This tour takes in some of Australia’s most productive farming country, unforgettable rock formations and breathtaking scenery. Both components of this tour can be enjoyed separately.
Tour – Day 3
Sawn Rocks
Pronunciation: Sorn Rocks
Allow: 1 Hr minimum
Phone: (02) 6792 7300 National Parks and Wildlife Services Office (NPWS)
Keen to experience an almighty wall of organ pipes without stepping foot inside a church? Then Sawn Rocks, with its towering 40m high pillars is the place to go. Undoubtedly the most iconic reminder of Kaputar’s volcanic past, this basalt rock formation is located in the northern section of Mt Kaputar National Park.
As you head north along the Newell Highway, the plains to the west stretch to eternity whilst the furls and rugged peaks of the Nandewar Ranges unfold to the east.
Just 3km out of town, turn right onto the picturesque Killarney Gap Road (Bingara Road) and travel a further 33km to the Sawn Rocks carpark.
Along the way, on the left, you will pass the fertile paddocks of the IA Watson Grains Research Station. Named after preeminent agricultural scientist Irvine Armstrong Watson, the Research Station is part of the University of Sydney’s Plant Breeding Institute. The site has resources for standard cereal breeding, a grain quality laboratory, glasshouses and controlled environment facilities.
From the carpark Sawn Rocks is reached via an easy 750m walking track (disabled access) that meanders through the tall eucalypts, figs and ferns. An observation platform affords stunning views of the intriguing rock formation jutting starkly from the bed, of the Bobbiwaa creek. Stairs to the side enable access to the creek bed upon which outlines of more pillars are visible. This unusual phenomenon is the result of slow and even cooling of molten rock, which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other.
A shelter and BBQ area is available next to the carpark for those wishing to enjoy the scenery.
More information about Sawn Rocks
Waa Gorge
Pronunciation: War Gorge
Allow: 2.5 Hrs
Phone: (02) 6792 7300 National Parks and Wildlife Services Office (NPWS)
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.
Waa Gorge walking track, Mount Kaputar National Park
Waa Gorge is located in the far north of Mt Kaputar National Park, approximately one hour from Narrabri. The access road is definitely a DRY WEATHER ROAD ONLY!
The walk into Waa Gorge takes a good hour and visitors need to be prepared with water and sturdy shoes. From the car park, a short walk through the picnic area leads to the “Mill Bullah” (Two Eyes) waterholes. From here the walk enters a wilderness area and is not signposts, 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.
