories through weaving, drawing and dyeing. Artists Gabrielle Collins and Sandra McMahon's work is showed in a joint exhibition called One Way or Another. Tamworth Regional Gallery, 466 Peel Street Tamworth

After a year off, the Gunnedah Country Music Muster will be back with some foot stomping fun in March. The line-up for the three-day event includes Grant Luhrs, Bob Easter, former Gunnedah local John Lynch and Max Maher. Gunnedah, various, March 24-26. Tickets are $20 a person a day. Bookings: or Rex Baldwin on 0428 486 134.