Towarri National Park

Towarri National Park is located in New South Wales, Australia, in the Upper Hunter region. It lies about 50 km north of the town of Scone and approximately 270 km north of Sydney, making it a popular destination for day trips and camping from nearby rural communities. Towns like Murrurundi and Quirindi are also close by. The park was established in 1998 to preserve the unique ecosystems of the Liverpool Range. It protects a diverse mix of woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands, showcasing the region's natural beauty and biodiversity. The park is also culturally significant to the Wonnarua people, the traditional custodians of the land. Parking facilities in Towarri National Park are available at key access points, such as the Washpools campground, where visitors can park their vehicles. The parking areas are relatively small, so it’s important to follow posted parking rules and be considerate of other visitors. There are no entry fees for the park, making it an affordable destination for nature lovers. Towarri is home to a variety of native wildlife, including eastern grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, and echidnas. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of wedge-tailed eagles, king parrots, and the endangered glossy black-cockatoo. The park’s rivers and creeks also provide a habitat for platypuses, making it a rich area for wildlife spotting. The flora in the park is equally diverse, featuring species like eucalyptus, ironbark, and stringybark trees. Native grasses and wildflowers bloom in the grasslands, while wetland areas support ferns and water plants. A notable feature of the park is the Washpools waterhole, a natural swimming spot surrounded by rock formations. Public transport is not available directly to the park, so visitors must travel by car. The park offers a tranquil escape into nature with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and camping. Photo Credit: John Spencer