Warrumbungle and Pilliga Itinerary White Gum Lookout (J. Smith/OEH Image Library)

Two of ’s most amazing DAY 1 You can soak in the panoramic view of national parks right next to each Arrive in , call into the the Warrumbungles and beyond from other – the Pilliga Forests and the Visitor Centre and get a local insight this ridge, take the route back down to Warrumbungle National Park - offer into the highlights in the area, while you West Spirey Creek which follows the a great opportunity to explore our are there check out the Diprotodont other side of the Breadknife showing unique Australian forests. exhibition. Another free and fun activity close-up views of its western face. for families is Crystal Kingdom, a huge After a huge day, you can camp at The comprises and constantly growing collection of Camp Blackman, Camp Wambelong the largest remaining native Warrumbungle minerals and fossils in or head back to accommodation in forest west of the Great Divide, all colours, shapes and sizes. Coonabarabran. a land of cypress and eucalypts, Approaching the Warrumbungle supporting abundant bird life. National Park you’ll notice the change The Warrumbungles spread in landscape, the views are truly out to its south, supporting spectacular. The park has a visitor magnificent eucalypt forests and centre where you can chat to a local abundant native fauna. The iconic and find out how to plan your visit. Warrumbungle Breadknife rock There are a variety of day walks; make formation juts imposingly towards sure that you choose one to suit your the big sky, a remnant of a truly fitness level. ancient volcano. One of the most popular and challenging walks covers the Breadknife And the nightlife! When the and the Grand High Tops. The entire stars come out, you’ll see why walk takes 5-7 hours and it’s well worth Coonabarabran is a world centre of the effort. You can do sections of this astronomy. Don’t miss the chance walk if you don’t want to tackle the to “take a tour” of the night sky at whole circuit. Start from the Pincham Warrumbungle Observatory. car park, following the shaded valley of Spirey Creek. Along the walk you’ll This itinerary has been designed notice that the recent fires have caused as if you are heading north on the grass trees to flower. the , if you are It’s a steep climb up to the base heading south just adjust the days of the Breadknife. This iconic rock to suit your own plans. Remember formation is a narrow sliver, formed to pack plenty of water, snacks, when magma forced its way through a brimmed hat, sunscreen, and insect long crack in the bedrock beneath the ancient Warrumbungle volcano. The repellent. Comfortable walking surrounding stone has been eroded shoes are also a must. over millions of years leaving a narrow

dyke about 600m long and 100m high. Sculptures in the Scrub (D.Trudgeon/OEH Image Library) Courtesy Tourism NSW (S.Wright/OEH Image Library)

DAY 2 DAY 3 to the traditional owners, the Gamilaroi people. Ask about directions at the Try to be up early and armed with your Head to the small town of Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre. Please camera to capture the park as it comes and make sure you call into the Pilliga note that camping is not permitted to life. From White Gum Lookout the Forest Discovery Centre which features here. The caves were formed through view of the Breadknife is spectacular. interactive displays and exhibitions gradual weathering of sandstone; on This is a fully sealed, wheelchair about the Pilliga Forest. Now you’ll the walk stop and look at the Aboriginal accessible walk and it is an easy 500m be loaded with all the information rock grinding grooves. Interpretation stroll from the car park to the lookout. you need to start your Pilliga Forest is available at the first example of the The landscape is amazing in the adventure. Before you head out you grooves. The medium grade walk takes morning light and it’s a great time to can grab morning tea or a packed about an hour. sight native animals. lunch from Freckles Café. Please be aware that the roads are unsealed and A visit to the Barkala Farm is highly You can also explore the Wambelong not suitable for 2WD vehicles. recommended. Home to Pilliga Pottery, Nature Track from the eastern side here you’ll see beautiful and functional of Canyon Picnic Area, following the This is the day to explore the Pilliga pieces inspired by the surrounding Wambelong Creek through a small, Forest including the Pilliga Nature Pilliga. Pottery is made onsite and sheltered gorge. This area is a haven Reserve and Timmallallie National Park. displayed throughout the gardens and for birds, particularly in drier times, and Follow No 1 Break Road to the Dandry shop and you’ll find creativity at every features more spectacular volcanic Gorge, home to “Sculptures in the turn. You can watch the artisan at work rock formations. Scrub”. Here you’ll find five impressive or join in one of the pottery classes. sculptures that can be viewed along Enjoy a packed picnic lunch or head to This is hands-on fun and you can take the 3km medium grade walk. The the café at Siding Spring Observatory, home your piece made from Pilliga clay. views along the top of the gorge are situated just outside the park on the The accommodation options here have stunning. The sculptures tell the stories Coonabarabran road. Siding Spring is a European influence. The owner Maria of Aboriginal connection to country. home to Australia’s largest telescope invites you to share her lifestyle and They are a modern interpretation of and for many years has been identified hospitality. Horse riding and tours to Aboriginal culture and a sharp contrast with ground-breaking discoveries. It the caves on the farm are available by to the natural surrounds of the gorge. continues to inspire young people to prior arrangement. You can barbecue at the picnic area take an interest in astronomy. Please and there is also a campground note that public access closes at 4pm. HOW TO GET THERE and toilet. Coonabarabran, located 452km The best activity for tonight is The next great adventure is the newest north-west of , is the gateway stargazing – visit the Warrumbungle attraction in the Pilliga Forest, the to the Warrumbungle National Park Observatory for telescope viewing Pilliga Forest Lookout Tower located and Pilliga Forests. There is good road and interpretation of the night sky. The at the Salt Caves Picnic Area. From access to the national parks. You’ll tours run nightly dependent on weather the top of the tower you can gain need to check road conditions with the conditions and it’s best to book. You’ll perspective on the sheer size of Coonabarabran Visitors Centre before learn about our neighbouring stars and the forest, with views across to the entering. It is also recommended at planets, it’s fascinating at any time of Warrumbungles and as far as Mt certain times of year to check fire the year and a memory to last for years. Kaputar National Park to the North. conditions and updates. Accommodation options include camping, staying at Coonabarabran DAY 4 There are two airports in the or Pilliga Pottery, where you can camp surrounding region that have regular or stay in a B and B accommodation Spend the morning exploring the flights from major cities. and get a head start for tomorrow’s big Sandstone Caves. Throughout the adventure in the Pilliga Forest. walk you’ll find interpretative signage that tells the significance of this area • Dubbo is located to the south of the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Safety in National Parks region and has regular flights from Centre www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety Sydney. Phone: 02 6849 2144 NSW Rural Fire Service • Tamworth, within 2 hours drive east www.rfs.nsw.gov.au of the region, has regular flights from Toll Free: 1800 242 881 Sydney, and Canberra. Street address: Newell Highway Warrumbungle and Surrounds Coonabarabran, NSW 2357 Trains link towns in the region, check www.visitnsw.com/area/ Website: www.warrumbungleregion. the website for timetables, Warrumbungle_and_Surrounds com.au fares and online bookings. www.warrumbungleregion.com.au Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre CONTACTS Pilliga Forests Phone: 02 6843 4011 www.visitnsw.com/town/ Warrumbungle National Park Street address: 50-58 Wellington St, Coonabarabran/Pilliga_Forest Visitor Centre Baradine NSW 2396 www.visitbaradine.com.au Phone: 02 6825 4364 Opening hours: Open 7 days; 9am Fax: 02 6825 4334 to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 5pm Weather Forecasts Street address: Off John Renshaw weekends (closed Christmas Day) www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/ Parkway, Warrumbungle National Park centralwestslopes.shtml Opening hours: 9:00am-4:00pm, daily USEFUL LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION (closed Christmas Day) National Parks VISIT NATIONALPARKS.NSW.GOV.AU www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au OR CALL 13000 PARKS (13000 72757)

Pilliga Bungles