Coolah Tops National Park - national park of Australia
Coolah Tops National Park is in the Central West region of New South Wales, known for its waterfalls and wildlife.
Understand
History
The park was established on July 5 1996, but has managed consistent with a statutory plan of management which was adopted in 2003.
Landscape
The park features waterfalls that plunge from the plateau on the edge of the Warrumbungle and Liverpool ranges (which are all essentially part of the Great Dividing Range.
Flora and fauna
It is home to one of the largest populations of greater gliders in Australia, but is also home to numerous eucalyptus and pine trees as well. Also contains giant grass trees and open forest with stands of snow gums shelter gliders, wallabies, eagles and owls.
Climate
Generally the park is cold during the winter, but warm during the summer and rainy during late summer to autumn. Usually, the best times to visit the park are between spring to summer for more general things to do here, but late autumn after the rainy season if you wanted to camp here.
Visitor information
Get in
The only way to get to Coolah Tops National Park is by car. From Coolah, head east for 19km Coolah Creek Road, and then use The Tops Road for 11km before entering the park. Do note that The Tops Road is not paved, but the quality of the road is like any other road crossing the Great Dividing Range.
Fees and permits
There's no permits needed, but the park may be closed during bushfire season with no notice given.
Get around
By car
The park has enough roads, that you could theoretically explore the entire park, with minimal walking. And taking your car to the eastern end of the park is your only option given that the lack of hiking trails to the east and the distance is about 25km.
Too long to enjoy the walk. Or even if you enjoy those such long walks, try bringing all your equipment.
By walking
Walking is probably the best way to explore the western side of the park is by walking. There are numerous walking/hiking trails and some lookouts and campsites can only be accessed by walking.
See
- Breeza lookout, The Forest Road, Cassilis, -31.818947°, 150.193879°. With an altitude of over 1000m, this lookout gives some incredible views of the farmland and forest below. 2021-09-28
- Norfolk Falls lookout, -31.74704°, 150.01108°. This magnificent lookout gives you some views of the 35m high Norfolk Falls, plunging right into a pool. It takes about 20 minutes to get here from the carpark at Norfolk Falls picnic area and about a 1km return walk. 2021-09-28
- Bundella lookout, Bundella Lookout Track, Bundella, -31.696782°, 150.017919°. This lookout provides nice views of the Liverpool Plains, the local farmland, and not to forget the Warrumbungles. 2021-09-28
- Pinnacle lookout, 1189 Pinnacle Rd, Canobolas, -33.343517°, 149.028615°. Another northerly facing lookout with nice views of both the Liverpool and Warrumbungle ranges. 2021-09-28
Do
- Norfolk Falls walk, -31.745469°, 150.012377°. 1.1km return walk which takes about 45 minutes to about 1 hour. The walk is full of peaceful sounds of birds chirping, and just doing their daily activity. 2021-09-28
Buy
Eat and drink
There aren't any cafes, restaurants, bars nor pubs in , however, there are picnic areas. You will need to bring your own items though.
- Bald Hill Creek Falls picnic area, -31.756862°, 150.012491°. Picnic area near The Pines campground, and close to Bald Hill waterfall. 2021-09-28
Sleep
Lodging
- Brackens Hut (Brackens Cottage), 253 Hildegarde Road, Coolah, -31.751614°, 150.031916°, +61 1300 072 757. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. Has BBQ facilities, drinking water, toilets. This hut/cottage was built in 1937. 2021-09-28
Camping
- The Pines campground, Pine Trail, Coolah, -31.743671°, 150.030126°. Camp next to what the name of the campground says, pine trees. $6 booking fees apply 2021-09-28
Backcountry
Stay safe
Go next
- The closest town from here is Coolah at 31km.