NORFOLK FALLS
THIS writer lived at
Coolah as a child for six years
and can still remember hanging on
for what seemed like grim death to
his father’s hand as we slid down the
steep slopes surrounding the rock
pool to reach the bottom, just so
this then-seven-year-old could
“have a look for frogs”.COOLAH TOPS NP
Grade: Easy-moderate
Best time of year: All year,
although winter is very chilly
(temps can reach -10°C).
More info: For the latest
on track conditions and
park notices, see: http://www.
nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-
a-park/parks/coolah-tops-
national-parkkeen on reliving a bit of history, there’s
the option of staying at the restored
Brackens Hut, 2km further along
Forest Road. The hut is very basic
and you need to bring all bedding
including mattresses, as well as
cooking facilities.
Pinnacle, the main lookout, is
accessed via the road of the same
name (again, off Forest Road) and
is a 5km drive, walk or bike ride
from The Barracks campground.
Once you reach the Pinnacle
carpark, it’s another 500m walk
along a flat track right out to the
edge of the plateau. The views
here are awesome and, on a clear
day, you’ll easily see the rugged ramparts
of the Warrumbungles to the northwest.
If you’re a keen birdwatcher, this is the
place where you may spot a wedge-tailed
eagle searching for its next meal.
Barring the annual Jazz at the Tops
music festival in March, Coolah Tops NP
is relatively unknown and quiet. However,
it packs in plenty for the touring family
looking for a place that will keep the
entire family well occupied with heaps of
activities and points of interest to check
out. Do yourself a favour on the way
home and allow enough time to stop in
for a coldie and lunch at one of Coolah’s
awesome pubs – you won’t regret it.
http://www.4X4australia.com.au 1211The Barracks camping
area is a nice spot to
park up for the night.