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Gundabooka National Park

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Gundabooka National Park

The Gundabooka National Park is a protected national park in the north-west region of New South Wales, in eastern Australia. The 63,902-hectare (157,910-acre) national park is located approximately 820 kilometres (510 mi) northwest of Sydney. The nearest town is Bourke, 70 kilometres (43 mi) to the north. The national park is located adjacent to both the Darling River and the Toorale National Park, both located on the northwest boundary of Gundabooka National Park. Mount Gunderbooka and the Gunderbooka Range is located within the park. Prior to becoming a park the area was home to the Ngemba people and a sheep station. Petroglyph rock art and ancestral ceremonial grounds are located inside the park. It has many exotic plants. The landscape is dominated by large open plains, stretches of grassy woodlands, and rust-coloured rocky cliffs.

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Indigenous imprint on the landscape

Beyond the visible rock art, the Ngemba’s traditional fire‑management practices still echo across Gundabooka’s grasslands. Early visitors can join guided walks led by local custodians, who will point out subtle variations in vegetation regrowth that mark centuries‑old burn patterns. These controlled burns not only sustain the delicate balance of native grasses but also create a mosaic of habitats for ground‑dwelling birds. Engaging with this living heritage offers a perspective on how cultural stewardship shapes ecological resilience, something most guidebooks overlook.

Seasonal rhythms and the river’s pulse

The park’s proximity to the Darling River means its character shifts dramatically with the water’s cadence. In late winter, low flows expose expansive mudflats that are a magnet for migratory waders, while spring floods blanket the low plains, turning tracks into temporary waterways navigable by canoe. Planning a visit around these natural cycles allows travellers to witness contrasting scenes – from stark, wind‑swept dunes to lush, water‑kissed woodlands – and to time wildlife spotting with the river’s own timetable rather than a fixed calendar.

Practical navigation for the self‑sufficient explorer

Gundabooka’s vast, open terrain can be disorienting without a reliable plan. Satellite‑compatible walkie‑talkies are advisable, as mobile coverage is sporadic beyond the Bourke corridor. Carry a detailed topographic map that marks the informal track network; many of the most rewarding viewpoints sit off the main gravel roads and require a short scramble over rust‑coloured cliffs. Fuel stations are scarce, so refuel in Bourke and stock up on water before heading into the park. A modest 4WD enhances access to remote campgrounds, but a sturdy 2WD is sufficient for the majority of marked routes.

Introduction

National park in New South Wales, Australia Gundabooka National ParkIUCN category II (national park)Gundabooka National ParkLocationNew South WalesNearest cityBourkeCoordinates30°30′10″S 145°42′50″E / 30.50278°S 145.71389°E / -30.50278; 145.71389Area639.02 km2 (246.73 sq mi)EstablishedApril 1996 (1996-04)Governing bodyNSW National Parks & Wildlife ServiceWebsiteOfficial website The Gundabooka National Park is a protected national park in the north-west region of New South Wales, in eastern Australia. The 63,902-hectare (157,910-acre) national park is located approximately 820 kilometres (510 mi) northwest of Sydney. The nearest town is Bourke, 70 kilometres (43 mi) to the north. The national park is located adjacent to both the Darling River and the Toorale National Park, both located on the northwest boundary of Gundabooka National Park. Mount Gunderbooka and the Gunderbooka Range is located within the park. Prior to becoming a park the area was home to the Ngemba people and a sheep station. Petroglyph rock art and ancestral ceremonial grounds are located inside the park. It has many exotic plants. The landscape is dominated by large open plains, stretches of grassy woodlands, and rust-coloured rocky cliffs. Images from the park Grey-crowned babbler in the park Floodwaters near Yanda campground