Toorale Homestead walk
Toorale National Park
Overview
Toorale Homestead walk is in the Toorale Homestead precinct of Toorale National Park, near Bourke. Enjoy a short stroll around the heritage-listed homestead and its historic buildings.
This easy 200m loop walk follows a gravel path through the Toorale Homestead precinct, known to the Kurnu-Baakandji People as Yarramarra, which means ‘tree’ and ‘hand’.
Step back in time as you stroll among the best, most extensive surviving examples of historic pastoral buildings in NSW’s far western region. A highlight is Toorale Homestead, built in 1896 as a wedding present to Samuel McCaughey’s favourite niece, Louisa Robinson. The motor garage, blacksmith’s shop and farrier’s hut offer a rich glimpse into the technology of a bygone era.
Remember to enjoy these buildings from the outside only. To enter, you’ll need to book a NPWS guided tour.
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Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra)
Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra) is a must-see for outback travellers near Bourke. Built on the lands of the Kurnu-Baakandji People, Toorale Station was once part of the world’s largest sheep station.
These maps give a basic overview of park attractions and facilities, and may not be detailed enough for some activities. We recommend that you buy a topographic map before you go exploring.
Map
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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/toorale-homestead-walk/local-alerts
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
Park info
- in Toorale National Park in the Outback NSW region
Toorale National Park and SCA is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Toorale Homestead walk.
Maps and downloads
Learn more
Toorale Homestead walk is in Toorale National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
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.
- Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra) Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra) is a must-see for outback travellers near Bourke. Built on the lands of the Kurnu-Baakandji People, Toorale Station was once part of the world’s largest sheep station.
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.