Cocoparra National Park

Rising abruptly from the flat plains of the Riverina, Cocoparra National Park is a striking wedge of sandstone ridges, rocky gorges, and remnant cypress pine woodland. This is a place where the silence is broken only by the call of a wedge-tailed eagle or the rustle of a kangaroo in the undergrowth. For travellers seeking an authentic outback experience without venturing too far from the Hume Highway, Cocoparra offers a raw, quiet beauty that feels a world away from the coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Woolshed Flat Picnic Area & Walking Track – The main access point, this gentle loop leads through river red gums and past a historic wool shed, with birdlife aplenty (look for parrots, honeyeaters, and the occasional emu).
• Binglegumble Peak – A moderately challenging walk rewarded with panoramic views across the park’s scalloped ridges and the distant Murrumbidgee River valley. Best tackled in the cooler hours of morning.
• Jack’s Creek Gorge – A narrow, shady cleft where ferns and moss cling to the rocks; a welcome cool spot on a hot day and a great place for photography.
• Aboriginal heritage sites – Scattered throughout the park are scar trees and artefact scatters, reminders of the Wiradjuri people’s deep connection to this landscape. Treat these with respect and do not disturb.
• Wildflower displays – In spring (August–October), the understorey erupts with wattles, orchids, and native daisies, adding splashes of colour to the muted earth tones.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to sample the park’s highlights: do the Woolshed Flat walk, drive the scenic loop, and have a picnic. If you’re keen on hiking to Binglegumble Peak or exploring Jack’s Creek Gorge more thoroughly, allow a full day. The park has no accommodation, so most visitors base themselves in Griffith (40 minutes south) or come as a detour on a longer Riverina road trip.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Griffith – The region’s largest town, famous for its Italian-inspired food scene, wineries, and the stunning Hermit’s Cave lookout over the Murrumbidgee irrigation area.
• Lake Wyangan – A popular spot for waterbirds, paddleboarding, and a relaxed lakeside walk; about 30 minutes from the park.
• Murrumbidgee Valley National Park – A larger riverine park with red-gum forests and abundant birdlife, ideal for canoeing or a longer bushwalk.
• Narrandera – A historic river town with a lovely main street, a koala reserve, and the Fivebough Wetlands, a Ramsar-listed bird habitat.
• Leeton – Another irrigation-era town with art deco architecture and the Yanco Agricultural Institute’s gardens.

Please check official sources for current details.