Gundabooka National Park

Gundabooka National Park is located in New South Wales, Australia, approximately 50 kilometers south of Bourke, in the state’s remote northwest region. The park is part of the traditional lands of the Ngemba and Kurnu-Baakandji Aboriginal peoples, and the nearby town of Bourke serves as the primary access point for visitors. Established in 1996, Gundabooka National Park was created to protect the region’s unique outback landscapes, cultural heritage, and wildlife. The park contains ancient Aboriginal rock art and sites of spiritual significance, reflecting its long-standing importance to the Aboriginal people of the area. These cultural sites are among the most significant in New South Wales. Parking facilities in Gundabooka National Park are available at several key locations, including the Dry Tank campground, Bennetts Gorge picnic area, and near popular walking tracks. Parking is generally free, though fees may apply for camping permits, which are required for overnight stays in designated camping areas. The park is home to a range of native wildlife, including red kangaroos, emus, and wedge-tailed eagles. Other notable species include echidnas, bearded dragons, and a variety of smaller bird species such as fairy-wrens and finches. The riverbanks along the nearby Darling River support waterbirds like pelicans and herons. Gundabooka’s flora is typical of the semi-arid outback, featuring mulga woodlands, saltbush plains, and wildflowers such as Sturt’s desert pea in season. Coolabah trees grow along creek beds and watercourses, offering shade and shelter to wildlife. Notable features of the park include the rugged Mount Gunderbooka, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the Aboriginal rock art found at several locations, including the Mulgowan (Yappa) site. Public transport to the park is limited, so visitors typically drive, with 4WD vehicles recommended for some of the more remote areas.