Warrego Floodplain walking track

Outback

A group of people walk along a wide dirt walking track shaded by tall coolabah trees. Photo: Jessica Stokes © OEH

Overview

The short, easy Warrego Floodplain walking track offers lookout views of the vast floodplain, birdwatching and seasonal wildflowers, in Toorale National Park, south of Bourke.

Where: Toorale National Park, Toorale State Conservation Area in Outback NSW
Accessibility: Easy
Distance: 1km return
Time suggested: 30min
Grade: Grade 2
Opening times: Dry weather only.
What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, snacks, drinking water, suitable clothing, binoculars
Please note: Please respect the wishes of the Kurnu-Baakandji People by protecting the natural and cultural features of the park.
This walk is in a remote location. Weather can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit.
You can pick up maps and brochures from the Bourke NPWS office or Bourke Visitor Information Centre.

Take a stroll through the vast Warrego Floodplain of Outback NSW on this short, accessible walk. Starting from Warrego Floodplain picnic area (Wariku Pulka), the wide dirt track passes through an avenue of shady coolibah trees to the sheltered Warrego Floodplain lookout.

The lookout is a great spot to take in views across the expansive floodplain. It’s best to time your visit for March to October, when temperatures are cooler and summer rainfall has made the landscape come alive with wildflowers, and waterbirds flock to the floodplain.

Birdwatchers and keen photographers will enjoy spotting brolgas, bustards, cormorants, pelicans and spoonbills. As you wander along the track, keep an eye out for sand goannas, kangaroos, emus and shingleback lizards (known locally as bogeyes). Don’t be deceived by the flat landscape – sand ridges and clay depressions are home to an array of native plants and animals.

After your walk, enjoy lunch at the picnic area then head to Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra), or explore the park further along Warrego Floodplain Drive (Wampa-wampa Wariku Pulka).

Also see

Warrego Floodplain picnic area (Wariku Pulka)

Warrego Floodplain picnic area (Wariku Pulka) is a tranquil spot for lunch, located at the start of Warrego Floodplain walking track in Toorale National Park, near Bourke.
Warrego Floodplain lookout

Warrego Floodplain lookout is on Warrego Floodplain walking track in Toorale National Park. Visit after rains to see this landscape come alive with wildflowers and waterbirds.

Map

Map legend

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/warrego-floodplain-walking-track/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 State Conservation Area in the Outback NSW region

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.

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Warrego Floodplain walking track.

Track grading

Grade 2

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

1km return

Time

30min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Gentle hills

Steps

No steps

Quality of path

Formed track: The walk is a 2m-wide compacted dirt track with several gravel sections and a wood boardwalk.

Getting there and parking

Warrego Floodplain walking track is in Toorale National Park. To get there:

From Bourke:

Drive around 10km north from Bourke along Hungerford Road, following the national park signs
Turn left onto Bourke-Milparinka Road and continue 22km
Turn left onto the unsealed Toorale Road and follow 38km until you enter Toorale National Park
From the park entrance, continue 13km then turn right onto Warrego Floodplain Drive
Drive 14km to Warrego Floodplain picnic area carpark.

From Louth:

Cross the bridge and head west on Weeling Road for around 3km
Turn right at the Tilpa sign onto the unsealed Toorale Road and follow 25km until you enter Toorale National Park
From the park entrance, continue 17km then turn left onto Warrego Floodplain Drive
Drive 14km to Warrego Floodplain picnic area carpark.

Road conditions and access

Warrego Floodplain Drive is dry weather access only.
Unsealed roads to, and within, Toorale National Park may close due to wet weather. It’s a good idea to check conditions and closures with the NPWS Bourke office or Bourke Shire Council before you set out. Fines apply for driving on closed roads.

Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)

Weather restrictions

Dry weather only

Parking

Parking is available in a hard-packed ground carpark at Warrego Floodplain picnic area, where this walk starts.

Facilities

Toilets, picnic tables and car parking are available at Warrego Floodplain picnic area where this walk begins
You’ll need to bring your own supply of drinking water.
Rubbish bins are not provided, so please take your rubbish with you when you leave.

Seats and resting points

There's a bench with a backrest at the lookout.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

This is a remote location. Weather can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit.
It’s a good idea to advise a family member or friend of your travel plans before you set out.

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).

Outback safety

Safety is of high priority in outback areas. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 50°C in some places. Food, water and fuel supplies can be scarce. Before you head off, check for road closures and use our contacts to stay safe in the outback.

Accessibility

Disability access level - easy

Warrego Floodplain walking track is a 2m-wide compacted dirt track with several gravel sections and a wood boardwalk.
The track is suitable for wheelchair users, prams and people with reduced mobility. Some assistance may be required on the gravel sections and gentle hills.
There are picnic tables at the picnic area where the walk starts and ends, and bench seat at the lookout for resting.
There are toilets at the picnic area, but they have steps leading to the entrance and the toilets themselves are not accessible or ambulant.

Prohibited

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Camping

Please camp in designated campgrounds, at Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru).

Cycling

Not permitted on this walking track. You can cycle along Warrego Floodplain Drive.

Fishing

Gathering firewood

Generators

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.