Yet another reminder of the region’s volcanic past, Waa Gorge is as spectacular as it is old. You’ll be entranced by the towering tangerine streaked walls sweeping up to the ancient volcanic plug, Mt Waa. Millions of years of weathering turned cracks and fault lines into the deeply etched gorge and surrounding gullies you see today. The sheer scale positively dwarfs, while the enormous boulders strewn across the gorge’s floor look like marbles in a giant’s playground.
Getting there:
Driving Instructions
Waa Gorge is located in the far north of Mount Kaputar National Park, approximately 56kms (one hour) from Narrabri. To get there head north from Narrabri along the Newell Highway towards Moree.
Just 3kms out of town, turn right onto the picturesque Bingara Road, past (on the left) the fertile paddocks of the IA Watson Wheat Research Station.
Follow the Bingara Rd and turn off at the sign to Terry Hie Hie (or back track from Sawn Rocks to the Terry Hie Hie turn off—15kms).
Follow this road for 28kms until you come to the Waa Gorge sign. Mt Grattai, Castletop and Mount Waa form a delightful back drop to the fields clothed in green, yellow and brown, depending on the season.
The Waa Gorge turn off is clearly marked from the Narrabri—Terry Hie Hie cross roads.
This road is definitely a DRY WEATHER ROAD ONLY and involves driving through private property. Please leave gates as you find them.
Note: In instances of heavy rain the access gates may be locked, so it is a good idea to check with the Visitor Information Centre before heading out.
Walking Instructions
The walk into Waa Gorge takes a good hour and visitors need to be prepared with water and sturdy shoes. From the carpark, a short walk through the picnic area leads you to the “Mill Bullah” (Two Eyes) waterholes. From here the walk enters wilderness area and is not signposted, but an interpretive sign gives detailed directions. Climb the small hill on the left of the waterholes and follow the creek for a few hundred metres until you find your way into the rocky creek bed that leads to Waa Gorge.
