Three NSW national parks best seen together
Discover MAGICAL landscapes and DRAMATIC scenery between NARRABRI and COONABARABRAN.
TIME TO EXPAND our horizons and revive our spirits in our own big backyard. If you’re looking to let nature weave its magic on a holiday here this year, put the national parks around Narrabri and Coonabarabran at the top of your list. Each of the three national parks is spectacular, but together they create a special outdoor experience.
MT KAPUTAR NATIONAL PARK
Stunning scenery, knobbly rock formations and soaring forests characterise this splendid wilderness, which invites you to camp, hike or cycle. Even without physical effort, the drive to Mt Kaputar’s summit offers spectacular 360-degree views. Walkers of all fitness levels are also rewarded. Easy-grade SAWN ROCKS leads to columns of WALKING TRACK volcanic rock that look like organ pipes. Meanwhile the 19-kilometre-return SCUTTS leads to the hidden gem HUT WALK Kurrawonga Falls. Another highlight is the 30-minute walk to for magnificent views GOVERNOR LOOKOUT over the Nandewar Region and Grattai wilderness. It’s part of GOVERNOR SUMMIT TRACK, a challenging hike with WALKING staggering views to infinity.
PILLIGA FOREST
Pilliga Forest is a vast area of native forest criss-crossed by 2000 kilometres of public trails. Get an overview of walks and birdwatching locations at PILLIGA FOREST in Baradine. DISCOVERY CENTRE One of the shortest walks to SANDSTONE takes you to rock art that is CAVES TRACK significant to the Gamilaroi people. Guided tours are sometimes conducted with an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger. is the spot for a barbecue or SALT CAVES picnic. Clamber up PILLIGA FOREST LOOKOUT afterwards for sweeping views. Then TOWER walk the three-kilometre-return SCULPTURES TRACK, a collaboration between IN THE SCRUB local artists and young Aboriginal people.
WARRUMBUNGLE NATIONAL PARK
Here jagged ridgelines rise dramatically from the surrounding plains. Admire the scenery on a 70-kilometre drive between Coonabarabran and Tooraweenah, where lookouts gaze over crooked mountains and picturesque valleys. An easy walk to WHITE GUM LOOKOUT reveals sensational views. Those up for the challenge shouldn’t miss the 15-kilometre hike to TOPS, which BREADKNIFE AND GRAND HIGH showcases rugged volcanic landscapes and some of NSW’s best scenery. Call at WARRUMBUNGLE VISITOR CENTRE that gazes over stunning landscapes. Warrumbungle National Park has pitch-dark skies, so head out to wonder at the night sky, where rivers of stars wink back. Explore more of the Narrabri Region at visitnarrabri.com.au and for the Warrumbungle Region, see warrumbungleregion.com.au