Overview
Join us at Gundabooka National Park, near Bourke, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the park’s gazettal and the official re-opening of the Yapa (Mulgowan) art site. Great for adults and kids (aged 5 years and over).
- When
Saturday 6 June 2026, 10am to 2pm.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Grade
- Medium. Suitable for adults and children 5 years and over. The path through to the art site is through a rocky creek bed.
- Price
-
Free.
- Meeting point
- Yapa (Mulgowan) art site picnic area, Gundabooka National Park
- What to
bring - Drinking water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, hat, snacks
- Bookings
- Bookings required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
- Please note
- If you prefer not to drive, there will be a return bus transfer from Bourke to Gundabooka National Park for the event. Email us If you require this service.
- If you have dietary requirements, please indicate them in the requirements/comments field when registering for this event.
Come along to this special celebration that brings together the community, Traditional Custodians and our partners to recognise 3 decades of protection, culture and connection to Country in Gundabooka National Park, near Bourke.
Starting at 10am:
- Be there for a Welcome to Country and speeches marking the 30th anniversary and official re-opening of the Yapa (Mulgowan) art site, followed by morning tea and a celebratory cake.
- After that, take a guided tour of the art site, its new infrastructure and surrounding area, led by the local Aboriginal Custodians and NPWS staff. It’s a great chance to learn more about the cultural, historical and natural values of Gundabooka.
- Lunch will be served, with a performance by the Gundabooka Dancers sharing culture and stories.
- Tours continue after lunch.
- The event finishes at 2pm.
This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate together on Country, honour Traditional Custodians and to reflect on Gundabooka National Park’s past, present and future.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/events/gundabooka-national-park-30-anniversary-event/local-alerts
Bookings
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Park info
- in Gundabooka National Park in the Outback NSW region
Gundabooka National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Gundabooka National Park 30th anniversary event.
Getting there and parking
On entering Gundabooka National Park from Kidman Way, 49km south of Bourke or 112km north of Cobar, drive along Ben Lomond Road for approximately 7.5km to the Mulgowan Heritage Site entrance on the left. Turn off, then drive for about 16km to the Mulgowan Heritage Site carpark.
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Mulgowan (Yappa) Aboriginal Art site can become boggy when it rains.
Parking
Parking is available at Mulgowan Heritage Site.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Learn more
Gundabooka National Park 30th anniversary event is in Gundabooka National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
An emphasis on conservation
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.
- Gundabooka National Park 30th anniversary event Join us at Gundabooka National Park, near Bourke, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the park’s gazettal and the official re-opening of the Yapa (Mulgowan) art site. Great for adults and kids (aged 5 years and over).
- 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
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.
- Gundabooka National Park 30th anniversary event Join us at Gundabooka National Park, near Bourke, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the park’s gazettal and the official re-opening of the Yapa (Mulgowan) art site. Great for adults and kids (aged 5 years and over).
- Yapa (Mulgowan) Aboriginal art site walking track Yapa (Mulgowan) Aboriginal art site walking track offers a unique Outback experience with Aboriginal rock art and birdwatching in Gundabooka National Park, near Bourke.
Pastoral history
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.
- Gundabooka National Park 30th anniversary event Join us at Gundabooka National Park, near Bourke, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the park’s gazettal and the official re-opening of the Yapa (Mulgowan) art site. Great for adults and kids (aged 5 years and over).
Rewarding walks
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
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.
- Gundabooka National Park 30th anniversary event Join us at Gundabooka National Park, near Bourke, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the park’s gazettal and the official re-opening of the Yapa (Mulgowan) art site. Great for adults and kids (aged 5 years and over).
- 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 (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 (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 (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
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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.