Coolah Tops National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

Located in the Liverpool Ranges, on the narrow Warung Plateau, Coolah Tops National Park enjoys spectacular views to the Warrumbungle Range and Mount Kaputar, plunging waterfalls, and a wealth of plant and animal life. Much of the surrounding country has been cleared, making the park an even more valuable refuge. Bushwalking, camping, picnicking and sightseeing are the main focus for visitors. This region was the traditional land of the Kamilaroi people and evidence remains of their life here. European settlement began in the 1930s, and an abandoned sawmill survives from the logging that took place from 1941 to 1995. The park’s rich soil and high rainfall support tall open forest with towering mountain gum, black sally and very large silver stringybark and snow gum. Giant grasstrees are another distinctive botanical feature. The forest creates a sanctuary for eastern grey kangaroos, shy red-necked wallabies and wombats, and arboreal species such as nocturnal greater gliders. The rocky outcrops suit wedge-tailed eagles and you may see the fl ash of crimson rosellas or hear the screech of the threatened glossy black-cockatoo. Waterfalls are one of the park’s highlights, especially after heavy rain when they thunder down; there are picnic facilities near a number of these. Forest Road winds for 30 kilometres through the park, providing access to some fi ne vantage points on the northern escarpment. The road is generally suitable for 2WD, but after rain may be impassable even by 4WD vehicles. For good views, head to Breeza Lookout and Shepherds Peak. There are walking trails, often leading to waterfalls, as well as some day walks.

Fact file

Camping

The Barracks, Coxs Creek, The
Pines; 2WD access; bring water and
firewood; bush camping permitted

Location and access

382 km north-west of Sydney;
120 km north-east of Mudgee; 30 km
east of Coolah via Coolah Creek Rd;
55 km north-west of Merriwa via
Golden Hwy then 4WD-only track

Park Information

• NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
• NPWS Mudgee (02) 6372 7199

Size

13 265 ha

Where to Stay

Merriwa (02) 6548 2109


This content is from the publication:
Explore Australia’s National Parks
RRP $49.95
Buy now

• Campsites

Campsites

Bald Hills camping area

This is a simple 2WD, dry-weather access camping area via Bald Hills Rd, off Hildegard Rd from the Forest Rd. You can also walk in from Norfolk Falls Picnic Area (approximately 4 km return, some steep sections). You can... Find out more

---

The Barracks camping area

The Barracks camping area is reached via Pinnacle Rd off The Forest Rd, 36 km east of Coolah. This is the more extensive of the park’s camping sites, with an information bay and sites for caravans. A 600 m walk... Find out more

---

Brackens Cottage

This restored 1930s farm cottage is 40 km east of Coolah along Hildegard Rd off The Forest Rd. There’s a rainwater tank and firewood is supplied. Gas/fuel stove preferred. Advance bookings required via NPWS Mudgee.... Find out more

---

Coxs Creek camping area

Turn off The Forest Rd onto Pinnacle Rd, and you’ll soon reach a short track that leads to Coxs Creek camping area. There are a number of sites here, scattered along the pretty and sheltered Coxs Creek. You can... Find out more

---

The Pines camping area

This quieter, less extensive camping area is popular with groups. You’ll find it signposted along Hildegard Rd off The Forest Rd, 39 km east of Coolah. Bring your own drinking water and firewood; a gas or fuel... Find out more

---

comments powered by Disqus