Warrumbungles
Mountains Volcanic national park with rugged peaks and stargazing
The Warrumbungles in northwest New South Wales offer volcanic rock formations, crater rims and walking routes; popular activities include hiking, rock climbing and stargazing at the Siding Spring area.
The Warrumbungles are a rugged volcanic mountain range and national park in central New South Wales, Australia, noted for jagged volcanic remnants and distinctive rock formations. The park is a popular regional destination for walking, climbing, and astronomy.
The Warrumbungles formed from volcanic activity and subsequent erosion; the range’s distinctive landforms are the eroded remnants of an ancient volcano. The area was reserved for conservation as a national park to protect its geology, vegetation, and scenic values.
The park is located in central New South Wales, with the town of Coonabarabran approximately north of the range serving as the usual gateway; access is by sealed and unsealed rural roads and established entry points for visitors.
- Access and activities: The park is a popular destination for bushwalking and rock-climbing routes and is located near the town of Coonabarabran, which serves as the primary gateway for visitors.
- Dark-sky and astronomy: The area has been recognised for its dark-sky values and is used for amateur and professional astronomy; neighbouring observatory facilities are located near the park boundary.
What to See #
- The Breadknife: The Breadknife is a narrow volcanic dyke and cliff feature that rises abruptly from a ridge line and is one of the park's most recognisable rock formations, visited via marked walking tracks.
- Belougery Split Rock and Grand High Tops: Belougery Split Rock and the Grand High Tops are prominent volcanic remnants and ridges offering walking routes of varying difficulty and exposed viewpoints across the volcanic landscape.
How to Get to Warrumbungles #
Warrumbungle National Park is about 150 km west of Tamworth and 37 km north of Coonabarabran; access is by sealed and unsealed roads with car arrival the most practical. The park entrance is signposted off the Castlereagh Highway.
Tips for Visiting Warrumbungles #
- Book accommodation in Coonabarabran or nearby towns in advance during peak wildflower or dark-sky festival seasons.
- Bring binoculars and a star chart; the Warrumbungles are one of Australia's premier dark-sky areas.
- Stick to marked trails - the geology is fragile and many features are conservation-protected.
Best Time to Visit Warrumbungles #
Autumn through spring offer comfortable hiking conditions; clear winter nights make for exceptional stargazing.
Weather & Climate near Warrumbungles #
Warrumbungles's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 1°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (811 mm/year).
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (122 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).