Pilliga Forest

Pilliga Forest, sprawling across 500,000 hectares of semi-arid woodlands in northern New South Wales, is one of Australia’s most significant inland wilderness areas. This enchanting landscape of cypress pines, ironbarks, and sandstone outcrops is a haven for wildlife, including koalas, glossy black-cockatoos, and the elusive pilliga mouse. A visit here offers a raw, immersive encounter with the Australian bush, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking solitude away from the coast. The forest is also rich in Indigenous and pioneering history, with ancient scar trees and remnants of early timber camps.

Highlights & What to See

• Salt Caves Walking Track: A 3.6 km loop through sculpted sandstone caves and overhangs, once used by Indigenous people and later by bushrangers. Look for ochre hand stencils and the resident brush-tailed rock-wallabies.
• Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre (Baradine): An excellent starting point with interactive exhibits on the forest’s ecology, cultural heritage, and timber history. Staff can advise on current track conditions.
• Warrumbungle National Park: While not within the forest, this nearby park is a stargazer’s paradise (Australia’s first Dark Sky Park) with dramatic volcanic peaks like The Breadknife and Crater Bluff.
• Birdwatching at Dandry Creek: A reliable spot to see superb parrots, painted honeyeaters, and if you’re lucky, the regent honeyeater. Bring binoculars and visit at dawn.
• Self-drive the Pilliga Forest Scenic Route: A 120 km unsealed loop from Baradine to Narrabri, passing through old-growth forests, historic sites like the ‘Sculptured Rocks’, and offering remote camping spots.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate a full day to explore the forest properly, ideally with a night under the stars. The scenic drive takes 3–4 hours without stops, but you’ll want to add time for walks (the Salt Caves loop takes 1–1.5 hours) and wildlife watching. If you’re based in the Hunter Valley, consider an overnight trip to make the most of the dark skies and dawn chorus. For a quick taste, a half-day from Coonabarabran or Narrabri can cover the Salt Caves and Discovery Centre.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Warrumbungle National Park: Just 30 minutes east, combine with a hike or a night at the Warrumbungle Mountain Motel.
• Coonabarabran: The gateway to the Warrumbungles, known for its excellent Siding Spring Observatory and the Australian Museum’s touring exhibits.
• Narrabri: A historic agricultural town with the CSIRO’s Australia Telescope Compact Array, offering guided tours and a fascinating museum.
• Brewarrina Aboriginal Fish Traps: A significant Indigenous cultural site 2 hours north, featuring ancient stone fish traps still in use – a powerful detour for history buffs.
• Hunter Valley Wine Region: On your way back, stop at the Hunter’s cellar doors for a well-earned glass of semillon or shiraz.

Please check official sources for current details.