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Belougery Spire
The Breadknife
Split Rock
Mt. Timor
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The combination of forested ridges, rocky spires and domes, deep gorges and plenty of camping and visitor facilities have contributed towards the Warrumbungles being one of the state's most popular national parks. Clear starry night skies, rich pastoral areas, pleasant country towns and the Castlereagh River add to the pleasure of a trip through the region to these mountains.
White Gum Lookout
The Warrumbungles is the remnants of a large, heavily eroded shield volcano that was active from 18 to 15 million years ago. A huge shield-shaped volcano formed as volcanic explosions occurred over millions of years. The remaining complex, rocky formations are what is left after millions of years of erosion.
The range lies between the moist eastern coastal zone and the dryer plains to the west. Due to this position the mountains have provided protection for flora and fauna suited to both habitats. There are over 120 different bird species that have been identified on the range, including Lories and lorikeets, rosellas and parrots. In the centre of the range has served as an area of protection for a healthy and content colony of grey kangaroos. These animals have become fairly tame due to constant visitor attention and are easily approached.
The Siding Spring Observatory is situated on an eastern peak. The area has little light pollution to disturb astronomical viewing. It location here has led the nearby town of Coonabarabran to promote itself as the Astronomy Capital of NSW.
Walking trails
The park has a wide variety of walks available, from short flat walks accessible by wheelchair, to overnight walks with steep climbs and magnificent views. The tracks are mostly well maintained, and while there is some opportunity for off track walking, most popular places have a well marked track leading there. The most popular walk for a day is the Pincham Trail, to the Grand High Tops and Breadknife. This can be extended to do a full circuit including a detour to Bluff Mountain, which is a solid day of walking. Other side trips can be made to Mt. Exmouth, which probably requires an overnight walk if the previous features are visited, and Macha Tor, which has good views of Belougery Spire. Shorter, but still steep walks, include to Fan's Horizon and Bress Peak.
Easy walks include:
- Whitegum Lookout (1km)
- Gurianawa trail (1 km)
- Burbie Canyon (1km)
Medium grade walks include:
- Fans Horizon (3.6km)
- Belougery Split Rock (4.6 km)
- Goulds Circuit (8km)
- Bress Peak (8km)
Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Information Centre, 36 km west of Coonabarabran at the entry point of a number of popular walking trails, provides helpful advice on bushwalking, camp grounds, wildlife and geology of the area. Guidebooks, maps and basic camping supplies are also for sale. Visitor and camping fees are payable at the Park Visitor Centre or by self-registration envelopes after hours.
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