Australia NSW Warrumbungles

Warrumbungle National Park 

Along our 123km drive to the Warrumbungle National Park we stopped in Gilgandra which promotes itself as the ‘Home of the Coo-ees’ with a bronze statue in the Main Street. In 1915 35 local men set off from Gilgandra on the first recruiting march of WWI. They walked 500km to Sydney in 6 weeks. It is reasonable to presume they called out ‘Coo-ee’ as they walked through the towns along the way to gain attention of their cause. 

Our next stop was at the Warrumbungle lookout where we glimpsed a dramatic skyline of craggy peaks and spires, the weathered remnants of ancient volcanoes.

Shortly after we were heading into Blackman Camp having booked over the phone ($16 unpowered) It’s quite a large camping area also offering powered sites and hot showers. Finding a couple of spots together we set up camp. 

After lunch we drove out to go for a lovely 3,5km walk to Tara Cave from the Old Woolshed Picnic area. 

The bush is still recovering from the 2013 fire. As the name suggests we ended the walk at a cave once used by the local indigenous people. 

We also enjoyed the views.  

siding Spring Observatory Australia’s largest optical astronomy centre (visit next post)

We then did a pleasant 2km walk through the Burbie Canyon, walking along the creek which offered views of Belougery Split Rock. 

We relaxed back at camp and enjoyed a camp fire BBQ. 

The next morning we said our ‘see you laters’ as John and Sue make their way back to Yamba and we continue our east southerly projectory (tomorrow). For today we stayed put and decided to do one of the many walks offered.We drove to Pincham Carpark and headed 3km following the creek to Spirey Lookout with some light showers. 

Plan A

If only we knew we would be walking up to those pinnacles.

As the sun peaked out from the clouds we thought we may as well continue to Grand High Tops passing via Breadknife.

Below the Breadknife 

Looking up the Breadknife.

It was another 3km up a mountain but the views were amazing and well worth the effort. 

On our way back down we came to a cross road...continue the circuit via Ogma Gap (7.6km of unknown territory) or double back 6km via Dagda Shortcut. We took the latter as we weren’t in the mood to possibly scramble up anymore mountains. 

Plan B .. 12km and 4 hours later Mark is still smiling as there is a cold beer in the car fridge!

We returned to camp with wobbly legs after the descent but felt better after a hot shower and a couple of drinks ...or was that numb 😜. Before the sunset we strolled around the camp and met up with a young couple we have bumped into a few times along our trip. Then it was dinner and bed..

Some of the wildlife ..