Warrumbungle National Park is located in New South Wales and is approximately two hours north of Dubbo. From Brisbane, it is approximately an 8.5-hour drive or if you’re coming from Sydney, it will take you around 6.5 hours.
Whilst it is a bit of a drive to get there, it is well worth the visit! It’s classed as a Heritage-listed National Park and is considered to be one of the best places for stargazing as it’s the only Dark Sky Park in Australia.
Though it is a bit of a drive, your trip to Warrumbungle NP will be worth it.
It is also home to one of Australia’s best optical and infrared astronomical observatories called Siding Springs Observatory, which is located on the edge of the national park. Apart from the great star gazing, Warrumbungle National Park is fantastic for camping and hiking.
Warrumbungle NP is known for its stargazing and Siding Springs Observatory.
What are the main camping areas?
In terms of where you can stay during your visit, the three main camping sites are Camp Wambelong, Camp Blackman, and Camp Pincham.
Camp Blackman
Our favourite camping spot at the Warrumbungles is Camp Blackman. This campsite is next to a track which links to the Wambelong Nature Track (1.1km circuit). On this track, as well as at Camp Blackman, you will see an abundance of kangaroos and native birds. Not only is Camp Blackman a peaceful place to stay, but it also offers hot showers and has powered sites available.
If you are part of a larger group of people, the Warrumbungle Environment Education Centre or Camp Walaay (which are both close to Camp Blackman) is the best place to stay in the park.
You might see local wildlife if you stay at Camp Blackman.
Camp Wambelong
Another camping area is Camp Wambelong. This camping area has views of Belougery and Split Rock. It is a great camping spot as it is located close to the trailheads of many hiking tracks.
There are three main hiking tracks near Camp Wambelong: Burbie Canyon Walking Track, Belougery Split Walking Track, and Mount Exmouth Walking Track.
Burbie Canyon & Belougery Split Walking Tracks
Both Burbie Canyon Walking Track (2km return) and Belougery Split Rock Walking Track (4.6km loop) are both short hikes and offer some great views. It is possible to see a range of wildlife on these tracks including koalas, turquoise parrots, peregrine falcons, wedge-tailed eagles, and red-necked wallabies.
To take a virtual tour of the Burbie Canyon Walking Track click here and for a virtual tour of Belougery Split Walking head here.
The views looking west over the park.
Mount Exmouth Walking Track
For the more adventurous hikers, I’d recommend the Mount Exmouth Walking Track (17km return). Whilst it is a longer hike, this track offers 360-degree views when you reach the summit. Mount Exmouth is also the highest peak in the Warrumbungles at 1206m. As this track is fairly long, there is a camping spot, Camp Burbie, located approximately half-way to the summit.
Burbie Camp offers toilet facilities and a tap with spring water (though it’s recommended to boil the water before drinking it). Keep in mind that bookings are required in advance for this site.
Considered one of the best hikes in NSW, the Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is not to be missed.
Camp Pincham – Fans Horizon walking track, Goulds Circuit & Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk
Camp Pincham is another popular camping ground at the Warrumbungles and offers access to a variety of other hiking tracks. The most popular tracks near Camp Pincham are: Fans Horizon walking track (3.6km return), Goulds Circuit (6.3km circuit), and Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk (return via West Spirey Creek) (14.5km loop).
As an addition to the Breadknife hike, many people walk the extra 2.5km (return) to Bluff Mountain. It is common to see wild goats on the tracks.
You can see the famous Breadknife in the distance on your hike.
The main camping area on the Breadknife and Grand High Tops Circuit is Balor Hut. Balor Hut is the only hut on the Grand High Tops and offers four double bunk beds, a tap you can use (though it’s recommended to boil the water), and toilets. You can take a virtual tour of Balor Hut campground here.
Bookings are essential as the hut is locked when it is not booked, so you’ll have to collect the key from the visitor centre. Other walk-in camping areas in this area include Hurley’s Campsite, Dows Camp and Ogma Gap.
From the Bluff Mountain walking track, you’ll be able to see Belougery Spire.
Tara Cave
Tara Cave (3.4km) is another great place to hike. This track is mostly sealed and has a slight incline, suitable for the everyday walker. Tara Cave was a place previously used by Indigenous people up until the 1950s. The cave itself is located up on a hill and has some great views of the surrounding area. At the start of the track, there is also a picnic area (Old Woolshed Picnic Area) which is a great place to have a break and a bite to eat.
Another great Picnic Area at the Warrumbungles is Canyon Picnic area which offers barbecue facilities. The Canyon Picnic area is also located next to Wambelong Creek. Both the Old Woolshed Picnic Area and the Canyon Picnic Area offer toilet facilities.
If you want to explore further, there are other parks in the area.
Where else can you explore around the Warrumbungles?
Want to explore more around the Warrumbungles? Pilliga National Park is located just one hour drive north of Warrumbungle National Park.
A popular hike that you can do there is the Sandstone Caves walking track which is a 1.7km circuit and leads to some Aboriginal rock art which is worth checking out as the next stop after your trip.
What’s your favourite place to stargaze in Australia?
Sabrina is an avid hiker from Brisbane. She hikes as a way to unwind after a busy week working as a Guidance Officer. She’s explored many of the popular tracks around South East Queensland and is always up for a bigger challenge! She has a long list of hikes she would like to do around Australia and overseas in the future.
Did the Grand High Tops several years ago, when knees were better…. Very spectacular and recommended. Also recommend Coonabarabran itself, plus the Pilliga Pottery nearby. You can come in from the western side through a little place called Gulargambone, also much recommended.
Fantastic! Thanks for your suggestions, Paul.
Thank you for the hiking ideas in the Warrumbungles. We are heading there in early July, with the Grandkids.