Belah Shearers' Quarters

Gundabooka National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Don't feel like camping? Experience national park accommodation with a difference at Belah Shearers' Quarters in Gundabooka National Park, near Bourke in outback NSW.

Accommodation Details
Accommodation type Other
Where 893 Ben Lomond Road, Gunderbooka, NSW, 2840 - in Gundabooka National Park
Bedrooms 6
Maximum guests 12
Facilities Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, showers, toilets, electric power, balcony, kitchen, plates and cutlery, pots and pans, air conditioning
What to bring Drinking water, food supplies, bed sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, firewood
Please note
  • Check in after 2pm. Check out before 10am.
  • Bedding configuration: 6 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds
  • Additional guests may be allowed to camp at the property, with prior approval from the Bourke Area Manager (fees apply).
  • The shearers’ quarters is in a remote location so it's a good idea to pick up your supplies before you arrive. The nearest town is Bourke.
  • There is limited to no mobile phone reception in this remote location.

Not far from Bourke you can step back in time and stay somewhere a little different at Gundabooka National Park. Belah Shearers' Quarters was built in the mid 20th century to accommodate shearers when Gundabooka was a functioning sheep station.

Today, this heritage accommodation features 6 bedrooms, a verandah, kitchen, eating area, shower and toilet block, and can accommodate up to 12 people, making it ideal for larger groups.

While still maintaining its historic charm, Belah Shearers' Quarters today offers modern facilities including electricity, air-conditioning and an amenities block with hot showers.

Take a virtual tour of Belah Shearers Quarters captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • The Darling River at Yanda campground in Gundabooka State Conservation Area. Photo: Leah Pippos © DPIE

    Yanda campground

    Camp by the Darling River at Yanda campground in Gundabooka State Conservation Area, near Bourke. This remote campground offers caravan camping with fishing and paddling in Outback NSW.

  • Redbank Homestead, Gundabooka State Conservation Area. Photo: Boris Hlavica/NSW Government

    Redbank Homestead

    For a taste of outback heritage accommodation, historic Redbank Homestead, in Gundabooka State Conservation Area, offers fishing, paddling and walking, near Bourke.

  • Photo of picnic tables and a barbecue under a shelter at Dry Tank campground and picnic area at Gundabooka National Park. Photo credit: Jess Ellis/DPE © DPE

    Dry Tank campground

    Stay overnight in Gundabooka National Park at Dry Tank campground. Bring your tent, caravan or trailer to enjoy a night of national park camping near Bourke in outback NSW.

  • Campers sit next to a tent overlooking the river, Darling River campground, Toorale National Park. Photo: Joshua Smith/OEH.

    Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru)

    Camp by the riverbank at Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru) in Toorale National Park, near Bourke. Watch animals and birds flock to the river, go fishing, and discover the history and scenery of outback NSW.

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/accommodation/belah-shearers-quarters/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Belah Shearers' Quarters.

Getting there and parking

Belah Shearers' Quarters is in Gundabooka National Park. To get there:

From Bourke:

  • Drive south from Bourke on Kidman Way for approximately 49km and turn right onto Ben Lomond Road
  • Continue along Ben Lomond Road for approximately 43km until you reach Belah Shearers' Quarters entrance, which is on the right-hand side of the road.

Road quality

Check the weather and road conditions before you set out as roads to Gundabooka National Park may be closed.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • Dry weather only

Parking

Parking is available at Belah Shearers’ Quarters.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Gundabooka National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

It's a great time to visit the park with the weather being a bit cooler, and after summer rain, the park may be looking a little greener than usual.

Spring

Join in on a Discovery tour to find out more about the park, the amazing landscape and the animals who live here.

Winter

Crisp clear days await you, it's perfect weather for walking and if you don't feel like camping out, you can book into the comfort of Redbank Homestead.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

20°C and 33°C

Highest recorded

47°C

Winter temperature

Average

6°C and 17°C

Lowest recorded

-2.5°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

January and February

Driest month

June

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

108.8mm

Facilities

  • There is an external laundry with basin and tap.
  • There is no television at the property.
  • Guests are required to take all rubbish with them on check out.
  • Toilets

    The toilet block is external.

    • Flush toilets

    Picnic tables

    Barbecue facilities

    • Fire rings (bring your own firewood)
    • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

    Showers

    The shower block is external.

    • Hot showers

    Electric power

    Balcony

    Kitchen

    The kitchen has a stove, fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle. There is a dining area with long benches.

    Plates and cutlery

    Pots and pans

    Air conditioning

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Outback safety

    Safety is of high priority in outback areas. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 50°C in some places. Food, water and fuel supplies can be scarce. Before you head off, check for road closures and use our contacts to stay safe in the outback.

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - medium

    Assistance may be required to access this area. There are 3 steps into the property. The toilet and shower blocks are external but wheelchair accessible.

    Permitted

    Camp fires and solid fuel burners

    Fires are permitted in the fire pit at the property only. Collecting firewood is not permitted, please bring your own firewood or fuel stove.

    Prohibited

    Amplified music is not permitted.

    Generators

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Learn more

    Belah Shearers' Quarters is in Gundabooka National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    An emphasis on conservation

    Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) in Gundabooka National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    A visit to Gundabooka National Park offers the wonderful opportunity to spot some of Australia's rarest birds and animals. Several threatened species - including the little pied bat, kultarr, pink cockatoo and painted honeyeater - have been recorded in the area. The park also includes 21 different plant communities, including threatened plant species like the curly bark wattle.

    • Little Mountain walking track Ideal for outback birdwatching and walking with kids, Little Mountain walking track offers a gentle walk with scenic views of Gundabooka National Park, near Bourke.

    An important place

    Aboriginal paintings in Gundabooka Historic Site. Photo: David Finnegan

    Gunderbooka range is highly significant to the Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji people of western NSW. Before it became a national park, the area was home to the Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji people of western NSW. Ceremonial events were held within the range. On your visit, you'll see Aboriginal rock art, with motifs including dancers and animals.

    Pastoral history

    Belah Shearer's Quarters, Gundabooka National Park. Photo: Boris Hlavica

    Though noted by Charles Sturt in 1829, the Gunderbooka range wasn't used by pastoralists until the late 1800s. The range was included in neighbouring sheep stations which were then subdivided after World War I. Today, three of these smaller stations - Ben Lomond, Belah and Mulgowan - make up Gundabooka National Park. Check out the old homesteads, quarters, fences, tanks, shearing sheds and yards on your visit.

    Rewarding walks

    Bennetts Gorge picnic area, Gundabooka National Park. Photo: John Good

    There are a number of opportunities to stretch your legs along one of the well-signed walks in Gundabooka National Park. Take the wonderful Mulareenya Creek Art Site track and see fascinating Aboriginal rock art. Walking the Little Mountain track is also well worth the effort with impressive views awaiting you at the summit.

    • Bennetts Gorge picnic area Stop and relax at Bennetts Gorge picnic area when you visit Gundabooka National Park. Enjoy a barbecue or bring a picnic hamper before walking on to Mt Gunderbooka.
    • Valley of the Eagles walk Valley of the Eagles walk starts at the popular Bennetts Gorge picnic area and explores the imposing Mount Gunderbooka in Gunabooka National Park.

    The beautiful outback

    Gorge in Gundabooka National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    Gundabooka National Park is located in northwest NSW, approximately 50km southwest of Bourke and 110km northwest of Cobar. The 63,903ha national park extends from the Darling river banks to the Gunderbooka range. Vast stretches of grassy woodlands, open plains and rust-coloured rock dominate the landscape.

    • Little Mountain walking track Ideal for outback birdwatching and walking with kids, Little Mountain walking track offers a gentle walk with scenic views of Gundabooka National Park, near Bourke.

    Plants and animals protected in this park

    Animals

    • Emu, Paroo Darling National Park. Photo: John Spencer

      Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

      The largest of Australian birds, the emu stands up to 2m high and is the second largest bird in the world, after the ostrich. Emus live in pairs or family groups. The male emu incubates and rears the young, which will stay with the adult emus for up to 2 years.

    • Wedge-tailed eagle. Photo: Kelly Nowak

      Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)

      With a wingspan of up to 2.5m, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey. These Australian animals are found in woodlands across NSW, and have the ability to soar to heights of over 2km. If you’re bird watching, look out for the distinctive diamond-shaped tail of the eagle.

    • Red kangaroo, Sturt National Park. Photo: John Spencer

      Red kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

      The red kangaroo is one of the most iconic Australian animals and the largest marsupial in the world. Large males have reddish fur and can reach a height of 2m, while females are considerably smaller and have blue-grey fur. Red kangaroos are herbivores and mainly eat grass.

    Plants

    • Mulga. Photo: Jaime Plaza

      Mulga (Acacia aneura)

      Mulga are hardy Australian native plants found throughout inland Australia. With an unusually long tap root, the mulga is able to withstand long periods of drought.

    Environments in this park

    Education resources (1)