Goonoo State Conservation Area

Goonoo State Conservation Area is a rugged pocket of wilderness that feels a world away from the Hunter Valley's famous vineyards. This 12,000-hectare expanse of dry eucalypt forest and sandstone outcrops is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and wildlife-spotters. Its name derives from the local Aboriginal word for the area's distinctive scribbly gum trees, which bear the telltale scribbles of moth larvae. Here you can walk through a landscape that has changed little over millennia, punctuated by the calls of bellbirds and the rustle of wallabies in the undergrowth.

Highlights & What to See

• Goonoo Forest Drive – A 20 km scenic loop that threads through the reserve, with several picnic spots and lookouts perfect for a quiet lunch among the gums.
• Wallaby Walk – A short, easy trail where you're almost guaranteed to spot eastern grey kangaroos and red-necked wallabies at dawn or dusk.
• Bald Hill Lookout – A steep but rewarding climb to panoramic views over the Liverpool Range and the distant blue haze of the Hunter Valley.
• Mountain Biking Trails – Over 30 km of marked single-track and fire trails, offering everything from gentle rides to technical descents through rocky gullies.
• Birdwatching – Keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles, laughing kookaburras, and the elusive glossy black-cockatoo that feeds on the casuarina trees.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to do the forest drive, tackle one or two short walks, and enjoy a picnic. If you're keen on mountain biking or longer hikes (such as the 10 km Goonoo Creek Track), plan a full day. The area is best visited between March and November when the weather is cooler; summer days can be scorching, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley Wine Country – After your bush fix, head south to the vineyards of Pokolbin and Lovedale for cellar-door tastings and gourmet dining.
• Barrington Tops National Park – About an hour north, this World Heritage-listed park offers ancient rainforests, waterfalls, and superb trout fishing in the Barrington River.
• Merriwa – A small country town with a historic main street, the Merriwa River Walk, and the annual Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces.
• Goulburn River National Park – A lesser-known gem with dramatic sandstone gorges, Aboriginal rock art sites, and excellent canoeing on the Goulburn River.

Please check official sources for current details.