Pilliga Forest

Stretching across more than 800,000 hectares of sandstone ridges and cypress-pine woodlands, the Pilliga Forest is one of the largest remaining inland native forests in New South Wales. This wild, off-the-beaten-track destination offers a raw encounter with Australia's bush – think star-filled skies, ancient Aboriginal scar trees, and the haunting calls of barking owls at night. For travellers who crave solitude and a genuine sense of discovery, the Pilliga delivers in spades.

Highlights & What to See

• Pilliga Scrub Walks – Explore the network of short trails around the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre, including the 2.5km Sandstone Caves walk, where you can see Aboriginal rock art and dramatic sandstone formations.
• Salt Caves – A surreal landscape of white salt-encrusted caves and gullies, formed by natural springs; a short walk leads to this otherworldly spot.
• Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre – A great starting point with interpretive displays on the forest's ecology, history, and cultural significance, plus maps for self-guided exploration.
• Birdwatching – The forest is a haven for birdlife, including the rare glossy black-cockatoo, turquoise parrot, and the striking regent bowerbird. Bring binoculars.
• Stargazing – With minimal light pollution, the Pilliga offers some of the darkest night skies in NSW. Pull over on a quiet forest road and look up.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a full day to truly appreciate the Pilliga Forest. Start at the Discovery Centre (30 minutes), then spend a couple of hours on the Sandstone Caves walk and a visit to the Salt Caves. If you're keen on birdwatching or photography, consider staying overnight – basic bush camping is available at sites like Wondoba State Conservation Area, which allows you to experience the forest at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coonabarabran – The gateway to the Warrumbungle National Park, Australia's first dark-sky park, with excellent walking trails and the Siding Spring Observatory.
• Baradine – A small country town with a historic main street, perfect for a coffee stop or a pub meal before heading into the forest.
• Narrabri – Base yourself here for access to the Pilliga's northern section and the nearby Mount Kaputar National Park, with its volcanic landscapes and wildflower displays.
• Warrumbungle National Park – Just south of Coonabarabran, this park offers dramatic volcanic peaks, walking tracks like the Breadknife and Grand High Tops, and world-class stargazing.

Please check official sources for current details.