Type

Historic buildings/places

Where

4258 Toorale Road, Gumbalie, NSW, 2840 - in Toorale National Park in Outback NSW

Accessibility

Medium

Grade

Easy

Opening times

Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra) is open 7 days a week, 8am–5pm. Entry inside the homestead and outbuildings is by NPWS guided tours only, during the school holidays. For further information, call the NPWS Bourke office on (02) 6830 0200.

Please note

• Please respect the wishes of the Kurnu-Baakandji People by protecting the natural and cultural features of the park.
• The homestead is in a remote location where the weather can be extreme and unpredictable. Ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit, and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.
• Roads to and within Toorale National Park are unsealed and can be closed due to wet weather. Check with the NPWS Bourke office or Bourke Shire Council for the latest road condition report before you set out. Don’t drive on closed roads – heavy fines apply.
• Pick up maps and brochures from the NPWS Bourke office and Bourke Visitor Information Centre.

Visit Toorale National Park, and you’ll realise there’s nowhere else quite like it. It’s an important spiritual and cultural region for the Kurnu-Baakandji People. The Traditional Owners have continued their connection by living and working at Toorale station over its long history.

Take a self-guided tour of Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra). You'll be fascinated by the grandeur of the homestead and its outbuildings. History buffs will enjoy the stories of Toorale's past. In the late 1880s the station was the calm centre of a thriving sheep and cattle empire.

It’s a good idea to visit during the cooler months between April and September. You can plan some extra sightseeing and a walk in the area. Nearby attractions include Mount Talowla walking track (Thina Yapa) and lookout (Withawithalaana). Rest under the shade of red river gums at Many Big Rocks picnic area (Karnu Yalpa) and Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru). Soak up the peaceful surrounds as you take in the vast floodplains, red sand hills and gigantic sky.

You might see sand goannas, bearded dragons and emus during the day, and crucifix frogs, owls and western grey or red kangaroos by night. Birdwatchers, bring your binoculars along. You’re likely to be rewarded with sightings of red-tailed black cockatoos and wetland birds like brolgas, spoonbills and straw-necked ibises.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Getting there and parking

Facilities

Maps and downloads

Learn more

Birdwatching spectacular

After the rains, the vast natural floodplain springs to life and the wetlands bring an abundance of birdlife. A fabulous spot for birdwatching, bring your binoculars for the chance to see the iconic brolga, pink cockatoo, or the wide range of waterbirds such as the Australian pelican, pied cormorant and royal spoonbill.

Inland rivers

Toorale National Park marks the junction of two mighty inland rivers and provides one of only a few opportunities to access the Darling and Warrego rivers. Set up camp on the Darling riverbank, or spend a leisurely day checking out the local wildlife, birdwatching and fishing.

Rich pastoral history

A relative newcomer to the national park family, Toorale was purchased in 2008. The large pastoral station and woolshed changed hands many times, and many people have a historic connection to Toorale, including Henry Lawson, who worked on the station for a short period during the 1890s.

The People of Darling River

This country between the Warrego and Darling rivers is of spiritual and cultural significance to Kurnu-Baakandji People. The name Baakandji comes from the word ‘paaka’, meaning ‘Darling River’, so Baakandji are the People belonging to Darling River. Take a Discovery tour to learn about the culture and heritage of the region as well as local bush tucker such as wild orange, quandongs, wild plum bush, wild bananas and bush tomatoes.