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Caryapundy lookout loop drive

Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Caryapundy lookout south loop drive closed

You'll need to complete this drive as a return trip instead of a loop as Caryapundy lookout south loop drive is closed. Stay on Narriearra Scenic Drive and take Caryapundy lookout north loop to access the campground and Caryapundy tank bird hide. Return the same way.

The grey grasswren bird habitat and Bartons Tank bird hide is also closed until futher notice.

If you’re staying in Tibooburra and only have time for a day drive, try this return drive through Narriearra. Bring a picnic and set out on your journey through this extraordinary outback national park.

Where
Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park in Outback NSW
Accessibility
Hard
Distance
74km
Time suggested
5hrs
Grade
Easy
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Drinking water, food supplies, first aid kit, personal locator beacon, binoculars
Please note
  • The roads from Tibooburra or Bourke and the roads within this park are unsealed gravel roads that may be closed in poor weather. Check the weather before you set out.
  • Please be mindful of wildlife. Stick to tracks to avoid trampling vegetation and look out for reptiles sunbathing in the middle of the road.
  • The best times to visit are autumn for the cooler weather or springtime after rain, when the park comes alive with wildflowers like spotted fuchsia bush, Sturts pigface and variable daisy. Note that if you visit within 1 to 3 months after good rainfall, roads may only be open to 4WD vehicles, and some roads in the northern part of the park may not be open at all.

This 74km drive gives you an overview of Narriearra’s beauty and uniqueness. Along the way, the landscape stretches endlessly in all directions. Notice how the environment changes from semi-arid shrublands and sand dunes to the impermanent creeks, swamps and lakes of the Channel country after rain.

From the park entrance, follow Narriearra Scenic Drive. Continue straight then turn left onto Caryapundy lookout north loop to get to the Caryapundy tank precinct.

Book in advance to stay at Caryapundy lookout campground. It’s a great place to enjoy your picnic or a barbecue. Relax at one of the picnic tables along the edge of the escarpment and take in the view over Caryapundy Swamp from Caryapundy lookout. After lunch, go on a short walk. 

Continue west and then stretch your legs at Caryapundy tank bird hide. See if you can spot any pink-eared ducks, grey teals, blue-billed ducks, hoary-headed grebes or Australasian grebes.

Back in the car, you'll need to return the same way, driving east along the Caryapundy lookout north loop. Turn right onto Narriearra Scenic Drive and return to the park entrance.

 

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

On the way

  • Blue-billed duck, Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park. Photo: Courtney Davies © DPIE

    Caryapundy tank bird hide

    If you’re a keen birdwatcher, don’t miss a visit to Caryapundy tank bird hide in Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park, near Tibooburra. It’s a great place to see some amazing bird species.

  • A picnic area at Caryapundy lookout campground, Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park. Photo: Dan Hough © DPIE

    Caryapundy lookout campground

    If you enjoy remote, self-sufficient camping in outback NSW, Caryapundy lookout campground is for you. Located east of Tibooburra, it has an incredible view, picnic area and a night sky perfect for stargazing.

  • Ceramic remains from the Whittabrinnah Hotel, Whittabrinnah Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park. Photo: Courtney Davies © DPE

    Whittabrinnah heritage walk

    Step back in time when you do this short walk in Narriearra Carapundy Swamp National Park, near Tibooburra. It's an easy stroll around the Whittabrinnah Hotel ruins and great for all ages.

Things to do:

Tibooburra Visitor Centre

If you’re planning a trip through Sturt National Park and its surrounds, stop at Tibooburra Visitor Centre for information and a sneak preview of walks, drives, accommodation and more.

Tibooburra Visitor Centre, Sturt National Park. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

 

Download our app

The free NSW National Parks app lets you download maps and explore parks, things to do and places to stay—all without mobile reception.

Hand holding a phone with NSW National Parks app on screen. Photo: Branden Bodman/DPIE

General enquiries

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Park info

See more visitor info

What's nearby:

Things to do (17)

Tours (1)

Camping and accommodation (7)