S
itting around the fi re with the family
toasting marshmallows counting the
millions of stars and discovering the
solar system is something most of us
love about camping. Finding a campsite that has
uninterrupted views of our solar system is not
that hard if you head to the edge of the central
west region of New South Wales. Coonabarabran
is known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia
and just west of the town at the top of Mount
Woorat is Siding Spring Observatory, at the base
is the Warrumbungle National Park.
Warrumbungle National Park incorporates the
most spectacular scenery of the Warrumbungle
Range. Millions of years ago this heritage listed
park was a region of volcanic activity which left
behind the beauty of unusual lava formations for
all to enjoy and capture. Catering for everyone’s
needs there is so much to see and do within the
park you will not want to leave.WHERE:
Warrumbungle National Park is located just
west of Coonabarabran which is one hours
drive north of Dubbo. Further north one
hours drive along the Newell Highway past
Narrabri is Mount Kaputar National Park.MAPS AND GUIDES:
Hema maps
NSW National Parks BrochuresINFORMATION:
Both parks feature dramatic yet fragile
rock formations which have been shaped
by thousands of years of volcanic activity.
The various walking trails, varying in
length and degree of diffi culty, all feature
dramatic mix of volcanic spires and
domes, plateaus, forested ridges and tall
volcanic dykes.
As the Warrumbungle shire is known
as the astronomy capital of the world
the sky comes alive at night with
uninterrupted viewing.
Before you enter the park take a drive up to
the top of Mount Woorat to the impressive Siding
Spring Observatory. Built for the Australian
National University School of Astronomy Studies
you can learn about telescopes and astronomy in
the visitors centre or take a walk to the viewing
gallery to see the impressive giant telescope.
While you are there take in the uninterrupted
views over Warrumbungle National Park which
are magnifi cent and well worth the drive.
Warrumbungle means crooked mountain and
every rock formation is unique. As you enter
Warrumbungle National Park be sure to stop in
at Whitegum Lookout. From the carpark it is an
easy 500 metre walk along the sealed pathway
with only a slight incline to the lookout where
you are greeted with panoramic views of the
crooked mountains.
There is a range of walks to choose from
which all vary in degree of diffi culty and length.
One of Australia’s top ten walks is the Grand
High Top and Breadknife walk which will give"UNINTERRUPTED VIEWS OF
THE NATIONAL PARK WILL
TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY"
TRAVEL
Warrumbungle National Park & Mount Kaputar National ParkPack plenty of
warm clothes and
be prepared for
weather changesThe walk up to the observatory
is well worth it for the incredible
views at the top!