Warrumbungle National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
- A look at the past
- Aboriginal culture
- Natural features
- Native plants
- Wildlife
- NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
- NPWS Coonabarabran (02) 6842 1311
- Warrumbungle Visitor Centre
- (02) 6825 4364
- STROLL along the shaded creek bed of the Wambelong Creek
- FOLLOW the Breadknife Trail for awesome views of the Warrumbungles
- JOIN a ranger-guided tour and learn about the park’s geology
- INDULGE in some stargazing in the clear mountain air
- RISE early and enjoy the park’s ‘dawn chorus’
Introduction
At Warrumbungle National Park rocky spires emerge from the heavily forested valleys and peaks, and gorges slice deep into the landscape. With its strange volcanic terrain, fresh mountain air and excellent camping this is one of the state’s most popular parks. This is spectacular country, with more than 17 peaks exceeding 1000 metres, and a range of unusual landforms and idyllic valleys in a sprawling national park on the edge of the semiarid interior of New South Wales. Camping, bushwalking, rock-climbing and sightseeing are the primary activities.
Fact file
Access
From Coonabarabran via John Renshaw Parkway; from Gilgandra via Newell Hwy then partly unsealed Gumin Rd
Best Season
Spring and autumn
Location
492 km north-west of Sydney; 35 km west of Coonabarabran; 80 km north of Gilgandra
Park Information
Permits
Visitors must register at the visitor centre for rock-climbing
Size
23 198 ha
Where to Stay
Coonabarabran 1800 242 881
A look at the past
ohn Oxley passed this way on his explorations in 1818. Grazing in the valleys and on the lower slopes in the 1800s resulted in clearing of some land and today evidence of pastoral use, such as old stock fences, remains. As early as the 1930s bushwalkers and rock-climbers were drawn to the Warrumbungle Mountains to explore the remarkable landscape, and by 1953 the fi rst part of Warrumbungle National Park had been declared.
Aboriginal culture
When European explorers travelled through the area in the 1800s, the Warrumbungle (or ‘crooked’) Mountains had been well known to the Kamilaroi people, and other Aboriginal groups, for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence in the park points to extensive occupation by Indigenous people, and research into their links with this land is continuing.
Natural features
The park is distinctive for its dramatic landforms, the remnants of complex volcanic action that took place 13 to 17 million years ago. Over that period, molten lava and huge volumes of rock spewed out and a vast shield volcano was formed. Erosion has gradually worn away the softer rock, leaving tough volcanic plugs and fissures and the arresting landforms we see today – the shard-like form of the Breadknife, domed Bluff Mountain, Belougery Split Rock and the majestic Grand High Tops.
Native plants
ucalypt forest, woodland and heathland spread across the landscape. River red gums and rough-barked apple are dominant, with thick undergrowth in the forest. In the woodlands are manna (or white) gums and narrow-leaved red ironbark with an understorey of sticky daisy bush and western golden wattle. In all, 620 plant species have been identified.
Wildlife
The park is a valuable refuge for native fauna with 180 bird, 52 reptile and 23 mammal species found here. There are numerous skinks and geckos and many snakes, including the red-bellied black snake. Eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and swamp wallabies graze on the cleared land of the valley. Sheltering near rocky areas you may spot the endangered and agile brush-tailed rock-wallaby. Keep your eye out for koalas high in the fork of gum trees, especially near walking tracks and along creek beds. At night, you may hear some of the 12 species of bats that make their home in the park. Birdlife is also prolific, with a healthy population of emus, and wedge-tailed eagles often sighted. Several species of owl, numerous thornbills, woodswallows, doves, pert little willie wagtails, honeyeaters and rosellas are among the dozens of other species.
Featured Activities in the National Park
Introduction
Stop in at the park visitor centre at Coonabarabran for information on walking, climbing and the park’s fascinating geology, flora and fauna, and ask about ranger-guided Discovery tours in spring and autumn.
Bushwalking
Wambelong Nature Track (1-km loop, 30 minutes, easy) follows Wambelong Creek through a sheltered gorge (ideal birdwatching territory) and then rises to a rocky outcrop with marvellous views over the valley. For more energetic walkers, Breadknife and High Tops Walk (12.5 km, 5 hours, medium difficulty) is considered one of the state’s top bushwalks. It is a demanding trek, taking in the shaded Spirey Creek valley, eucalypt forest, woodland with wildflowers in spring, the jagged, 90-metre-high rocky spur, the Breadknife, the High Tops and dazzling views of the Warrumbungles. White Gum Lookout Walk (1 km return, easy) is a bitumen track suitable for wheelchairs.
Other activities
You can cycle on the park’s many roads and trails but not on walking tracks. Mountain-bike enthusiasts might tackle some of the steep fire trails. Canyon picnic area is in an attractive bush setting for a picnic or barbecue. Head to some of the lookouts for outstanding views.
Rock-climbing
The bizarre and rocky volcanic cliffs are outstanding for climbing, but registration is required. Climbing the Breadknife is not permitted.
Campsites
Balor Hut camping area (walk-in camping)
Burbie Camp camping area (walk-in camping)
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