Stargazing & Storytelling
Stargazing & Storytelling
OPEN IN MOBILE
The dark sky park in the Warrumbungles
Details
Open leg route
868.3KM / 539.6MI (Est. travel time 10 hours)
Escape the city lights and experience the magic of a stargazing and storytelling adventure.
Weave your way through Central and Outback NSW, through historic towns and spellbinding landscapes, following luminous night skies and traditional Dreamtime stories.
Before driving in the Outback, please read these a.
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1 Day 1: Parkes
OPEN IN MOBILE Famous for its part in the thrilling broadcast of the Apollo II moon landing in 1969, the lovely country town of Parkes is a great place to launch a stargazing adventure. Set in the wide open spaces of Central NSW, Parkes also has gold rush heritage and colourful festivals to match its scienti c chops.
To the north of town, the CSIRO Parkes Radio The 64m radio telescope at Parkes Observatory Telescope Discovery Centre is an iconic destination for astronomy enthusiasts. This historic centre sports the original telescope (64m in diameter) fondly known as The Dish, along with interactive displays and an educational 3D theatre, providing a celestial glimpse into the far reaches of the universe and beyond.
Closer to earth, the historic Peak Hill Open Gold Mine is a fascinating peep back through time and Parkes' gold rush legacy with guided walking paths, a bridge walk over the old mine workings and fossils from the dinosaur age.
GET DIRECTION S Sights & Activities CSIRO Parkes Radio Peak Hill Open Telescope Gold Mine Discovery Centre
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Parkes Shire Council
Mingelo Street, Peak Hill, New South Wales, Australia, 2869 585 Telescope Road, Parkes, New (02) 6862 6000 South Wales, Australia, 2870 GET DIRECTION S [email protected] (02) 6861 1777 GET DIRECTION S [email protected] Free Entry Public Toilet Public Toilet Walks Parking Caters for people who use a wheelchair., Wheelchair Access, Free Entry The historic gold mine at Peak Hill Public Toilet, Picnic Area Picnic Area, Cafe, Barbeque Public Toilet Parking, Coach Parking operated between 1893 and 1917, Caters for people who use a wheelchair., Wheelchair producing about 60,000 ounces from Access, Caters for people who use a wheelchair. 500,000 tonnes of rock. Alkane excavated for gold Located 20 kilometres north of Parkes off the Newell Highway the CSIRO's Parkes observatory is home to the world famous 'Dish'.
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2 Day 1: Dubbo
OPEN IN MOBILE Enjoy the open-plain ride to Dubbo, where the Milky Way comes to life over the beautiful Macquarie Valley. Tucked into the rich farming region around the Macquarie River, Dubbo is also known for family-friendly attractions, rich heritage and a thriving food and wine scene.
Explore nature safari-style at the award-winning Taronga Western Plains Zoo, an unforgettable Family enjoying a guided tour with a prison warden and prisoner experience that o ers close-up encounters with at the Old Dubbo Gaol exotic species including gira es, rhinos, elephants and big cats in open savannah. Explore the 5km circuit by car or bike - or stay overnight at the Zoofari Lodge and experience the thrill of waking up with the animals.
Find out why there are 13 steps to the gallows at the atmospheric, heritage-listed Old Dubbo Gaol, rst built as a courthouse lockup in 1847. The gaol has since been restored to provide a compelling glimpse into the dark and powerful past of Australian prison history. Arrive via car from Day 1: Dubbo 120KM / 74MI ~ Approximately an Sights & Activities hour GET DIRECTION S
Taronga Old Dubbo Western Plains Gaol Zoo, Dubbo
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Taronga Western Plains Zoo
90 Macquarie Street, Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia, 2830 Obley Road, Dubbo, New South Wales, (02) 6801 4460 GET DIRECTION S Australia, 2830 [email protected] (02) 6881 1400 GET DIRECTION S Caters for people who use a [email protected] * General Admission Adult: wheelchair., Wheelchair AUD21 Senior/Concession: Access Caters for people who use a wheelchair., Wheelchair AUD17 Student (16 years * Public Toilet, Non-smoking Access above): AUD17 Child (4 to 15 Prices Public Toilet WiFi years): AUD7.50 Child (under Public Toilet, Non-smoking, Picnic Area subjec $17 ~ $21 AUD* Parking 4 years): Free Family Pass (2 Picnic Area, Cafe, Barbeque, Kiosk to Caters for people who use a adults & 2 children): AUD52 Public Telephone, Public Toilet chang wheelchair., Wheelchair Extra Child (4 to 15 years): Birdwatching, Walks, WiFi $48 AUD* withou Access, Caters for people who AUD7 notice. Parking, Coach Parking use a wheelchair. Caters for people who use a wheelchair., Wheelchair Access, Caters for people who use a wheelchair. Old Dubbo Gaol is a state heritage listed Experience the ultimate zoofari at must see. This remarkably complete and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. intact gaol operated for 119 years from Whether you walk or ride around the 1847 to 1966 and Zoo's six kilometre circuit on hired bikes.
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3 Day 2: Gilgandra
OPEN IN MOBILE Driving across the immense natural landscape of the Great Western Plains of NSW, you'll nd Gilgandra on the banks of the Castlereagh River. Gateway to the star-gazing wonder of the Warrumbungles, this charming town also delivers fascinating heritage, museums and galleries.
It's known as the 'Home of the Coo-ee', for the famous 1915 Coo-ee March to drive recruitment Emu chicks at Emu Logic - Penny Henley for World War I. Discover more stories at the Gilgrandra Rural Museum. You'll nd an amazing array of antique farm equipment, including Gilgandra's famous Howard Rotary Hoe, as well as many historic household items from bygone days.
Ever patted an emu? Working emu farm, Emu Logic, breeds emus and has a shop where you can buy emu oil, eggs and other products. In the wintertime, you can feed the adult emus and hold the young chicks, though you can meet and Arrive via car from Day 2: greet these wonderful birds all year round. Gilgandra 65KM / 40MI ~ Approximately 40 minutes GET DIRECTION S Sights & Activities
Gilgandra Rural Emu Logic Museum
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6 Castlereagh Street, Gilgandra, New Emu Logic, Tonderburine, New South South Wales, Australia, 2827 Wales, Australia, 2817 (02) 6847 2535 (02) 6825 4346 GET DIRECTION S GET DIRECTION S [email protected] [email protected]
$5 AUD Parking
The Gilgandra Rural Museum is run by the Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society. An extensive and exciting range of agricultural plant and machinery is housed
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Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a * For a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid tour, balance. (This includes people using walking the frames and mobility aids) Caters for people who minimu use a wheelchair. Caters for people with high price is support needs who travel with a support person. AUD30. Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing For loss. Caters for people who are blind or have vision three loss., Ambulant Access, Wheelchair Access or Ambulant Access, Public Toilet, Picnic Area people Picnic Area Public Toilet Birdwatching the $10 ~ $30 AUD* Parking, Coach Parking price Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a is few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid AUD10 balance. (This includes people using walking per person frames and mobility aids) Caters for people who for the use a wheelchair. Caters for people with high tour to support needs who travel with a support person. visit Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing the loss. Caters for people who are blind or have vision emu loss., Ambulant Access, Wheelchair Access, paddoc Accessible for Hearing Impairment, Catering for and High Support, Caters for people with sufficient have mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit photos from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people taken using walking frames and mobility aids) Caters for with people who use a wheelchair. Caters for people with them. high support needs who travel with a support Shop person. Caters for people who are deaf or have display hearing loss. Caters for people who are blind or is free have vision loss.
Emu Logic is a working emu farm that has a farm shop that you can buy emu oil, meat, eggs and other emu products.
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4 Day 2: The Warrumbungles
OPEN IN MOBILE Cast your eyes skyward at the stunning Warrumbungles, renowned for its clear, star- studded skies, perfect for stargazing. The Warrumbungles National Park is Australia’s rst and only international Dark Sky Park, one of a handful of the world's protected nocturnal environments celebrated for its exceptional starry nights.
Watch the sun set over volcanic rock formations in By day, explore the deep gorges, forested ridges Warrumbungle National Park and rocky spires of the volcanic mountain landscape rising spectacularly out of the surrounding desert plains. The park boasts some of the best bushwalking in Australia, in particular the magni cent Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk, a challenging but rewarding 14.5km loop.
The Breadknife itself is a jagged rock face that towers 100m metres above the valley oor. The steep climb to the pinnacle of the Grand High Tops is worth it to watch the sunset as the majestic cli faces change colour, before the Arrive via car from Day 2: The brilliant stars light up the night sky. Warrumbungles 80KM / 50MI ~ Approximately an hour GET DIRECTION S Sights & Activities
Breadknife and Warrumbungle Grand High National Park Tops Walk
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Photo: Rob Cleary Photo: Ingo Oeland
John Renshaw Parkway, Tonderburine, Pincham Road, Warrumbungle, New New South Wales, Australia, 2817 South Wales, Australia, 2828
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Picnic Area Picnic Area, Cafe, Kiosk Walks, Hiking Cycling, Swimming This iconic Warrumbungle National Park Warrumbungle National Park near walk is famous for its wildlife and vistas of Coonabarabran in NSW is a great place rugged volcanic landscape. for camping, walking, birdwatching and, as Australia's only Dark Sky Park, it's perfect for
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5 Day 2: Coonabarabran
OPEN IN MOBILE A leisurely drive north is Coonabarabran, a star- lovers paradise on the Castlereagh River. Considered the astronomy capital of Australia, near the edge of the mystical Warrumbungles, the pristine night sky here is incandescent with stars.
The nearby Siding Spring Observatory is a world-class astronomy research facility and Siding Spring Observatory in Coonabarabran - David Kirkland home to Australia’s largest optical telescope, with hands on activities exploring the universe and solar system. Get up close with the stars during the 90min show at the Warrumbungle Observatory, where you can gaze at planets and galaxies through telescopes and learn how to navigate your way around the night sky.
Don't miss Pilliga National Park, a vast forest of rugged natural beauty on an epic scale. With striking landscapes of stunning sandstone formations and salt caves, the Pilliga Forest Arrive via car from Day 2: stretches for more than half a million hectares of Coonabarabran public trails, ideal for either walking or exploring 35KM / 22MI ~ Approximately 28 minutes GET DIRECTION S by car.
Sights & Activities
Siding Spring Warrumbungle Observatory Observatory
Pilliga National Park
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Siding Spring Siding Spring Observatory is Australia's Observatory premier optical astronomical research facility. Located 27 kilometres west of Coonabarabran on the edge of the Warrumbungle National Park, it
Observatory Road, Coonabarabran, New South Wales, Australia, 2357 (02) 6842 6363 GET DIRECTION S [email protected]
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids) Caters for people who use a wheelchair., Ambulant Access, Wheelchair Access Ambulant Access, Public Toilet, Non-smoking, Picnic Area Picnic Area, Cafe, Kiosk Public Toilet WiFi Parking, Coach Parking Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids) Caters for people who use a wheelchair., Ambulant Access, Wheelchair Access, Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids) Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
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DPIE
Number One Break Road, Gwabegar, Timor Road, Coonabarabran, New New South Wales, Australia, 2356 South Wales, Australia, 2357 1300 072 757 0488 425 112 GET DIRECTION S GET DIRECTION S [email protected] [email protected] Non-smoking Mountain Biking, Camping $26 AUD* Parking * $26 per person + a small ticketing fee Pilliga Forest is an iconic Australian The 90 minute show at the landscape offering rugged beauty on a Warrumbungle Observatory includes an grand scale. Explore the trail network by astronomy presentation while sitting car or on foot, take a under the stars and looking through telescopes at the planets, stars
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6 Day 3: Walgett
OPEN IN MOBILE Take a step further from modern bustle, towards ancient landscapes and expansive skies, as you head west towards the Outback and the Darling River township of Walgett. A paddle-steamer port in the 1800s, Walgett is near the con uence of the Namoi and Barwon rivers, a place immortalised by the Australian poet Banjo Patterson and of deep cultural signi cance for
A 6m lilac wheat farmer sculpture welcomes visitors to the the local Aboriginal people. Fairlands property outside of Walgett Dubbed the ‘Gateway to the Opal Fields’, with the iconic Lightning Ridge opal elds an hour up the road, Walgett is also the northern gateway to the Darling River Run, an epic journey following the course of the famous river from Walgett to Wentworth.
Make sure you stop at Stone’s Throw, a popular local cafe and gift shop, renowned for its co ee and delicious sweet treats. Stone’s Throw has it all, from antiques and collectibles to giftware and jewellery – and delicious co ee to boot. Arrive via car from Day 3: Walgett 232KM / 144MI ~ Approximately 3 Sights & Activities hours GET DIRECTION S
Stone's Throw
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56 Fox Street, Walgett, New South Wales, Australia, 2832 (02) 6828 3359 GET DIRECTION S [email protected]
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids), Ambulant Access Ambulant Access, Non-smoking Bistro/Cafe/Deli, Coffee, Light Meals, Takeaway Parking Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids), Ambulant Access, Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
Antique furniture, giftware, collectables and jewellery...and grab a coffee while you browse!
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7 Day 3: Lightning Ridge
OPEN IN MOBILE Welcome to the home of the rare black opal. Lightning Ridge is an historic opal mining town in Outback NSW, where your stargazing adventure meets a moonscape of gem-yielding earth. Renowned for its unusual attractions, colourful characters and beautiful opals, Lightning Ridge is full of surprises.
Chambers of the Black Hand is possibly Statue of opal mining pioneer Charles Nettleton outside the Australia’s most unique art gallery, with over 500 Lightning Ridge Historical Society characters, animals and famous faces, including our own version of Mount Rushmore, carved into the underground sandstone tunnels by local miner Ron Canline.
Deep dive into the fascinating history of Lightning Ridge with a guided underground tour with Outback Opal Tours or explore a real working mine at The Big Opal, the rst licensed opal mine to be opened to the public. Have a go at fossicking for your own opal and after a hot, dusty day relax in the therapeutic artesian Arrive via car from Day 3: waters of the Lightning Ridge Bore Baths. Lightning Ridge 78KM / 48MI ~ Approximately an hour GET DIRECTION S Sights & Activities
Chambers of Lightning Ridge the Black Hand Bore Baths
Outback Opal The Big Opal Tours
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3 Mile Opal Field, Lightning Ridge, New Pandora Street, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia, 2834 South Wales, Australia, 2834 (02) 6829 0221 (02) 6829 1670 GET DIRECTION S GET DIRECTION S [email protected]
Free Entry Public Toilet Public Toilet Walks Public Toilet Public Toilet Walks Parking Parking
Ron Canlin has created an amazing art The water found in the Bore Baths at gallery at Chambers of the Black Hand. Lightning Ridge comes from the Great The first level is 11 metres underground Artesian Basin and is approximately two with images carved and million years old! Natural pressure
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Franka Friedrichs-Borkovic
Three Mile Road, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia, 2834
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27 Lappkalle Street, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia, 2834 (02) 6829 4110 GET DIRECTION S [email protected]
OUTBACK OPAL TOURS is a small family owned business. We decided it was important to show tourists Lightning Ridge from a real and local point
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8 Day 4: Brewarrina
OPEN IN MOBILE Heading back to the Barwon-Darling River, you’ll nd the peaceful town of Brewarrina, a friendly, welcoming community with broad streets and old-style pubs – and a site of great signi cance for Aboriginal history and culture.
Discover the history behind the heritage-listed Brewarrina Aboriginal Fish Traps, an extraordinary and ancient network of rock weirs Traditional Aboriginal fish traps in Brewarrina (Ngemba Country), and tear-shaped pools that stretch along the also known as Baiame's Ngunnhu river bed for half a kilometre. Built by ancient indigenous tribes and estimated to be 40,000 years old, the sh traps may well be the oldest man-made structure on earth.
You can book a guided cultural tour at the Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum, a unique building overlooking the sh traps with a superb view of the Barwon River. Experience the magic of a Dreamtime story told by Aboriginal elders, and relax and explore the grounds with a co ee or a picnic lunch. Arrive via car from Day 4: Brewarrina 163KM / 101MI ~ Approximately 2 Sights & Activities hours GET DIRECTION S Brewarrina Brewarrina Aboriginal Aboriginal Fish Cultural Traps Guided Museum Tour
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Destination NSW Brewarrina Shire Council
18 Bathurst Street, Brewarrina, New Brewarrina Visitor Information and South Wales, Australia, 2839 Exhibition Centre, Brewarrina, New (02) 6839 2421 South Wales, Australia, 2839 GET DIRECTION S GET DIRECTION S [email protected] (02) 6839 2421 [email protected] Public Toilet, Non-smoking, Picnic Area Picnic Area Public Toilet Walks Parking Walks
A unique complex located overlooking The Brewarrina fish traps are estimated the National and State Heritage listed to be over 40,000 years old and one of Fishtraps (estimated at approximately 40 the oldest man-made structures on 000 years old) these purpose built earth. gunyahs house a
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9 Day 4: Bourke
OPEN IN MOBILE Wrapping up this epic drive of starry skies and folklore is the legendary town of Bourke, home to poet Henry Lawson in the 1890s. Once a major trading route on a bend of the Darling River, the town abounds with colonial heritage and historic landmarks from the Cobb & Co stagecoach days.
Discover the history of the region at the Back o’ Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre, or The Paddle Vessel (PV) Jandra cruising down the Darling River in enjoy the easy walk and talk tour with Cultural Bourke Walks along the Darling riverbank.
Cruise up river aboard the majestic Paddle Vessel Jandra, a modern replica of an 1894 paddle-steamer, to Australia’s oldest movable span bridge, the North Bourke Bridge. It was built in 1843 for the 200-odd paddle-steamers that regularly made their way up and down the river. Spend an evening of poetry, music and dinner under the stars with Kidman’s Camp re Poetry and Dinner Sessions.
Arrive via car from Day 4: Sights & Activities Bourke 97KM / 60MI ~ Approximately an hour GET DIRECTION S North Bourke Cultural Walks Bridge
Back O' Bourke The Paddle Vessel Information Jandra and Exhibition Centre
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Destination NSW
Lot 2 Sturt Street, Bourke, New South Wales, Australia, 2840 North Bourke Bridge, North Bourke, New South Wales, Australia, 2840 (02) 6872 1321 GET DIRECTION S [email protected] GET DIRECTION S
This 45-minute leisurely walkabout digs Free Entry Public Toilet Public Toilet Lookouts Parking, Coach Parking into the real history of Aboriginal people in Bourke; you'll learn about our land, North Bourke Bridge is the oldest water use and our spiritual connection movable span bridge in Australia. This bridge is one of the most historic bridges in New South Wales. Opened
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Kidsman's Camp, Bourke, New South Wales, Australia, 2840
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Kidman Way, Bourke, New South Wales, Australia, 2840 (02) 6872 1321 GET DIRECTION S [email protected]
Public Toilet, Picnic Area Picnic Area, Cafe Public Toilet WiFi $21 ~ $23 AUD Parking, Coach Parking
The Back O'Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre is nestled in a spectacular natural setting amongst the river red gums on the banks of the Darling.
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