Spend the day high above the plains discovering the ecological gem that is the Mt Kaputar National Park and uncover the secrets of the Deriah Aboriginal Area.
Tour – Day 2
Mt Kaputar National National Park
Today you’re heading for the sky! From the 1512m summit of Mt Kaputar, 52km east of Narrabri, you will be treated to panoramic views encompassing a staggering ten per cent of NSW, weather permitting.
Pronunciation: Cap–you–tar
Allow: 3 Hrs minimum
Phone: (02) 6792 7300 National Parks and Wildlife Services Office (NPWS)
Explore the rugged island of wilderness that is Mt Kaputar National Park, an ancient footprint left behind by a series of volcanic eruptions between 17 and 21 million years ago. Rising spectacularly from surrounding flat agricultural plains, millions of years of erosion have forged this volcanic wilderness into the Nandewar Ranges you see today. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, bushwalker, camper or simply seeking a little solitude, prepare to be spellbound by the grandeur of this landscape of lava terraces and volcanic plugs.
The National Park protects a wide variety of plant communities, including semi–arid woodlands, wet eucalypt forests and subalpine heaths. It’s also home to a host of animal species, and provides a haven for many threatened species – including bats, birds, wallabies and quolls. Keep an eye out for our native pink slug! It often appears after rain, and is unique to Mt Kaputar National Park.
For those with time to thoroughly explore the park, two camping areas with hot showers and electric barbecues are available as well as three well-equipped cabins at Dawsons Spring, which can be booked through the NPWS office. Mt Kaputar has a range of walks to suit all tastes, from pleasant bush ramblings to strenuous climbs. A guide for the marked walking tracks is available from the Visitor Information Centre or NPWS office in Narrabri.
More information about Mount Kaputar National Park
Deriah Aboriginal Area
Pronunciation: Deh-ree-ah
Allow: 1 Hr
Road: 4WD track/Unsealed/Dry weather road only.
Phone: (02) 6792 7300 National Parks and Wildlife Services Office (NPWS)
Deriah Aboriginal Area offers a unique insight into the traditions and culture of the Gamilaraay Nation. The area is nestled on the western slopes of the Nandewar Ranges between Narrabri and Mt Kaputar National Park, is co-managed by NPWS and the local Aboriginal community. This fascinating region offers breathtaking scenic views, as well as great picnicking, walking and birdwatching opportunities to locals and visitors alike.
Stop for a barbeque at the Wagun Picnic Area and learn about the Wagun (willy wagtail) dreaming amongst the short Culture Sculpture Walk. The nearby Biruu gaba lookout offers spectacular views across the Nandewar range.
From the Kaputar Road, turn right onto Eulah Creek Road and follow it for 11km. Turn right into Carinya Road and follow the route uphill to enter the Deriah Aboriginal Area. Part of this access route is unsealed.
