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Mount Kaputar National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Mount Kaputar National Park.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

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    Mt Kaputar Summit from Narrabri:

    • Drive south along Old Gunnedah Road, then turn left onto Kaputar Road.
    • Continue along Kaputar Road for around 27km until you reach the park entrance 
    • From here the road to the summit is steep and winding, with sections of unsealed road.
    • No caravans or large motorhomes are permitted beyond this point

    Sawn Rocks from Narrabri:

    • Travel north along Newell Highway for around 3km, then turn right onto Killarney Gap Road.
    • Continue along Killarney Gap Road for around 35km, then turn right at the Sawn Rocks turn-off. Drive around 100m to the Sawn Rocks car park. 

    Waa Gorge from Narrabri:

    • Travel north along Newell Highway for around 3km, then turn right onto Killarney Gap Road.
    • Continue along Killarney Gap Road for around 21km, then turn left onto Melburra Road towards Terry Hie Hie.
    • Drive on Melburra Road for around 30km, then turn right onto Allambie Road.
    • Follow Allambie Road for around 6.5km until you reach the park entrance. Waa Gorge carpark and picnic area is 1.5km from entrance. 
    • Please note: Allambie Road is open during dry weather only. The road is unsealed and passes through private property. Please respect landholders by closing gates, slowing for stock and staying off wet roads. 

    Caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers:

    • Caravans and large motorhomes are not permitted past the park entrance. Some sections of Kaputar Road are narrow, winding and unsealed. You can park your caravan in Narrabri and make day trips into the park. 
    • Caravans are permitted on Killarney Gap Road to Sawn Rocks, however overnight stays are prohibited.
    • Please drive slowly, turn on headlights and be aware of road conditions. It’s also a good idea to check current alerts for changed road conditions and closures before visiting.

    Park entry points Show more

    Parking Show more

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Mount Kaputar National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

    Autumn

    This is one of the best times of year to visit the park, with ideal temperatures for bush walking, cycling and camping.

    Spring

    A beautiful time of year to enjoy the abundant wildflowers and birds.

    Summer

    Escape the heat of the plains by heading up into the park. The mountains can be up to 10°C cooler than the surrounding towns and provide a relaxing refuge from the heat. Bring a book and relax under the shade of a towering snow gum.

    Winter

    Experience the mist surrounding the high plateau area and enjoy the beauty of the occasional blanketing of snow. The clear, sunny winter days are a great time to explore Sawn Rocks and Waa Gorge.

    Facilities

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

    Water

    Untreated water is provided at Dawsons Spring, Bark Hut, and Sawn Rocks picnic areas.

    None of the watercourses in the park provide reliable year-round water - you must take your own with you when walking.

    Weather 

    Weather in Mount Kaputar National Park can deteriorate quickly.

    • Do not use walking tracks during high winds
    • If severe weather is predicted it is advised that you leave the park
    • If caught in severe weather move into open areas
    • Be prepared that temperatures on the plateau can be about 10 degrees cooler than in the nearby town of Narrabri

    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.

    Mount Kaputar National Park

    Contact

    • in the Country NSW region
    • Mount Kaputar National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • More

    Nearby towns

    Narrabri (31 km)

    Explore Pilliga Forest to see salt caves, native flora and fauna, and bore baths, or enjoy camping and bushwalking in Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar's summit offers magnificent panoramic views, and there's excellent cabin accommodation within the park.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Moree (85 km)

    Join a Heritage and Art Deco Guided Walk to uncover Moree's outstanding collection of period architecture. Wander along the main street of Moree which showcases heritage-listed buildings influenced by American, Egyptian, Greek and Spanish design practices. 

    www.visitnsw.com

    Barraba (126 km)

    Barraba is a birdwatcher's paradise - spot the rare Regent Honeyeater on one of the region's 14 bird routes, which have fine tree cover and good public access. There are plenty of great spots for bushwalking, such as through remnant rainforest in Mount Kaputar National Park.

    www.visitnsw.com

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