Coolah Tops National Park

Coolah Tops National Park is a beautiful and peaceful nature reserve located in the Liverpool Range of New South Wales. Although not directly in Sydney, it lies about 360 kilometers northwest of the city and is a favorite destination for those looking to escape the city for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. The park features high plateaus, scenic waterfalls, native bushland, and panoramic lookouts that give visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and forests. Coolah Tops is a great mix of tranquility and adventure, offering a true bushland experience.

How to Reach Coolah Tops National Park from Sydney

Coolah Tops National Park is accessible from Sydney via a combination of highways and local roads. Here are the main options:

• By Car: Driving is the easiest way to reach the park. Take the M1 Motorway and then the Golden Highway to reach the town of Coolah. From there, the park is about 30 km via Coolah Creek Road and Forest Road. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for some areas inside the park, especially during or after rain.
• By Train and Bus: There is no direct public transport to the park. However, you can take a train from Sydney to Mudgee or Dubbo and then hire a car to continue your journey.
• By Air: The nearest regional airport is in Dubbo. You can fly from Sydney and then drive to Coolah Tops (about 2.5 hours from Dubbo).

Weather at Coolah Tops National Park

The park sits at an elevation of around 1,200 meters, which makes the climate cooler than surrounding lowland areas.

• Spring (Sep–Nov): Mild and pleasant, with blooming wildflowers and daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 22°C.
• Summer (Dec–Feb): Generally warm but not too hot, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C. Afternoon storms are possible.
• Autumn (Mar–May): Cool and crisp, especially in the mornings. Temperatures drop to between 8°C and 20°C.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Cold, with temperatures between 0°C and 12°C. Frost and occasional snow can occur.

Timing and Best Time to Visit

The park is open all year round, but the best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Summer is also good but be prepared for sudden weather changes. Winter can be quite cold, and some trails may be inaccessible after heavy rains or snowfall.

Daytime visits are recommended as there are no lighted areas. Overnight camping is allowed in designated campsites, and you should arrive before sunset for safety.

Why Is Coolah Tops National Park Famous Near Sydney?

Coolah Tops National Park is famous for its scenic landscapes, peaceful environment, and natural beauty. It provides a true Australian bush experience without the heavy tourist crowds found in other parks. For people in Sydney, it serves as a nature retreat with hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and camping all in one place.

The park is also known for its giant snow gums, open woodlands, and incredible lookouts such as Pinnacle Lookout and Bundella Lookout, where visitors can take in sweeping views of the Liverpool Plains. The park is home to many native animals including wallabies, gliders, wombats, and even the elusive greater glider and powerful owl.

Entry and Visit Details

There is no entry fee for Coolah Tops National Park. Visitors can explore the park freely, but camping requires registration at designated areas. It is recommended to carry maps, water, and all necessary supplies as there are limited facilities inside the park.

There are several picnic and camping areas, including:

• The Barracks campground: A scenic area with picnic tables, fire pits, and basic toilets.
• Bald Hill Creek campground: Nestled near a creek with good access to walking trails.
• Pinnacle Lookout picnic area: A perfect spot for lunch with views of the valleys below.

History and Architecture

Coolah Tops is part of the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi peoples. These Aboriginal groups have a deep connection to the land and have lived in the region for thousands of years. The area holds cultural significance, with natural features tied to local Dreamtime stories.

There are no grand buildings or man-made architecture in the park, but the remnants of old forestry huts and trails tell the story of early European settlement and logging activities in the region. The Barracks area, for example, was once used by forestry workers and has historical significance.

Things to Do at Coolah Tops National Park

• Hiking: Explore trails like the Grasstree or Snow Gum walking tracks for scenic bushwalks.
• Camping: Camp under the stars at peaceful sites like The Barracks or Bald Hill Creek.
• Lookouts: Visit Pinnacle Lookout or Bundella Lookout for amazing views and photo opportunities.
• Birdwatching: Spot rare birds like the powerful owl or the glossy black-cockatoo.
• Mountain biking: Ride through the park’s open trails and forest paths.
• Wildlife spotting: Look out for wallabies, wombats, and even koalas in the wild.

Interesting Facts About Coolah Tops National Park

• Coolah Tops sits on the Great Dividing Range, forming part of the watershed between the east and west flowing rivers of Australia.
• The park protects the largest known population of the rare eucalyptus tree "snow gum" in NSW.
• It is a prime location to see the greater glider, a rare and nocturnal marsupial.
• The park's waterfalls are seasonal but stunning after heavy rainfall, including Bald Hill and Norfolk Falls.
• It’s one of the few national parks where you can enjoy solitude, stargazing, and wildlife without large tourist crowds.

Tips for Visiting Coolah Tops National Park

• Always check the weather and road conditions before traveling. Some roads are unsealed and become slippery when wet.
• Carry plenty of drinking water, food, and camping supplies, especially if staying overnight.
• Bring warm clothing, even in summer, as temperatures can drop suddenly at higher altitudes.
• Use maps and GPS as mobile phone reception is limited in the park.
• Do not feed or approach wildlife. Observe from a distance and respect the natural habitat.
• Leave no trace—take all your rubbish with you and keep the park clean.