Pilliga Forest

Stretching across 500,000 hectares of semi-arid woodlands, the Pilliga Forest is one of the largest remaining remnant forests in inland NSW. This ancient landscape, carved by sandstone outcrops and creeks, offers a surprisingly lush escape from the coast. Here, you can walk among towering cypress pines, spot koalas in the wild, and soak in natural hot artesian springs. It’s a place where Aboriginal heritage runs deep, and the night sky blazes with stars.

Highlights & What to See

• Pilliga Forest Scenic Drive – A 120 km loop that takes you past sandstone caves, Aboriginal scar trees, and the iconic Sculptures in the Scrub, a quirky outdoor gallery of recycled-metal artworks.
• Burren Junction Bore Baths – A free, naturally heated artesian pool (41°C) set in a grassy park. Perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of exploring.
• Dandry Gorge – A dramatic sandstone gorge with a short walking track that leads to a lookout over the forest. Great for birdwatching and spotting wallabies at dawn.
• Pilliga Nature Reserve – The protected core of the forest, home to over 280 bird species, including the rare glossy black-cockatoo. The Birdwatcher’s Trail is a must.
• Aboriginal Cultural Sites – Visit the Gamilaroi rock art sites and the Yiraaldiya ceremonial ground, best explored with a local guide.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least a full day to the Pilliga Forest to experience the scenic drive, a short walk, and the bore baths. For a deeper immersion, stay overnight in nearby Narrabri or Coonabarabran and spend two days exploring different sections of the forest. Avoid summer heat – spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer the most comfortable temperatures.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Warrumbungle National Park – A dramatic volcanic landscape with excellent hiking and stargazing, just an hour south.
• Narrabri – A friendly country town with a vibrant café scene and the Australia Telescope Compact Array, a radio-astronomy observatory.
• Coonabarabran – The “Astronomy Capital of Australia,” home to the Siding Spring Observatory and the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre.
• Lake Keepit – A peaceful reservoir ideal for kayaking, fishing, and camping, located between the Pilliga and the Warrumbungles.

Please check official sources for current details.