Warrumbungles Mountains

Address: Warrumbungle National Park, New South Wales

Website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/warrumbungle-national-park

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.

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.

• 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.