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Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru)

Toorale National Park

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Overview

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.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 4
Camping type Tent, Caravan site, Camper trailer site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Picnic tables, carpark, toilets
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water, topographic map, compass, gps
Price There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies.
Bookings Bookings for up to 2 sites and 12 people can be made online.
Group bookings This campground is not suitable for group bookings.
Please note
  • This is a remote campground with no water facilities, please arrive well prepared.
  • It's a good idea to pick up maps and brochures from the Bourke office or Bourke Visitor Information Centre.     
  • The weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable. Check conditions and closures before you set out.
  • Please respect the wishes of the Kurnu-Baakandji People by protecting the natural and cultural features of the park.

If you're exploring Toorale or Gundabooka national parks, Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru), near Bourke, is a basic bush camp with limited facilities. Set up your tent, campervan or trailer in a peaceful spot beside the river, and see what makes this place so special to the Kurnu-Baakandji People.

The campground is ideally located for exploring the iconic Darling River drive, or Mount Talowla lookout with its sweeping views of the park. Discover the fascinating history of nearby Toorale Homestead, once the world's largest sheep station. Or, try your hand at fishing for yellow belly in the Darling River, beside the river red gums and coolibah trees.

It's a good idea to visit during the cooler months, between April and September. After the rains, the landscape comes to life with wildflowers, and the floodplains become a birdwatcher's paradise. Bring your binoculars to spot wedge-tailed eagles soaring above or spoonbills and Major Mitchell's cockatoos by the water. The Darling River is also a favourite watering hole for kangaroos, emus and goannas.

After a day of outback adventures, enjoy dinner against a magical sunset and starry night, as the kangaroos, emus and goannas come down to the river watering hole.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

Conservation program:

Toorale Buildings Conservation

Toorale National Park has important Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal historical value, and is home to several heritage precincts within an area known as Toorale Station. Purchased by the NSW Government in 2008, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has begun a repair and conservation project to protect this property and its farming history for future generations.

Restoration of buildings in Toorale National Park. Photo: Gregory Anderson

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.

  • Belah Shearers' Quarters, Gundabooka National Park. Photo: John Yurasek/NSW Government

    Belah Shearers' Quarters

    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.

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

  • in Toorale National Park in the Outback NSW region

  • Toorale National Park and SCA is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

See more visitor info

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Tours (1)

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Camping and accommodation (7)