Sandstone Caves walking track

Pilliga Nature Reserve

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Take a short walk along Sandstone Caves walking track to see ancient Aboriginal rock art in Pilliga Nature Reserve, located near Coonabarabran and Baradine. 

Distance
1.7km loop
Time suggested
1hr - 1hr 30min
Grade
Grade 3
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
Please note
  • Photography is permitted, however visitors are requested not to use flash photography.
  • It’s a good idea to check road conditions before setting out. Contact Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre for up-to-date information.

Walk in the footsteps of the Gamilaraay People along the short Sandstone Caves walking track in Pilliga Nature Reserve. You’ll pass through scenic forest to the impressive sandstone hills which contain ancient Aboriginal rock engravings. Take some time to read over the interpretive signage a deeper insight into this special place.

This is a special place for the Gamilaraay People. Please be respectful when visiting the area and refrain from touching the rock art and engravings.

Learn more about Pilliga Nature Reserve and Pilliga National Park.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Visiting the Pilliga National Park Discovery Centre. Photo © Rob Cleary

    Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre

    The Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre is the best place for visitors and tourists to collect information about the Pilliga Forest before setting off on their adventure.

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

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/walking-tracks/sandstone-caves-walking-track/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Sandstone Caves walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

1.7km loop

Time

1hr - 1hr 30min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Gentle hills

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Directions can be obtained by visiting or contacting Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre. The walk is not signposted as requested by the Aboriginal Elders.

Parking

Parking is available at the start of Sandstone Caves walking track.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

You may experience a great range of temperatures on any day in the park. In summer it's generally hot in the daytime and temperatures often exceed 40C. In winter nights can be very cold, but you can enjoy clear sunny days. Rainfall is also highly variable, ranging from drought to prolonged wet periods, with the average annual rainfall around 600mm. Creeks may quickly become impassable after heavy rain.

Summer temperature

Average

15°C and 35°C

Highest recorded

45°C

Winter temperature

Average

2°C and 21°C

Lowest recorded

-6.1°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

January

Driest month

June to September

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.