Warrumbungle National Park

In the heart of New South Wales, Warrumbungle National Park is a dramatic landscape of volcanic spires, jagged outcrops, and dark-sky wonders. This ancient shield volcano, eroded over millions of years, offers some of the best bushwalking and stargazing in Australia. The park is a haven for hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking solitude under a canopy of stars—it's Australia's first Dark Sky Park, with an observatory that draws astrotourists from around the globe. The small town of Coonabarabran, just south of the park, serves as the gateway, with accommodation and supplies.

Highlights & What to See

• The Breadknife and Grand High Tops: A jaw-dropping 90-metre-high volcanic dyke, best seen on the 6 km Grand High Tops walk. The panoramic views over the park's craters and spires are unforgettable.
• Siding Spring Observatory: Perched on a nearby mountain, this research observatory offers guided tours and a visitor centre. The scale of the telescopes is mind-boggling.
• Warrumbungle Night Sky Tours: Join ranger-led or private tours to explore the southern constellations through powerful telescopes. The lack of light pollution makes the Milky Way almost tangible.
• Camp Pincham Trail: A classic overnight hike from the campground to the summit of Mount Exmouth (1206 m), rewarding you with sunrise views across the park.
• Burbie Canyon Walk: A shorter, family-friendly walk through a lush canyon with rock pools and birdlife. Keep an eye out for wallabies and wedge-tailed eagles.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend two to three days to fully appreciate the park. With one day, you can tackle the Grand High Tops walk and visit the observatory. Two days allow for an overnight hike like Camp Pincham, plus a night sky tour. Three days give you time to explore quieter trails, such as the Burbie Canyon and the Belougery Split Rock circuit, and enjoy a relaxed pace at the campground.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coonabarabran: The friendly service town with the Australian Museum of the Solar System and the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre.
• Pilliga Forest: A vast, semi-arid forest with the Pilliga Scrub, hot artesian springs, and the historic Yarrie Lake. Great for birdwatching and 4WD adventures.
• Mount Kaputar National Park: About 200 km north, this park features volcanic landscapes, glow-worm tunnels, and the dramatic Nandewar Range.
• Dubbo: A regional hub with the renowned Taronga Western Plains Zoo and the Old Dubbo Gaol. A good stop for supplies or a family day out.
• Coolah Tops National Park: A high-altitude plateau with cool temperate rainforests, waterfalls, and excellent hiking. Less visited but rewarding.

Please check official sources for current details.