CURLEWIS Curlewis is a very small town on the approach to Gunnedah, after Quirindi. Curlewis is a mini diversion from the main hgy.  For the traveller there is no reason to take that diversion. As small as the town might be it qualifies for the Bustout Synopsis. Curlewis was founded by Henry Thomas Pike, a sawmiller from Norfolk who became the mayor of Gunnedah. In 1909 the railway station opened as a stop on the Mungindi branch line, but has since closed. Livestock sales commenced in 1919 in Curlewis and were, for many years, held in alternate weeks at Gunnedah and Curlewis until improvements to the Gunnedah saleyards, eclipsed Curlewis's yardings and led to yard’s closure. The lack of a nearby river has contributed to Curlewis having persistent water problems and water shortage. In 1950, the council had to desilt an old earthen dam and erect a tank from which Curlewis residents could draw water. Reticulated water was connected to Curlewis in 1972. The Curlewis Hotel does give cause for a pause when passing by, and given the pubs profile from the main hgy many a driver may make the refreshment stop. The United Church is an old and new together. The Curlewis War Memorial languishes on the gates of the sport ground. Should one have a peruse an earlier and brighter era is evident.