We were at Gundabooka NP on 28 April 2021.
Kerry’s snippets in fuchsia
Getting There
Bourke > Gundabooka NP ~ 50kms
History
Gundabooka National Park is located in northwest NSW, approximately 50km southwest of Bourke and 110km northwest of Cobar. The 63,903ha national park extends from the Darling river banks to the Gunderbooka range. Vast stretches of grassy woodlands, open plains and rust-coloured rock dominate this landscape
Gunderbooka range is highly significant to the Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji people of western NSW. Before it became a national park, the area was home to the Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji people of western NSW. Ceremonial events were held within the range.
Though noted by Charles Sturt in 1829 as part of the British exploration, the Gunderbooka range wasn’t used by pastoralists until the late 1800s. The range was included in neighbouring sheep stations which were then subdivided after World War I.
The area is marginal farming country and many of the stations could not remain viable, so they were either amalgamated into larger properties, or simply abandoned. Today, three of these smaller stations – Ben Lomond, Belah and Mulgowan – make up Gundabooka National Park.
Drive to the NP
We drive south on the Kidman Way – a good sealed road. It was a dirt road within the NP, but a good road all the way. We saw a flock of emu’s on the road – so funny that they run along the road in front of us, going very slowly, instead running off to the side.
Dry Tank
We decided to go to Dry Tank first and then to Bennets Gorge. After lunch we would go to see Mulgowan on the return trip to Bourke.
The Dry Tank picnic and camping area is about 22km from the highway. It is quite large and spacious – a very peaceful setting of rugged red earth and eucalypts trees. We took the Little Mountain walk which was perfectly moderate despite warning of a challenge. The walking track is in good condition and runs from Dry Tank campground to Little Mountain lookout. we really liked the beauty and tranquility of the bush as we walked this red-soil track through wild mulga woodland. As we approached the lookout, we watched the imposing Gunderbooka Range rise up from the plains.
The lookout provides great scenic views of the range’s entire northern escarpment of the Gundabooka Range, and would be quite spectacular at sunset.
Bennets Gorge
The road to Bennets Gorge – about 35km – was in good condition, although very dusty. We saw another flock of emus on the way.
As we get close to the gorge, we see it emerge from the plains. It is quite spectacular. We walked the easy 1km track to the base of Mount Gunderbooka, which rises 500m above park. Here there is a viewing platform.
Kerry was not feeling up to the Valley of the Eagles walk – rated as a difficult 5.7km return walk over rocky and very steep terrain. It should only be taken by fit walkers, the signs say. But I found it quite OK, although steep in places. I followed the track sings to the top where I was rewarded with sweeping 360 degree views of Gundabooka National Park.
Valley of the Eagles
Back at the base we decided to drive straight back to Bourke as Kerry was not feeling so good and all the dirt roads don’t help. So we missed Mulgowan and some exceptional First Nations artwork. But we had really enjoyed our visit to the National Park.
To see photos from this post, click here.
To see a video from this post, click here.