Coolah Tops National Park

Coolah Tops National Park is in the Central West region of New South Wales, known for its waterfalls and wildlife.

Understand

History

The park was established on July 5 1996, but has managed consistent with a statutory plan of management which was adopted in 2003.

Landscape

The park features waterfalls that plunge from the plateau on the edge of the Warrumbungle and Liverpool ranges (which are all essentially part of the Great Dividing Range.

Flora and fauna

It is home to one of the largest populations of greater gliders in Australia, but is also home to numerous eucalyptus and pine trees as well. Also contains giant grass trees and open forest with stands of snow gums shelter gliders, wallabies, eagles and owls.

Climate

Generally the park is cold during the winter, but warm during the summer and rainy during late summer to autumn. Usually, the best times to visit the park are between spring to summer for more general things to do here, but late autumn after the rainy season if you wanted to camp here.

Visitor information

• Park website

Get in

The only way to get to Coolah Tops National Park is by car. From Coolah, head east for 19km Coolah Creek Road, and then use The Tops Road for 11km before entering the park. Do note that The Tops Road is not paved, but the quality of the road is like any other road crossing the Great Dividing Range.

Fees and permits

There's no permits needed, but the park may be closed during bushfire season with no notice given.

Get around

By car

The park has enough roads, that you could theoretically explore the entire park, with minimal walking. And taking your car to the eastern end of the park is your only option given that the lack of hiking trails to the east and the distance is about 25km.

Too long to enjoy the walk. Or even if you enjoy those such long walks, try bringing all your equipment.

By walking

Walking is probably the best way to explore the western side of the park is by walking. There are numerous walking/hiking trails and some lookouts and campsites can only be accessed by walking.

See

Norfolk Falls viewed from Norfolk Falls lookout

• 1 Breeza lookout, The Forest Road, Cassilis. With an altitude of over 1000m, this lookout gives some incredible views of the farmland and forest below. (updated Sep 2021)
• 2 Norfolk Falls lookout. This magnificent lookout gives you some views of the 35m high Norfolk Falls, plunging right into a pool. It takes about 20 minutes to get here from the carpark at Norfolk Falls picnic area and about a 1km return walk. (updated Sep 2021)
• 3 Bundella lookout, Bundella Lookout Track, Bundella. This lookout provides nice views of the Liverpool Plains, the local farmland, and not to forget the Warrumbungles. (updated Sep 2021)
• 4 Pinnacle lookout, 1189 Pinnacle Rd, Canobolas. Another northerly facing lookout with nice views of both the Liverpool and Warrumbungle ranges. (updated Sep 2021)

Do

• 1 Norfolk Falls walk. 1.1km return walk which takes about 45 minutes to about 1 hour. The walk is full of peaceful sounds of birds chirping, and just doing their daily activity. (updated Sep 2021)

Eat and drink

There aren't any cafes, restaurants, bars nor pubs in Coolah Tops National Park, however, there are picnic areas. You will need to bring your own items though.

• 1 Bald Hill Creek Falls picnic area. Picnic area near The Pines campground, and close to Bald Hill waterfall. (updated Sep 2021)

Sleep

Lodging

• 1 Brackens Hut (Brackens Cottage), 253 Hildegarde Road, Coolah, ☏ +61 1300 072 757. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. Has BBQ facilities, drinking water, toilets. This hut/cottage was built in 1937. (updated Sep 2021)

Camping

• 2 The Pines campground, Pine Trail, Coolah. Camp next to what the name of the campground says, pine trees. $6 booking fees apply. (updated Sep 2021)

Go next

• The closest town from here is Coolah at 31km.