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Guinema Road Tourist Drive

National Parks and Reserves

Guinema Road Tourist Drive

The Guinema Road Tourist Drive shows the stunning geological formations located in the rugged volcanic landscape of the Warrumbungles. This is a pretty area of the Warrumbungles that can be viewed by car along Guinema Road. The turn off is about 20 kilometres north west of Coonabarabran, where you will discover some amazing views of the mighty ancient escarpments of the National Park. Due to the January 2013 bushfires that burnt most of the Warrumbungle National Park, new rock faces have been revealed along with columnar structures and volcanic dykes and plugs. You can now see the margins of the tuffaceous deposits and massive trachytes flows or domes which couldn't be seen before because of the heavy covering of trees and undergrowth. Part of this drive is dirt road but can be accessed by both car or four wheel drive, weather permitting. Travelling from East to West will eventually take you to the township of Baradine. For further enquiries contact Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre.

Baradine NSW

0.2 km away

Pilliga Forest

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Pilliga Forest

Pronounced pilly-gah, Pilliga Forest is an iconic Australian landscape offering rugged beauty on a grand scale. Explore the trail network by car or on foot, take a guided tour and camp out. One of the iconic landscapes of inland Australia, Pilliga Forest (or sometimes called the Pilliga Scrub) is made up of Pilliga Nature Reserve, Timmallallie National Park, Pilliga West, and East State Conservation Areas. Close to the town of Baradine, Pilliga is a vast forest that spans more than half a million hectares and features 2,000km of public access trails, so there’s a lot to explore either by walking or car touring. You can set up camp at the free Sculptures in the Scrub campground in Timmallallie National Park. Be sure to take a guided Discovery tour of Sandstone Caves to find out about this important Aboriginal site and the Gamilaroi people’s connections to this ancient landscape. As you walk or drive, keep your eyes out for some of the park’s resident birds and wildlife, including rare barking owls and malleefowls.

Baradine NSW

0.3 km away

Pilliga Forest Lookout Tower

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Pilliga Forest Lookout Tower

The Pilliga Forest Lookout Tower is located at the Salt Caves visitor area in Timmallallie National Park, about 45 kilometres north-east of Baradine. The visitor area has a free gas barbecue, picnic tables, interpretive signage, shelters, and a toilet. Camping is available, but you need to be self-sufficient. Camping must be booked online prior to staying. Enjoy a short hike up the escarpment to the Pilliga Forest lookout tower where you'll be treated to breathtaking views across the vast Pilliga Forest. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Warrumbungles to the south-east, and Mount Kaputar Park in the north-east. For a shorter stroll, take the one-kilometre walk to Salt Caves Dam, a popular watering hole for the native wildlife and a great spot for bird watching. The cave itself is an important Aboriginal site and is an excellent example of shelter used by the traditional Gamilaroi people.

Baradine NSW

0.3 km away

Baradine Local Aboriginal Land Council and Keeping Place

Natural Attractions

Baradine Local Aboriginal Land Council and Keeping Place

Come in and look at the local artefacts at the Baradine Local Aboriginal Land Council building. After visiting this building, take a stroll down the main street of Baradine and visit the Pilliga Discovery Centre, which will also give you opportunities to immerse yourself in the visual history of this land or just relax back and have a great country meal at the local or local cafés.

Baradine NSW

0.4 km away

Sculptures in the Scrub Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Rob Cleary

Natural Attractions

Sculptures in the Scrub Walking Track

Sculptures in the Scrub walking track, in Timallallie National Park, takes in the award-winning Sculptures in the Scrub, a project that was four years in the making. Each sculpture is the result of an artist collaborating with local Aboriginal Elders and young people on a piece that tells a story of local Aboriginal history and culture. Take some time to look at these works - you’ll find some information about the artist’s background and the methods used to create the sculpture, along with its deeper meaning. Sculptures in the Scrub picnic area and campground is near the walking track, which is a good place to stop if you have time, and you may even see some of the local wildlife. If you’re walking the track in spring, you’ll likely be treated to a colourful and vibrant display of wildflowers.

Baradine NSW

17 km away

Pilliga Pottery cafe courtyard — Image credit: Pilliga Pottery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Pilliga Pottery

Pilliga Pottery makes unique earthenware items from local clays. Artist Julie engraves beautiful designs taken from nature and mythology onto the hand-thrown items that potters, Julie and Joel create. Pilliga Pottery was created by Richard and Maria Rickert after they purchased the 12,000-acre Barkala Farm 30 years ago. Richard was a master potter and Maria ran the business. Things were very traditional back then with a kick wheel and wood-fired kiln. It has since changed and has been swapped for electric wheels and an LPG-fired kiln. The clay is sourced at Rocky Glen and processed onsite. A skilled team of glazing artists turns Julies beautiful engravings into colourful artwork! Pilliga Pottery’s pieces are collected as art the world over. Designs range from the signature Blue Wren and Australian bush flora, to Celtic-inspired mythical dragons. No two pieces are the same, and designs change regularly as Julie develops new and beautiful engraving subjects. Pilliga Pottery can be found at Barkala Farm.

Coonabarabran NSW

27 km away

Pilliga Forest lookout tower — Image credit: DPIE

Natural Attractions

Pilliga Forest lookout tower

It's easy to enjoy eagle's eye views from Pilliga Forest lookout tower. From Salt Caves picnic area simply walk up a small rise, then climb the steps to the top of the tower. You'll be rewarded by unparalleled vistas of vast Pilliga Forest. On clear days you can see all the way to the Warrumbungles to the south-east, and Mount Kaputar Park in the north-east. Be aware that Pilliga Forest lookout tower sways in high winds.

The Pilliga NSW

31 km away

Salt Caves picnic area

Natural Attractions

Salt Caves picnic area

Enjoy your lunch in the company of the birds at Salt Caves picnic area in Timmallallie National Park. It’s a scenic spot to pause for a picnic or barbecue on your exploration of Pilliga Forest. Work off your lunch with a hike up the escarpment to the Pilliga Forest lookout tower where you'll be treated to breathtaking views across the vast Pilliga Forest. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Warrumbungles to the south-east, and Mount Kaputar Park in the north-east. For a shorter stroll, take the 1km walk to Salt Caves Dam, a popular watering hole for the native wildlife and a great spot for birdwatching. The cave itself is an important Aboriginal site and is an excellent example of shelters used by the traditional Gamilaroi people. Before you head out to the Salt Caves, get the low down on where to go at the award-winning Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre, in Baradine.

The Pilliga NSW

31 km away

Emu in the Sky — Image credit: Milroy Observatory

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Donna the Astronomer at Milroy Observatory

Come and join Donna the Astronomer or her team on an amazing and entertaining journey through the Southern Night Sky at Milroy Observatory. Donna is a research astronomer who has discovered two comets and worked at Siding Spring Observatory for many years. The show starts with a tour of the evening sky, and then several bright and deep-sky objects are observed with the outdoor telescope. See planets, galaxies, nebulas and star clusters, amongst other amazing night sky wonders. Shows go for 75-90 minutes and are outside - so please rug up! There are only two rules-have fun and ask questions! Shows are child friendly and suitable for all ages 5-103! Donna has been sharing her love of the sky for over 20 years and enjoys nothing better than inspiring young and old to enjoy and appreciate our unique southern skies. Milroy Observatory is available for public viewing and is open every clear night. Contact Donna for further details on viewing times. Milroy is located 10 kilometres northwest of Coonabarabran on the Baradine Road.

Coonabarabran NSW

33 km away

Sandstone Caves Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Rob Cleary

Natural Attractions

Sandstone Caves Walking Track

Walk in the footsteps of the Gamilaroi people along the short Sandstone Caves walking track in Pilliga Nature Reserve. You’ll pass through scenic forest to the impressive sandstone hills, with some containing ancient Aboriginal rock engravings. Take some time to read over the interpretive signage for more of an insight into this special place. You can take a self-guided walk, however this unique place is best experienced on a guided tour with an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger. You can book your tour at Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre in Baradine.

Dandry NSW

34 km away

Siding Spring Observatory

Observatories and Planetariums

Siding Spring Observatory

Siding Spring Observatory is Australia's premier optical astronomical research facility. Located 27 kilometres west of Coonabarabran on the edge of the Warrumbungle National Park, it is home to Australia's largest optical telescopes, including the 3.9-metres Anglo Australian Telescope, the 2.3-metre Advanced Technology Telescope and the two-metre Faulkes Telescope South. Visitors are able to access the Visitor Gallery in the AAT dome. Guided tours are available, and guests can contact Beyond the sky Stargazing for information on tours. Siding Spring is closed to the public at nighttime. The annual Star Fest celebration at Siding Spring Observatory is held on the Labour Day weekend in October. It's your chance to explore the whole site, talk with astronomers about the universe and the research they are undertaking. You might even get a chance to take a look through a telescope yourself!

Coonabarabran NSW

36 km away

Warrumbungle National Park Discovery Program

Natural Attractions

Warrumbungle National Park Discovery Program

Discover nature's classroom on Discovery Ranger-guided walks, talks, and tours in the Warrumbungle National Park. Discovery Programs operate during autumn winter and spring seasons. Bookings are essential for activities so contact the Warrumbungle National Park Visitors Centre for further details on the contact number supplied or you can self-book tours on the national parks website. The Discovery Program caters for adults, children and families. Itineraries will be available direct from the Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre.

Coonabarabran NSW

37 km away

Warrumbungle National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Warrumbungle National Park

The Breadknife, easily the most recognisable feature within the park, towers 90m above the valley floor and is a symbol of the park's enduring importance and resilience. The Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is recognised as one of the best walks in NSW, with close up views of the park's iconic rock formations. Whether you're into camping, walking, birdwatching or astronomy, the park's big sky, amazing light and dramatic rock formations make it an outstanding place for amateur and professional photographers. Wildfires in 2013 marked yet another chapter in this great park's history. NPWS has worked hard to rebuild its facilities for generations to come. Walking tracks, campgrounds and other visitor sites have been rebuilt with new modern facilities. Drop into the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre for park information or buy a star chart to enjoy our starry nights.

Warrumbungle NSW

37 km away

Canyon picnic area

Natural Attractions

Canyon picnic area

Canyon picnic area is a great spot for a family picnic or barbecue, and you can either lay out your picnic blanket and relax on the grass, or take advantage of one of the picnic tables. The picnic area is accessible to everyone, including curious creatures who might like the look of your lunch. If you'd like to stretch your legs after cooking up your barbecue lunch, take a short walk downstream where you may see woodland birds and perhaps a lounging koala hiding in the trees. If it's a warm day, you might like to dip your toes in the cool water of Wambelong Creek. Take a virtual tour of Canyon picnic area captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Warrumbungle NSW

38 km away

Belougery Split Rock Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Sue Brookhouse

Natural Attractions

Belougery Split Rock Walking Track

One for experienced bushwalkers and the older kids, Belougery Split Rock walking track is a moderate challenge with a big reward at the end. Climbing up and around one of Warrumbungle National Park’s most distinctive peaks, an ancient lava dome, the rough path threads around many obstacles along the way. The final stretch to the summit, for example, involves a scramble up steps carved into the side of a rocky knoll. Be sure to bring plenty of water. Nevertheless, once you reach the top of Split Rock, all thoughts of exertion fall away. The 360-degree views are spectacular here, showing off Warrumbungle mountain and the seemingly infinite Western Plains stretching off into the distance over an ancient volcanic landscape. Pack a camera, and maybe a small picnic, so you can settle down and soak up the ambience. You might like to carry some binoculars too, as wedge-tailed eagles live in the area, making this a popular haunt for birdwatching. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a shy red-necked wallaby or wallaroo, lazing in the many wildflowers during spring.

Warrumbungle NSW

38 km away

Burbie Canyon walking track — Image credit: Photo: Sue Brookhouse

Natural Attractions

Burbie Canyon walking track

Avid birdwatchers will love Burbie Canyon walking track, which offers a gentle two kilometre stroll past a creek and through a narrow sandstone gorge. Indeed, the birdlife is so varied here, you can’t help but go birdwatching, trying to spot peregrine falcons nesting in hollows of the rock-face, or rare turquoise parrots darting overhead. This is a terrific track for families and kids as well. Though Burbie Canyon walking track is good to visit at any time of year, spring is particularly beautiful, surrounded by an abundance of wildflowers like the common parrot pea, guinea flower, and five corners, a popular bushfood. Bring the camera and enjoy the stunning ambience of the native forest. This is also a great place to see swamp and red-necked wallabies, and, if you’re particularly lucky, you may even spy a koala dozing in a eucalyptus tree.

Warrumbungle NSW

38 km away

Whitegum lookout

Natural Attractions

Whitegum lookout

Spectacular views of the volcanic landscape of Warrumbungle National Park await you at Whitegum lookout. Be sure to take a hamper or thermos flask if you want to relax at the picnic tables near the carpark after taking in the view and snapping some photographs. It is a 500m stroll from the carpark to Whitegum lookout along a sealed pathway. Although there is a slight incline, the path is suitable for wheelchairs and prams and it is an easy walk for children.

Tonderburine NSW

38 km away

Mount Exmouth walking track

Natural Attractions

Mount Exmouth walking track

This long trek is also an extremely rewarding one: the 360-degree views from Mount Exmouth, the 1206m peak of Warrumbungle Range, are truly outstanding. Along the way to the summit, you’ll encounter beautiful scenery, a varied vegetation community, and basalt rock formations that comprise some of the few remaining pieces of the original volcanic shield. Following Mount Exmouth walking track is to walk back in time, experiencing the best that Warrumbungle National Park has to offer. You won’t be alone, either. Kangaroos, wallabies and wallaroos are common sights along the track. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a rare koala in the trees along ‘The Boulevarde’, a stretch of scenic woodland between Camp Burbie and Danu Gap. Don’t forget your binoculars, too – turquoise parrots can be seen in small flocks around the same area. The vegetation on the summit is sparse, and only the hardiest of plants like the mallee eucalyptus can survive here. But in spring, the wildflowers are out down below, including pink hyacinth orchids and nodding greenhood.

Coonabarabran NSW

39 km away

Coonabarabran, Warrumbungle, Tooraweenah Drive — Image credit: Photo: OEH

Natural Attractions

Coonabarabran, Warrumbungle, Tooraweenah Drive

Fancy a leisurely drive through the iconic Warrumbungles, taking in some of the sights that have put this area on the world map? The 70-kilometres Coonabarabran – Warrumbungle – Tooraweenah drive combines views, lookouts, and easy walks on a spectacular day trip. Starting in Coonabarabran, you’ll drive through the picturesque Timor Valley. Highlights worth a visit include Timor Rock and the Anglo-Australian telescope at Siding Spring. Arriving at the entrance to Warrumbungle National Park, a pit stop at the accessible Whitegum lookout is on the cards. Here, you’ll enjoy a wonderful panorama over the ‘crooked’ mountains across to the impressive Breadknife and Belougery Split Rock. If you’re feeling like stretching your legs, try the easy Gurianawa walking track or unpack the hamper at the nearby Canyon picnic area. Continue through the park towards Tooraweenah keeping an eye out for majestic Mount Exmouth on your left.

Coonabarabran NSW

39 km away

Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk

Natural Attractions

Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk

This iconic Warrumbungle National Park walk is famous for its wildlife and vistas of rugged volcanic landscape. Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is the jewel in the glistening crown and is a must-do for bush walkers who love a challenge with their scenery. The track follows Spirey Creek before climbing steeply to give close encounters with iconic formations such as Belougery Spire, Bress Peak and Crater Bluff. Passing Balor Hut campground on your way up, stop for a picnic and take in one of the best panoramas in NSW. After the breathtaking Grand High Tops summit, continue on towards Western High Tops and the Ogma Gap campground. You'll pass Dows Camp on the way for a look at the impressive Bluff Mountain. To complete the 14.5 kilometre loop, follow the West Spirey track back to Pincham carpark. Alternatively, you can take a shorter 12.5 kilometre return to Pincham carpark via Dagda Shortcut. In spring, walkers will be treated to a wildflower display of purple hoveas, white daisy bushes, yellow wattles and orange pea flowers.

Warrumbungle NSW

39 km away

Worlds Largest Virtual Solar System Drive

Observatories and Planetariums

Worlds Largest Virtual Solar System Drive

Launch into Coonabarabran, on the World's Largest Virtual Solar System Drive and explore the planets as if you were hurtling through space. Journey through the Solar System and picturesque countryside on one or all of the five drives that lead to Australia's largest optical astronomy centre (where you will find the sun), Siding Spring Observatory is one of the country's largest centres for optical astronomy research. Stop and visit each sign to learn fascinating facts about the universe along the way. The colourful three-dimensional planets on the billboards are scaled in size relative to the huge observatory dome, and the location of the billboards is scaled in distance, just as you'd find the planets in outer space - only 38 million times smaller! The World's Largest Virtual Solar System Drive is a daytime experience. Visitors are encouraged to stop at each planet in a safe manner, taking care when pulling off and back onto the roadway.

Coonabarabran NSW

41 km away

Crystal Kingdom

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Crystal Kingdom

Crystal Kingdom is the home of one of the world's most unique mineral collections, the 'Minerals of the Warrumbungles'. See the world's rarest and most colourful Zeolite Crystals and learn about how the Coonabarabran area was once home to not one, but two volcanoes. Experienced staff are available to explain the fascinating origin of these extinct local volcanoes. More than 500 examples of local minerals and fossils are on display. Not only are these treasures of the earth on show, but their origin and use are also explained and fact sheets are available. The educational exhibition displays a range of fossils from 300 million years ago to the recent age of the Australian Megafauna. Jewellery lovers and collectors will love browsing through the crystal shop. Here you will find quality gemstone jewellery, crystals, and fossils. Guided group tours are available. Prior booking is required.

Coonabarabran NSW

41 km away

Mural Artwork Shop Front — Image credit: The Lighthouse, Coonabarabran

Shopping and Markets

The Lighthouse, Coonabarabran

The Lighthouse is a unique boutique offering books, jewellery, gifts, and clothing inspired by the Warrumbungles region. The store caters to seasonal women's fashion trends across a wide range of styles and sizes. It also serves as a welcoming community space where visitors can stop by, sit down, and enjoy a friendly conversation. The Lighthouse provides an inviting atmosphere for both locals and travellers alike.

Coonabarabran NSW

42 km away

Wide shot inside of store — Image credit: Packman Collectables

Shopping and Markets

Packman Collectables

Packman Collectables is the Warrumbungle region's newest hobby hub, bringing a style of specialty card and toy store usually only found in major regional centres and cities. The store caters to trading-card enthusiasts, collectors of unique treasures, LEGO fans, and anyone who enjoys gaming culture. Visitors can join live pack breaks, take part in raffles, build LEGO, play classic RPGs such as Dungeons & Dragons, or enjoy regular gaming nights. It's a welcoming space for youth and adults alike, offering a friendly place to meet, connect and share a passion for collecting and games.

Coonabarabran NSW

42 km away

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