Located just 30 minutes north of Coonabarabran is Baradine, gateway to the vast and intriguing forest of The Pilliga.
Travelling through Baradine is also an alternate route to Narrabri, taking you off the Newell Highway and through the towns of Baradine, Kenebri, Gwabegar, Pilliga, Cuttabri and Wee Waa through to Narrabri. Please note some parts of this road are unsealed.
Baradine is also the gateway to Burren Junction’s Hot Springs and the open plains and opal fields of Lightning Ridge. Travel via the town of Pilliga (road unsealed) and discover the hidden treasures along the way.
Baradine is an ideal base for anyone seeking a tranquil escape into the Australian Bush. Enjoy bird watching and scenic forest drives and discover hidden gems such as weatherworn caves. You may even meet some local inhabitants of The Pilliga such as koalas, kangaroos, possums, emus, echidnas, goannas and a species of mouse unique to the Pilliga, the Pilliga Mouse.
Once a timber milling town which sustained 12 fully operational timber mills and a population of some 1580, Baradine today still echoes a feeling reminiscent of the 1930’s. Although timber milling has nearly vanished in the area, Baradine now has a new reputation as a bird watchers and nature lovers paradise.
For local visitor information, call into the Baradine Rural Transaction Centre, located in the main street. They offer advice, free brochures and a great range of postcards and souvenirs.
Click here to download a copy of the Baradine Brochure.
Internet Access
Baradine Rural Transaction Centre – Wellington Street
Pronounced Pily-gah, the Pilliga is the largest native inland forest west of the Great Dividing Range with over 500 000 hectares to explore. It is a mecca for birdlife, with over 240 species recorded. It also contains some of the region’s most beautiful wildflowers, a highlight of which is the enormous grass trees.
The best way to explore the Pilliga Forest is by driving one of the mapped, self-drive bird or wildflower trails through the Forest. The Baradine Community have developed these trails which will take you to the best spots for wildflower photography and bird watching. Brochures can be obtained at the Baradine Rural Transaction Centre or at the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre.
Highlights of the Pilliga
Please note, all roads in the Pilliga are unsealed and driving requires extra care and a detailed map. Please call into the Baradine RTC, Baradine National Parks and Wildlife Office or Baradine Forestry Office before heading into the Pilliga for updated travel information.
The forest drives - a network of unsealed roads through the forest. There are views of the Warrumbungle Ranges available from No 1 Break Road.
The wildflowers - these are found in the Pilliga Forest year round, with extensive displays in spring.
The Salt Caves - includes a charming picnic area and fire tower and is a beautiful place to merge with nature. Historically the salt from the caves was used by early settlers to preserve their meat.
The Aloes - a lovely picnic area adjacent to an intermittent creek. The area has a number of historic relics, including some early pioneer graves, and is a popular location for koala sightings. It is one of a number of areas within the Forest that have koala colonies.
Sandstone Caves - an aboriginal heritage site located in the Pilliga Nature Reserve and accessed from the Newell Highway. The caves are not signposted and are best seen with the interpretation of an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger.
Contact Warrumbungle National Park Visitors Centre on (02) 6825 4364 for further details. Discovery programs run through the autumn, winter and spring School Holidays.
