Caryapundy lookout loop drive
Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park
Overview
Caryapundy lookout south loop drive closed
You'll need to complete this drive as a return trip instead of a loop as Caryapundy lookout south loop drive is closed. Stay on Narriearra Scenic Drive and take Caryapundy lookout north loop to access the campground and Caryapundy tank bird hide. Return the same way.
The grey grasswren bird habitat and Bartons Tank bird hide is also closed until futher notice.
If you’re staying in Tibooburra and only have time for a day drive, try this return drive through Narriearra. Bring a picnic and set out on your journey through this extraordinary outback national park.
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Distance
- 74km
- Time suggested
- 5hrs
- Grade
- Easy
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Drinking water, food supplies, first aid kit, personal locator beacon, binoculars
- Please note
- The roads from Tibooburra or Bourke and the roads within this park are unsealed gravel roads that may be closed in poor weather. Check the weather before you set out.
- Please be mindful of wildlife. Stick to tracks to avoid trampling vegetation and look out for reptiles sunbathing in the middle of the road.
- The best times to visit are autumn for the cooler weather or springtime after rain, when the park comes alive with wildflowers like spotted fuchsia bush, Sturts pigface and variable daisy. Note that if you visit within 1 to 3 months after good rainfall, roads may only be open to 4WD vehicles, and some roads in the northern part of the park may not be open at all.
This 74km drive gives you an overview of Narriearra’s beauty and uniqueness. Along the way, the landscape stretches endlessly in all directions. Notice how the environment changes from semi-arid shrublands and sand dunes to the impermanent creeks, swamps and lakes of the Channel country after rain.
From the park entrance, follow Narriearra Scenic Drive. Continue straight then turn left onto Caryapundy lookout north loop to get to the Caryapundy tank precinct.
Book in advance to stay at Caryapundy lookout campground. It’s a great place to enjoy your picnic or a barbecue. Relax at one of the picnic tables along the edge of the escarpment and take in the view over Caryapundy Swamp from Caryapundy lookout. After lunch, go on a short walk.
Continue west and then stretch your legs at Caryapundy tank bird hide. See if you can spot any pink-eared ducks, grey teals, blue-billed ducks, hoary-headed grebes or Australasian grebes.
Back in the car, you'll need to return the same way, driving east along the Caryapundy lookout north loop. Turn right onto Narriearra Scenic Drive and return to the park entrance.
On the way
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Caryapundy tank bird hide
If you’re a keen birdwatcher, don’t miss a visit to Caryapundy tank bird hide in Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park, near Tibooburra. It’s a great place to see some amazing bird species.
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Caryapundy lookout campground
If you enjoy remote, self-sufficient camping in outback NSW, Caryapundy lookout campground is for you. Located east of Tibooburra, it has an incredible view, picnic area and a night sky perfect for stargazing.
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Whittabrinnah heritage walk
Step back in time when you do this short walk in Narriearra Carapundy Swamp National Park, near Tibooburra. It's an easy stroll around the Whittabrinnah Hotel ruins and great for all ages.
Things to do:
Tibooburra Visitor Centre
If you’re planning a trip through Sturt National Park and its surrounds, stop at Tibooburra Visitor Centre for information and a sneak preview of walks, drives, accommodation and more.
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General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Tibooburra Visitor Centre
- Tibooburra Visitor Centre is always open but it's unstaffed (self service)
- 08 8091 3308
- npws.westdarling@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 51 Briscoe Street, Tibooburra NSW 2880
Park info
- in Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park in the Outback NSW region
- Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, road closures or fire danger.
What's nearby:
Things to do (17)
- 4WD touring (3)
- Aboriginal culture (3)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (7)
- Canoeing/paddling (1)
- Historic heritage (8)
- Picnics and barbecues (2)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (6)
- Sightseeing (7)
- Visitor centres (1)
- Walking (6)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (3)