DECCW 2010/1026 Cover photo: Ian Brown/ OEH Brown/ Ian photo: Cover 2010/1026 DECCW

Heritage Heritage

Sculptures in the Scrub (D. Trudgeon / OEH) / Trudgeon (D. Scrub the in Sculptures The NPWS is part of the Office of Environment and and Environment of Office the of part is NPWS The

www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Baradine Area Office. ph (02) 6843 4000 4000 6843 (02) ph Office. Area Baradine

Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre. (02) 6843 4011 6843 (02) Centre. Discovery Forest Pilliga

: : Service Wildlife and Parks National NSW

For further Information further For

limited service. limited

emergency dial 000 or 112 on a mobile phone with with phone mobile a on 112 or 000 dial emergency

Mobile phone reception is unreliable. In an an In unreliable. is reception phone Mobile •

and let someone know of your planned walk. planned your of know someone let and

map, navigational aid, water and food supplies supplies food and water aid, navigational map,

Be prepared for off track walking by carrying a a carrying by walking track off for prepared Be •

crossings, washouts and dust. and washouts crossings,

Beware of sand, loose gravel, potholes, creek creek potholes, gravel, loose sand, of Beware •

Reduce your speed for the conditions. the for speed your Reduce •

sleeper dumps. dumps. sleeper

particularly at dusk and dawn. and dusk at particularly

stockyards and and stockyards

Watch out for kangaroos, emus and other animals, animals, other and emus kangaroos, for out Watch •

historic fences, fences, historic

best to check road conditions before setting out. setting before conditions road check to best

tanks, bores, house sites, sites, house bores, tanks,

Roads can become impassable after rain so it is is it so rain after impassable become can Roads •

are still in use, grave sites, old sawmill sites, sites, sawmill old sites, grave use, in still are

someone of your plans. your of someone

in many places, including its road network, fire towers that that towers fire network, road its including places, many in

your vehicle in the event of a breakdown. Notify Notify breakdown. a of event the in vehicle your

Evidence of the fascinating history of the Pilliga can be found found be can Pilliga the of history fascinating the of Evidence

Carry plenty of water and food and stay with with stay and food and water of plenty Carry •

were just two mills taking timber from the Pilliga. the from timber taking mills two just were before you leave the main roads. main the leave you before

cypress pine sawmills in the area also fell, so that by 2010 there there 2010 by that so fell, also area the in sawmills pine cypress Obtain a copy of the detailed Pilliga Forest Map Map Forest Pilliga detailed the of copy a Obtain •

introduction of concrete and steel sleepers. The number of of number The sleepers. steel and concrete of introduction Look after yourself after Look

Sleeper cutting eventually ceased by the year 2000 with the the with 2000 year the by ceased eventually cutting Sleeper

Sandstone Caves and the No 1 Break Rd. Rd. Break 1 No the and Caves Sandstone

vast – ancient – unique – ancient – vast

the Pilliga-Narrabri road. Pilliga-Narrabri the

Access to Pilliga Nature Reserve is restricted to to restricted is Reserve Nature Pilliga to Access •

there were 300 men cutting sleepers on Crown Land south of of south Land Crown on sleepers cutting men 300 were there

not use soap or detergents in or near water bodies. water near or in detergents or soap use not

came to the fore and grew into a major local industry. By 1908 1908 By industry. local major a into grew and fore the to came

Water is scarce in the Pilliga Forest so please do do please so Forest Pilliga the in scarce is Water •

Farming faced many problems and timber-cutting gradually gradually timber-cutting and problems many faced Farming

use bins if provided. if bins use

search of grazing land for sheep and cattle. cattle. and sheep for land grazing of search

Take your rubbish out with you when you leave or or leave you when you with out rubbish your Take •

National Parks & other reserves other & Parks National

exploring party in 1818. Settlers soon followed, moving west in in west moving followed, soon Settlers 1818. in party exploring reserves.

The first Europeans to see the Pilliga were John Oxley’s Oxley’s John were Pilliga the see to Europeans first The prohibited in all National Parks and Wildlife Service Service Wildlife and Parks National all in prohibited

Firearms and other hunting equipment are are equipment hunting other and Firearms • traditional times. traditional Pilliga forest forest Pilliga

Parks and Wildlife Service reserves. reserves. Service Wildlife and Parks grooves, modified trees and rock art provide a strong link with with link strong a provide art rock and trees modified grooves,

sites and historic relics are protected in all National National all in protected are relics historic and sites the native plants and animals within it. Stone tools, grinding grinding tools, Stone it. within animals and plants native the

All plants, animals, rock formations, Aboriginal Aboriginal formations, rock animals, plants, All • heritage includes a connection to the Pilliga landscape and and landscape Pilliga the to connection a includes heritage

and Wildlife Service reserves. Service Wildlife and This heritage. cultural their of proud are people Aboriginal

Visitor Guide Visitor Leave your pets at home if visiting National Parks Parks National visiting if home at pets your Leave • Gomeroi) or Gamilaraay as written (also Gamilaroi local The

Look after the Pilliga Forest Pilliga the after Look heritage Cultural

About the Pilliga Many people first notice the Pilliga as that hundred kilometres of highway between Coonabarabran and Narrabri - a long, straight road cutting through a vast expanse of rolling bushland.

The Pilliga is full of life and richness. The forest changes from cypress pine to ironbark to scribbly gum to box and back again in just a few hundred metres. Expansive heathlands burst into spring colour, massive river red gums line the sandy creeks Western Way (photo: J. Whittall/ OEH) and more than 350 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and Vegetation frogs make the forest their home. Nature of the Pilliga Vegetation varies across the Pilliga according to changes in This is one of the iconic landscapes of the Australian inland. soil texture and moisture, fire history and human activity. With low rocky hills and less fertile soils than the surrounding Fire Most of the area is a complex mosaic of eucalypt and cypress farmlands, the Pilliga has survived as the largest forest in New pine forests and more open woodlands, with a shifting Bush fires are a regular feature of the Pilliga story. Large South Wales west of the Great Divide (500,000ha of public parade of undergrowth and dominant tree species. wildfires, mostly started by dry thunderstorms, run through bushland). the eastern parts of the forest every 10 years or so. The plants Wildlife The Pilliga’s long journey through human history stretches and animals of the eastern Pilliga forest have adapted and from Aboriginal life to timber-getting, mining, grazing and been shaped by regular fire. The western Pilliga forest burns Birds are the most obvious inhabitants of the Pilliga. The other uses. much less frequently, and you may notice the vegetation is mix of birds from both eastern and western climates attracts quite different here. NPWS and Forests NSW staff conduct birdwatchers from all over. Today, more than half of the forest is protected in conservation prescribed burns for hazard reduction and ecological reserves managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife management. In Australia some woodland birds, mammal and reptile Service (NPWS). Much of the rest is managed by Forestry species are struggling to survive. Some local birds that Geology and Landscape Corporation NSW for timber production and other values. find refuge in the Pilliga include glossy black-cockatoos, The best thing about the Pilliga is that everyone can enjoy it. The Pilliga Sandstone is the foundation of everything that barking owls, red-capped robins, brown treecreepers, regent Hundreds of kilometres of roads and management trails make has happened in the Pilliga forest. Vast horizontal layers honeyeaters and grey-crowned babblers. for easy access, so it’s the perfect place to explore the great of sediment were laid down in a series of lakes during Australian bush. the Jurassic period, some 150 million years ago. The sand Mammals include Pilliga mouse, eastern grey kangaroos, red was compressed and cemented into rock which was later kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and koalas. Reptiles include shattered by the volcanic eruptions that threw up the a variety of snakes and lizards, which are more likely to be Warrumbungle and Nandewar Ranges. The Pilliga features seen in the warmer months. Frogs such as the crucifix frog low ranges that rise up to around 600 metres altitude in the and water-holding frog, remain buried underground during east then fall gently to wide sandy plains in the west. drought and only appear after rain. Wee Waa PILLIGA Pilliga Pilliga Rd Wee Waa, Narrabri Wee Waa Bore Bath Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre: W Yarrie Lake alg NARRABRI K OPEN 7 days – 9.00am–4pm. Admission Free. ett a Pilli m Come by Chance ga R d Hibbe ns Rd il Wellington St Baradine ar y o a i Discover the hidden secrets of the Pilliga forest and the e W n H a M t stories of yesteryear with this fun and entertaining exhibition. s L Ya w rrie o e Lake o R y s r d

b q This architecturally designed environmentally sustainable o u F m it 27km o o centre will captivate visitors of all ages. Featuring the latest in C Gunnedah y W C p k interactive displays and technology your ‘walk in the forest’ will r E d C e t o R o s g o reveal fauna, flora and cultural heritage – the Pilliga like you’ve s i h Pilliga West r il C W l b C k a k never seen before. a t National t y Pilliga Bar Squ u Park a ires C d L T B i ane National n w o National park reserve highlights e h e e d Park n C n a

R k t The Pilliga forest offers many unsealed scenic forest drives and

a Pilliga y C

g k i Pilliga West F ll i o bird routes to observe the wildlife including some of the 230 P State Conservation Pilliga State o Lucky Flat e t l d

b R J species of birds found in the area. Picnic facilities are available R National a m Conservation d c a Area k n s s at Sculptures in the Scrub and at Salt Caves. Sculptures in the e o Park Area C r o i Ironbarks Crossing k C B u Scrub, The Sandstone Caves and Salt Caves have short marked rumby R q d S Be Schwagers Bore ns walks and off track walking is allowed in all National Parks and (G Rd len 41km Idl Sc State Conservation Areas unless signs indicate otherwise. Tent, yl d hw l Rd) agers B R ore Rd caravan and motorhome camping is recommended at the GWABEGAR g Pillig n a For i est W Wa s ay formal camping areas at Sculptures in the Scrub and The Salt ngan Rd s y o a r W Caves. C t s s re W k o Coonamble r F Sculptures in the Scrub: Dandry Gorge – a a e P lig il C s b t n e o Timmallallie National Park o r u r n I n k C Pilliga West W t y h Pilliga East The Pilliga forest’s latest attraction includes magnificent

a L a l State Forest y l i 50km State Forest 9.5km n a Aboriginal culture inspired sculptures overlooking the Rocky Creek Mill e w

o

R Pilliga East spectacular Dandry Gorge. A medium grade walk of 1.2km will C d State Forest take you past all five sculptures and offers spectacular views of Salt Caves Dam 1.5km Aloes the gorge. You can either return the way you came or continue Salt Caves Coxes Crossing S along the loop track, which takes you down into the scenic tatio W n C National Parks and Wildlife ell k gorge along Dandry Creek. The total distance of the loop track d yard Rd 21km KENEBRI 20.5km R Service Reserves t is 3km. Dandy Gorge is a very special place for the Gamilaroi o Burm Fo a Rd n Pilliga East State Willala people, the sculptures are not out of place with their natural National Park e Merriwindi xte Aboriginal Si y Conservation Area surroundings rich in Aboriginal history. Co a Ter SCA om 19km Area id E o w ge 18.5km t r r o e h Sandstone Caves: Pilliga Nature Reserve Natuie re Reserve o C d k g C C R d i k k

R (Directions to access the Sandstone Caves are required as the y H l k i c b area is not signposted from the Newell Highway at the request State Conservation Area o m R u l k l of Aboriginal Elders). The Sandstone Caves are a special place C C lie e for the Gamilaroi people and is a good place to experience lla TERIDGERI a w C Aboriginal Area T i m m oonamble Rd Timmallallie e Pilliga Nature Reserve Aboriginal Culture in the Pilliga forest. 13km e National Park N n Note: Public access to Pilliga Nature The 1.7km medium grade walk takes you through a Other Reserves a L Reserve is restricted to Sandstone Coonamble picturesque part of the forest to the impressive sandstone hills. n K a Caves and No 1 Break Road. er i d N 19 km r State Forest 9.5km o 1 ing d B B R re le The numerous caves along the walk range in sizes and colour ak o n Rd C k I g r a n Pilliga Forest i Ck h with some containing Aboriginal rock engravings. s BARADINE

s

h C Kerringle a o

Highway Discovery Centre b k r C n Ck The best way to experience the Sandstone Caves is on an i it State Forest C 11km p o w Sealed road m a o p S a Aboriginal Discovery Ranger guided tour which can be

n o d Y R a T Sculptures Unsealed road e b n Top arranged by contacting the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre i a in the Scrub d r a Crossing Minor road r a (minimum numbers and fees apply). Mun a b ns R B r d a Dandry Gorge Picnic area Coonamble e NARRABRI n n Pilliga Salt Caves and Pilliga Forest Tower:

o R Aboriginal Area b Yarrigan d Gas BBQ S m Timmallallie National Park a a National Park Table l g top t r R C y a d Toilets a l l C ga u Sandstone Caves The Salt Caves visitor area and Lookout Tower are in the central k Ck G Pilliga Pottery (not signposted River Camping / caravans from part of the forest and has a picnic and camping area, which Bugaldie Rd highway. Contact Gwabegar include picnic tables with shelter, free gas barbeque and toilet

Easy walking track D the local NPWS

a B facilities. The cave itself is much smaller than the Sandstone

n o office or

Medium walking track d r visitor centre for r a d Caves but is a good place to temporarily escape from the heat y m R

access details)

C b y ale Aboriginal site C i t t

riw k of summer. An easy 1km stroll takes you to a dam which when i C Coo k BUGALDIE full of water attracts many species of wildlife and is a great spot nam bl Lookout tower e T 42km o Coonamble GarBaradinerawilla for bird enthusiasts. o r Gunnedah a NPWS office / information National Park w Bird Routes e 45km Gar e raw n Accredited visitor y illa Ck a a The Pilliga is well known for its Bird Routes – a series of mapped h w N R information centre h 0 20 d YEARINAN g and signposted routes ideal for bird enthusiasts to view the Pilliga Forest Discovery i H KILOMETRES impressive array of birds found over a variety of local habitats. Centre ley COONABARABRAN Please ensure you obtain the informative and detailed Bird Roadside rest area Ox Warrumbungle Gulargambone Routes brochure available at local visitor information centres or National Park NPWS offices, before travelling these routes. 0 5 10 Tooraweenah d ge R Warrumbungle NP Box Rid KILOMETRES COONABARABRAN