Warrumbungle National Park Things to Do

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In Spring (Sept – Nov) there will be plenty of different wildflowers in bloom.

In the area known as the Heathlands, you will find low shrubs including knife-leafed wattle, tick bush, fringed heath myrtle and species of Kunzea and more. Grasses include kangaroo grass, porcupine grass and native tussock grass.

They grow well in the exposed rocky areas with very poor, shallow soils.

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This walk (Wambelong Nature Track) leads from the Canyon Picnic area to Camp Blackman. The Picnic area is nice, with shelters, Toilets and gas BBQ’s.

This short loop walk begins from the eastern side of Canyon Picnic Area and follows Wambelong Creek through a small, sheltered gorge.

This area is a haven for birds, particularly in drier times.The creek was mainly dry in October, with only one small waterhole with water in it.
I saw quite a bit of Bird life, with the small birds taking baths in this waterhole. I sat down and watched for a while, they were still too quick for me to take a photo.

As you walk along the track you will see interesting rock formations shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago.

The track rises to a rocky outcrop with views down the central valley of the park and nearby Split Rock. Keep your eyes on the treetops as koalas are often seen in the gums near the creek.

A pretty walk, quite good walking, probably about 1km return.

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As the name suggests, this lookout is surrounded with White gums.
At the end of a 1km return walk, which takes approx 30mins, there is the lookout with nice views of the Warrumbungle ranges.

The walking track is easy, in good condition, and is suitable for people with disabilities and for prams.

Worth doing.

LOCATION is the 1st lookout you come across on Parkway, the Coonabarabran side of the National Park.

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As the Park is full of Kangaroos, drive slowly past Kangaroos, you never know which way they are going to jump!

One different experience we had on the way out, was a mother Emu and 3 chicks crossed the road in front of us.
We stopped the car for a photo shoot, lucky we did, as a “tail-ender” chick went at top speed across the road in front of us, trying to catch up to his mum! We probably would have hit him with the car, if we had not stopped

These 2 spires can be easily seen from most areas of the park. Walks can be done to both.

To reach the Breadknife and Grand High Tops Circuit, (Pincham trail) the walk is 12.5 km return on a moderate to steep track, allow approx 5 hours…..

or by taking the circuit via West Spirey creek, the grade is steep, with the distance being 14.5km, allow approx 6 hours.

Belougery split rock circuit, is steep to very steep in some sections, a rough track in some places. Distance is 4.6 km, allow approx 3hours

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This would have to be one of the best Parks for seeing plenty of Birdlife and Animals.

KANGAROO’s abound, not only early morning and evening, but you can see them throughout the day. Even though they are wild, they were not that scared of human’s, and in October, a lot of them had Joeys.

EMU’S, there were about 10 that were feeding near camp Blackman.

BIRDLIFE IS PROLIFIC. There are a lot of Kookaburra’s, one sat on the power outlet by our Caravan door, and was peering in, so funny! Of course, looking for food! Obviously, he had been fed previously, this is a NO! NO! Kookaburra’s have been known to pinch meat off BBQ’s.

There were lots of Parrots,….Crimson Rosella’s, Eastern Rosella’s, King Parrots, Corellas, Galahs, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos and Lots of Blue Wrens and other small Birds.

REMEMBER………..IT IS ILLEGAL TO FEED THE BIRDS AND ANIMALS.

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The walk to this Cave departs from the “Woolshed” The path is in good condition, with a proper bridge, in some places, paved walkway, and in others, a proper boardwalk. There is a constant , uphill climb for quite a way

The cave was used by the Aborigines. You WILL NOT SEE ANY ABORIGINAL PAINTINGS, just some ridges in the rocks where they have sharpened and made tools.

The walk is 3.4km return, so allow approx 1.5hours.

I found it a little disappointing, depends on what you want to see.

LOCATION is the Woolshed which is on the Gilgandra end of John Renshaw parkway in the National Park.

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This National Park is on the national Heritage List. It is an area of former volcanic activity and includes two extinct Volcanoes.

The Garrawilla Volcano, started about 200 million years ago, and finished about 45 million years ago. This is the area where the rare and brightly coloured Zeolite crystals are found.

Located to the west of Coonabarabran, is the younger Warrumbungle Volcano, which begun about 17 million years ago, and finished about 14 million years ago. This area is where you find fossil leaves, Petrified wood, Agates and volcanic Opal.

In the Warrumbungles you will find sandstone areas, these are the remnants of the 150million year old Pilliga sea.

There are 12 different Bush Walks of all different grades and distances that you can do here.
These mapped walking trails range from 1km panorama lookouts with a proper sealed path, to overnight hikes.
You can go Rock climbing and Back country camping in the park, but must register 1st before proceeding. This provides the Rangers with information on your whereabouts, just in case you have an accident and need to be rescued, this does happen!

Bush walks are just that, unlevel walking, climbing, in places, quite a challenge, so wear proper shoes, sunscreen, a hat, take water, and in this area, the Fly’s were bad, so wear a Fly repellant.

The Rangers also do DISCOVERY WALKS AND TOURS. To find out about these, which are mainly held during the school holidays, visit the website……..www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Bookings are essential and fees apply, these were $15 p/p in 2009.
A notice was on the side wall of the shower block.