Warrumbungle Shire Council – Starry Skies and Discovery

Stargazing beneath an exceptionally starry sky, striking rock formations, and insights into Aboriginal culture and history give travel ideas around Warrumbungle Shire Council a variety of themes. Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran in New South Wales is home to Australia's first Dark Sky Park. In Coonabarabran itself, astronomical experiences, exhibitions and local history add to the region's appeal; other nature destinations lie in the surrounding area.

Starry skies and striking landscapes

Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran offers opportunities for stargazing, amateur astronomy and camping beneath an exceptionally starry sky. The Dark Sky Park provides a clear starting point for days that combine nature experiences with the night sky. One striking rock formation in the park is the Breadknife, which rises 90 metres above the valley floor.

The walking trails in the wider region vary in length and character. The Whitegum lookout walking track in Warrumbungle National Park is short, wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages; it offers remarkable views along the way. The Burbie Canyon walking track is an easy, two-kilometre walk through a sandstone gorge and is especially popular for birdwatching. Those comparing a short route with a trail through a gorge will find two distinct options here.

Pilliga Forest near Baradine offers a different scale: the forest covers more than half a million hectares and has 2,000 kilometres of publicly accessible roads and tracks. It can be explored by car or on foot, and camping is possible. Species living there include eastern pygmy-possums, swamp wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, sugar gliders and south-eastern long-eared bats.

Coonabarabran: Observatory and exhibitions

On the edge of Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran is Siding Spring Observatory, Australia's leading optical and infrared astronomical observatory. The associated AAT Visitor Gallery is open seven days a week. Closures may occur during extreme fire danger or severe weather; check visitor information before planning your visit.

At the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre, the Australian Museum Diprotodon Exhibition displays the skeleton and skull of a Diprotodon. Free guided tours of the exhibition are available for groups by prior arrangement. Contact the Visitor Information Centre to make arrangements. The museum also has an area featuring artworks by local artists, as well as the Aboriginal Keeping Place; current exhibition arrangements may vary.

The Visitor Information Centre offers advice on activities, accommodation and restaurants in the Warrumbungle region. It also has public amenities, park-like gardens and free barbecue facilities. As visitor services may change, it is advisable to ask the Centre directly for the latest details.

Culture, geological history and local history

Crystal Kingdom displays more than 500 specimens of local minerals and fossils. Advance booking is required for guided group tours; confirm arrangements with the operator before your visit. The exhibition complements the Diprotodon finds with a different perspective on natural history and rocks.

In the wider region, Sandstone Caves is a significant Aboriginal site associated with the Gamilaraay people. Sculptures in the Scrub celebrates Aboriginal culture and history. The Sculptures in the Scrub campground is in Timmallallie National Park. In Coonabarabran, the central business district also tells the story of the town: along John Street between Cassilis Street and the Castlereagh River, it bears witness to the effects of several economic booms in the 20th century.

Drives and planning your day

The World's Largest Virtual Solar System Drive starts in Coonabarabran and lets visitors discover facts about the universe at signs marking the planets. The drive is designed as a day trip. Visitors are encouraged to stop safely at each planet and take care when pulling off and rejoining the road; check current road conditions and follow the signs.

A separate option is the 70-kilometre Coonabarabran–Warrumbungle–Tooraweenah drive, a day trip with lookouts and easy walks. The two experiences offer different ways to plan your day: one explores space through planet signs, while the other combines a drive with lookouts and short walks.

Choosing a location that suits your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or house, it helps to first consider which experiences you want to include. If you want to focus on the observatory, gallery and exhibitions in Coonabarabran, using this town as your starting point can help guide your search. For walks, Pilliga Forest or other destinations in the wider region, factor in their locations when planning. This will help you choose an accommodation area that suits the places and activities that matter most to you on your trip.

Discover more destinations: Cowra Shire Council, Tumbarumba Shire Council, Orange City Council, Shellharbour City Council, Bega Valley Shire Council, Randwick City Council, Bathurst Regional Council.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.