Culgoa National Park
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Learn more about why this park is special
Culgoa National Park is a special place. Here are just some of the reasons why:
Rich cultural life
Aboriginal Australians have a long relationship with Culgoa. Murrawarri people, from the Gandugari group, consider it traditional land and it has significant archaeological and cultural value. Other tribal groups include the Ngemba, Ngaampaa, Paakandji, Morawari and Budjiti, who work with the NPWS in discussions of land management. Today, Murrawarri descendants reside in the area around the park, including the townships of Weilmoringle, Brewarrina, Goodooga, Bourke and Enngonia. These people retain a strong oral history of the region, expressed as traditional knowledge, beliefs, personal history and attachment to the landscape.
Under the shade of a coolabah tree
Culgoa is the only national park in NSW with Brigalow-gidgee woodland. It also has the largest continuous tract of coolabah woodland left in the state, meaning plenty of opportunities to settle down in the afternoon 'under the shade of a coolabah tree'.
- Culgoa Connellys track Culgoa Connellys track is an easy 8km return trail through open coolabah woodlands, with plenty of animals to see and opportunities for birdwatching and astronomy.
- Mirri Mirru Yurun Mirri Mirru Yurun (River Bank walk) is an easy 1km walk along Culgoa River, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and a place to stop for a barbecue afterwards.
Iconic plants and animals
Culgoa has enough animals to keep even the most knowledgable naturalist glued to their binoculars: 24 mammals, 170 species of bird, 29 lizards, seven types of snake, and 15 types of frog. If you're lucky, you might spot a long-necked tortoise - there are many varieties in the park. Even more special, Culgoa has one of the largest koala populations in northern NSW.
- Culgoa Connellys track Culgoa Connellys track is an easy 8km return trail through open coolabah woodlands, with plenty of animals to see and opportunities for birdwatching and astronomy.
- Yuwura Yurun Yuwura Yarun (Sandhill track) offers the most comprehensive walk in Culgoa National Park, crossing diverse habitats and offering birdwatching and picnicking opportunities.
Historic heritage
Charles Sturt was the first European explorer to venture here, in 1829, but colonial pastoralists were not far behind. By the 1860s, settlements were established right across the region, with large properties like Byerawering, Cawwell and Burban Grange, where Culgoa River campground can be found today. Culgoa National Park is committed to conserving the pastoral history of the area.