Warrumbungle National Park's dramatic collection of domes, towers, plateaus and ridges is all that remains of a vast volcano that once covered this region. Thirteen million years of wind and rain have stripped the volcano back to its bare bones.
What survives are the hardest, most weather-resistant parts of the volcano. These tend to be the earliest deposits, so modern visitors have a rare opportunity to look into the heart of a volcano.
This improbable landscape provides some of NSW's finest bushwalking, from gentle rambles to challenging climbs. There are well-marked trails to all of the park's best-known landmarks, including the Breadknife, Grand High Tops, Bluff Mountain, Mount Exmouth and Belougery Split Rock.
On these routes, at heights of up to 1,200 m, you will find an unusual mix of plant and animal life. This is one of the few places in Australia where moisture-hungry coastal plants thrive alongside the drought-resistant species of the dry western plains. Port Jackson figs, more commonly found in coastal rainforests, co-exist with white cypress pines that favour hot dry scrub.
Bird life abounds while kangaroos simply bound, especially around the many camp sites where they congregate in search of tucker. Nineteen of Australia's 55 parrot species have been seen within the park. Other species to look out for include wedge-tailed eagles, kestrels, falcons, possums, gliders, bats and echidnas. One to avoid is the venomous eastern brown snake.
Koalas, once thought to be extinct in the area, are now present in healthy numbers. Ask at the visitor centre for information about recent spottings.
Camping facilities range from powered sites and hot showers at the main Camp Blackman site to basic walk-in bush camp sites on several walking trails. The Warrumbungles are a popular destination for school groups and holidaymakers, and bush camp sites provide a welcome respite from the mobs around the main areas in peak season.
NSW National Parks can be closed at times of bushfire and bushfire danger. It is advisable to check with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before you set off. Either phone 1300 361 967 (within NSW) or (02) 9253 4600 or visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.
Skywatch Observatory is situated just 2km from Coonabarabran on the National Park Road. This is an opportunity to explore the universe for yourself. Each evening, when it becomes dark enough, the telescopes at Skywatch are set on celestial objects. Under the dome and on the viewing platform, guides will show you the wonders of the night sky. But Skywatch is not just a viewer's delight during the afternoon and at night, Skywatch's newest addition Astro mini golf is waiting for your kids too.
Aaron, Fairfield.
When you're travelling out and about the central west of NSW, do yourself a favour and drop into the Collie Hotel for a real, country friendly counter lunch. Collie is located just west of Gilgandra or about 1.5 hours drive north west of Dubbo. Population in this little town is just 39 counting the 2 resident dogs at the hotel. The food is great and the atmosphere fantastic. It's worth the effort to get there.
Adrian, Oxley Park.
Coonamble is a lovely town and the meals and hospitality at the bowling club are fantastic but we were in fact heading for Coonabarabran not Coonamble.
At Gunnedah the corner is tricky - you need to turn right, then left - not just left. In the event you go wrong, and we were told many travellers did make this mistake, you can cut back to Coonabarabran on a road which still carries the unrestricted speed sign - the kids were amazed at this.
Roe, Burraneer.
Take the kids up to the observatory to watch the star tour, there is lots of educational hands on things for the kids to do.
Anna, South Melbourne.
4WD
