Big Sky Country
With its wealth of national parks, rich agricultural landscapes and seemingly endless outdoor activities to enjoy, the Narrabri Region of NSW is just the place for your next family camping adventure.
Located in the heart of the rich Namoi Valley in northwest New South Wales, the Narrabri Region is known as ‘Big Sky’ country – and all it takes is just one glimpse of a clear night sky to see why.
Welcoming visitors with an irresistible blend of outdoor adventure and country charm, the region – which incorporates the towns of Narrabri, Pilliga, Wee Waa and Boggabri – is liberally dotted with incredible landscapes, cotton fields, towering grain silos and sprawling temperate forests that are just begging to be explored.
On top of the world
Climb to the 1,512-metre summit of Mt Kaputar where, on a clear day, that famed big sky reveals views of a staggering 10 per cent of NSW. There are many great walks and lookouts; the grade-three trek to the summit takes around an hour and is best suited to older families. For less active families or those travelling with younger kids, there's a drive to the top.
Meander along the Sawn Rocks walking track in Mount Kaputar National Park to see a towering, 40-metre-high organ pipe rock formation, the sheared off remains of basalt lava flow from the Nandewar (Mount Kaputar) volcano some 21 million years ago.
History and mystery
Connect with Aboriginal culture and the ancient landscape at the Deriah Aboriginal Area, which forms part of the traditional country of the Gamilaraay people. There are numerous Aboriginal sites as well as spectacular views of the Nandewar Ranges.
Saucer-shaped Yarrie Lake, thought to have been formed by a falling meteor many
thousands of years ago, is popular with visitors and wildlife alike. Regardless of its origins, the three-kilometre-diameter lake is a brilliant spot for a splash as its dish shape keeps the water shallow. Stay overnight at a powered site and wash off the milky water (a result of suspended clay particles) in the hot showers at the campground.
The caves come alive
The vast semi-arid woodlands of the
Pilliga Forest – said to be the home of the mysterious Pilliga Yowie – are utterly unique, with a trek through the scrub quite an adventure. The sprawling forest has 2,000 kilometres of walking and driving tracks. Wander through the Salt Caves and hike the escarpment to the Pilliga Forest Lookout Tower for more stunning views.
Then trek the 1.7-kilometre Sandstone Caves walking track, which reveals signs of Gamilaroi Aboriginal habitation throughout its tunnels and formations. Be sure to take in the view of Dandry Gorge while exploring the magnificent Sculptures in the Scrub, inspired by local Aboriginal history and culture. While you’re there, keep an eye out for black cockatoos, grey kangaroos and red-necked wallabies –just a few of the
300 animal species that live in the forest. Free camping for tents, caravans and camper trailers is also available at the Sculptures in the Scrub Campground and Salt Caves Campground.
Soak and stay
After a day of exploring, soak away the muscle aches and pains in the mineral-rich water of the Pilliga Artesian Bore Bath and Campground. Since it was constructed in 1902, the therapeutic 37-degree water of the bath has made it a popular recreational spot. It's open 24 hours a day, and you can set up camp for the night to enjoy the sunset and serenity that Pilliga is renowned for. While there are no powered sites, there are toilets and a cold shower, as well as barbecues for visitors.
Creature comforts
For campers who prefer to stay closer to town, Narrabri Big Sky Caravan Park, Highway Tourist Village and Narrabri Motel and Caravan Park offer cabins, spacious sites suitable for tents, campervans and caravans, and excellent facilities. In Wee Waa, Mainway Caravan Park and Waioma Caravan Park both offer cabins as well as sites. Boggabri’s council-owned Boggabri Caravan Park provides a quiet spot away from the main road next to the Boggabri Swimming Pool. There are also affordable camp and caravan sites available close to town at Narrabri Showground, Wee Waa Showground and Boggabri Showground.