Bok lecture with astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli
Warrumbungle National Park
Overview
Join astrophysicist and Gomeroi woman Krystal De Napoli for the Starfest Bok lecture. Explore the stars with us in Warrumbungle National Park, Australia's first Dark Sky Park.
- When
Saturday 5 October 2024, 5 to 9pm.
- Accessibility
- Medium
- Time suggested
- 4hrs
- Grade
- Easy
- Entry fees
- Price includes park entry fee
- What to
bring - Drinking water, blankets, suitable clothing, snacks, torch
- Bookings
- Bookings required. Call 02 6842 1311 or email the park office team
The Bok lecture is part of Starfest with astronomers discussing cosmic wonders to educate and inspire you. Our guest speaker, astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli, is a passionate advocate for Indigenous sciences, particularly Indigenous astronomy as a Gomeroi woman herself.
Krystal will discuss the significance of lunar cusps marking wet and dry seasons, explore the traditions surrounding the Pleiades in Aboriginal astronomical lore, and provide insights into the astronomy of the Muruwari people.
5:00pm Arrival
5:30pm to 6:00pm Krystal De Napoli – Bok lecture
6:00pm to 6:30pm Q&A session with the Dark Sky Committee
6:45pm to 7:45pm Explore the night sky presentation
7:45pm to 9:00pm Use the telescope
You can participate in a Q&A session hosted by the Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park Committee, and gain local perspectives on the Warrumbungle Dark Sky from Branioc Rankin, Coonabarabran Stargazing.
Experience the wonders of the Warrumbungle Dark Sky firsthand by observing through multiple telescopes, offering a closer look at the celestial beauty above.
Visitors are advised to dress warmly, including gloves and beanies. Please bring additional items for comfort such as a torch, chair, and blanket. You might like to bring a thermos with a hot drink. A marquee will be provided in the case of rain or severe weather.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/events/bok-lecture/local-alerts
Operated by
- Warrumbungle NP Visitor Information Centre
- 9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6825 4364
- warrumbungle.np@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 4261 John Renshaw Parkway, Warrumbungle NSW 2828
Park info
- in Warrumbungle National Park in the Country NSW region
Warrumbungle National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Bok lecture with astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli.
Getting there and parking
The turn-off to Warrumbungle National Park is clearly signposted.
Canyon picnic area is in the central precinct of Warrumbungle National Park. To get there:
- Travel along John Renshaw Parkway from Coonabarabran
- Upon entering the park, take the turn-off to the visitor centre
- Continue along the road to Canyon picnic area
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at Canyon picnic area, including 1 accessible parking space.
Facilities
Toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
Carpark
Step-free access
The picnic area is mostly flat with step-free, with a concrete path that leads from the carpark to the amenities. You'll need to cross over flat grass to reach the rest of the facilities.
- Step-free outdoor pathways
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
You may expereince some minor difficulties, such as a grassy surface. You may require a little assistance to get around in some areas.
Medium access presents some minor difficulties, such as a grassy surface. You may require a little assistance to get around in some areas.
Prohibited
Drones
Pets
Smoking
Visitor centre
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Warrumbungle Visitor Centre
4261 John Renshaw Parkway, Warrumbungle NSW 2828 - 9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6825 4364
Learn more
Bok lecture with astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli is in Warrumbungle National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal dreamtime
Warrumbungle is a Gamilaraay word meaning crooked mountain, and for many thousands of years it has been a spiritual place for the custodians of this land, the Gamilaraay, the Wiradjuri and the Weilwan. The landscape, plants and animals of the park are a constant reminder of its sacred significance to Aboriginal people today. Take an Aboriginal Discovery guided tour to find out more about the Aboriginal cultural heritage.
- Bok lecture with astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli Join astrophysicist and Gomeroi woman Krystal De Napoli for the Starfest Bok lecture. Explore the stars with us in Warrumbungle National Park, Australia's first Dark Sky Park.
- Tara Cave walking track Tara Cave walking track is a gentle 3.4km return bushwalk through Warrumbungle National Park, near Coonabarabran. Learn about local Aboriginal culture and experience remarkable views.
Diversity of wildlife
Warrumbungle National Park has a rich diversity of landforms and microclimates, and provides a habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species. Flourishing with wildflowers and unique plants, such as Warrumbungle Range wattle, Warrumbungle star flower, golden cassinia and grey ray flower, the area also has an abundance of rich birdlife, including emus, wedge-tailed eagles and turquoise parrots - just a few of over 190 bird species recorded in the park. If you're lucky, you may also spot wildlife such as the koala, squirrel glider and brush-tailed rock wallaby. Be sure to also keep an eye out for Warrumbungle black rock skink high on the mountains, and lace monitors rustling through the bush.
- Burbie Canyon walking track Burbie Canyon walking track in Warrumbungle National Park offers a gentle 2km stroll through a sandstone gorge, and is particularly popular for birdwatching.
- Whitegum lookout walking track Whitegum lookout walking track is a short, wheelchair-accessible walk in Warrumbungle National Park. Suitable for all ages, it offers remarkable views.
Landscape and geology
The landscape of Warrumbungle National Park has been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion; spend some time looking at Crater Bluff and Belougery Spire and imagine the vents of magma that once erupted to create these formations. Layers of lava and volcanic rock created Mount Exmouth and Mount Woorut just outside the boundary of the park, and Belougery Split Rock and Bluff Mountain are great examples of igneous lava domes. One of the most iconic features in the park, The Breadknife, is a volcanic dyke which stands a massive 90m tall. You can learn more about the park's fascinating geological history, or take a self-guided geology tour, through the NSW GeoTours app.
- Bluff Mountain walking track Bluff Mountain walking track rewards experienced, fit bushwalkers with Warrumbungle National Park’s best views. This very long and challenging steep hike climbs past spectacular rock spires and domes—up to the summit of Bluff Mountain.
- Bok lecture with astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli Join astrophysicist and Gomeroi woman Krystal De Napoli for the Starfest Bok lecture. Explore the stars with us in Warrumbungle National Park, Australia's first Dark Sky Park.
- Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk in Warrumbungle National Park, regarded as one of the best walks in NSW, offers close up views of the park’s iconic rock formations.
- Burbie Canyon walking track Burbie Canyon walking track in Warrumbungle National Park offers a gentle 2km stroll through a sandstone gorge, and is particularly popular for birdwatching.
- Coonabarabran - Baradine - Warrumbungle drive Explore the spectacular landscapes, historic towns, picnic spots and walks of the Warrumbungles and Pilliga, near Coonabarabran and Baradine, in NSW.
Wish upon a star
Warrumbungle National Park is Australia’s first Dark Sky Park. Nearby Coonabarabran is known as the 'Astronomy Capital of Australia'. Stargaze from your campsite, or if you want to see right up to the heavens, visit a local observatory. The dramatic mix of volcanic spires and domes, plateaus, forested ridges and tall volcanic dykes are bound to make even the youngest of photographers look good, so whatever you do ‐ don't forget your camera.
- Canyon picnic area Canyon picnic area is a fully accessible, family friendly picnic area in Warrumbungle National Park. Not far from the visitor centre, it features barbecues and tables.
- Warrumbungle Visitor Centre Visitor information is available at the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre, which is now back in its original location. Get great suggestions and tips for walking and camping in Warrumbungle National Park.
- Whitegum lookout Whitegum lookout in Warrumbungle National Park features spectacular views of the landscape and picnic tables. It is wheelchair accessible and an easy walk for children.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)
With a wingspan of up to 2.5m, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey. These Australian animals are found in woodlands across NSW, and have the ability to soar to heights of over 2km. If you’re bird watching, look out for the distinctive diamond-shaped tail of the eagle.
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Superb fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus)
The striking blue and black plumage of the adult male superb fairy wren makes for colourful bird watching across south-eastern Australia. The sociable superb fairy wrens, or blue wrens, are Australian birds living in groups consisting of a dominant male, mouse-brown female ‘jenny wrens’ and several tawny-brown juveniles.
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Southern boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae)
The southern boobook, also known as the mopoke, is the smallest and most common native owl in Australia. With a musical 'boo-book' call that echoes through forests and woodlands, the southern boobook is a great one to look out for while bird watching.
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Tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)
Found throughout Australia, the tawny frogmouth is often mistaken for an owl due to its wide, powerful beak, large head and nocturnal hunting habits. The ‘oom oom oom’ call of this native bird can be heard echoing throughout a range of habitats including heath, woodlands and urban areas.
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Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
Of the 2 species of kookaburra found in Australia, the laughing kookaburra is the best-known and the largest of the native kingfishers. With its distinctive riotous call, the laughing kookaburra is commonly heard in open woodlands and forests throughout NSW national parks, making these ideal spots for bird watching.