Currawinya National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

Currawinya National Park, set in rugged mulga country, protects a significant wetland system. There are two large lakes, Numalla and Wyara, which together with the Paroo River, its seasonal waterholes and other smaller semipermanent lakes, are a significant bird habitat and a wildlife refuge during drought. More than 200 bird species have been recorded here – around 280 000 birds have been recorded on the lakes at one time. Lake Numalla is fresh water, preferred by large waders and other species that feed on fish and shrimp, including pied cormorants, white-necked herons, Australian white ibis, spoonbills and Pacific black ducks. Lake Wyara, less than 3 kilometres away, is saline and attracts thousands of plant-eating birds, such as black swans, Eurasian coots, purple swamphens and many species of ducks. Many migratory waders stop here, including the great egret, glossy ibis, black-tailed godwit, and common greenshank. Other wildlife drawn to the water includes emus, and red and eastern grey kangaroos. A bilby colony is protected by a predator-proof fence.Apart from birdwatching, you can canoe and swim in the lakes, picnic on the shores of Lake Numalla and fish at sites specified by the ranger (it is an 85-km, 4WD-only return trip from the ranger station to the lakes). Farming relics dot the landscape, reminders of the 1860s when the area was a pastoral property. Old Caiwarro homestead includes building ruins. Bush camping is allowed at Ourimperee Waterhole, with toilets and tank water provided, or at sites along the Paroo River near Caiwarro. There is accommodation for groups in the former shearers’ quarters at the old Currawinya Woolshed.

Fact file

Camping

Bush camping only; permit and fees apply

Location and access

217 km north-west of Bourke; 170 km south-west of Cunnamulla; 4WD recommended

Park Information

• NQIS (07) 3227 8185
• Park ranger (07) 4655 4001
• QPWS Charleville (07) 4654 1255

Size

151 300 ha

Where to Stay

Hungerford (07) 4655 2481


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• Campsites

Campsites

Ourimperee Waterhole

Behind the Currawinya Woolshed, the Ourimperee Waterhole is accessed off the Hungerford Rd, 20 km north of Hungerford. The campground, for self-sufficient campers, is accessed with 2WD in dry weather only. In this... Find out more

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Paroo River camping area (bush camping)

Bush camping for self-sufficient campers is permitted in the park’s northern end on the Paroo River at Caiwarro waterhole, Pump Hole and Corni Paroo waterhole. The park is off Hungerford Rd, 50 km north of... Find out more

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