When

• 18 April
• 11 July
• 26 September

Tour time: 9am to 2pm

Where

Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre, Pilliga National Park

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Grade

Easy. Suitable for adults and children 5 years and above. We’ll walk along a gravel path with some steps.

Price

Adult $50 per person. Concession and Child (5 to 16 years) $30 per person. Family $120 for 2 adults and 2 children. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Meeting point

Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre

What to
bring

Drinking water, lunch, snacks, hat, sunscreen

Bookings

Bookings required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.

Availability

Also available on request. For further information email or call the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre on 02 6843 4011.

This guided journey will take you through some of the most scenic and geologically significant spots in the forest. You'll explore nature while learning about the area's history and ecology.

The tour begins at Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre, a hub that introduces you to the forest's distinctive features. Here, you’ll gain insight into the diverse plant and animal life that thrive in this vast landscape, as well as the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the area’s fragile ecosystems. It’s the ideal starting point to appreciate the richness of the Pilliga, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

Next, we’ll head to Sculptures in the Scrub walking track, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the forest. This 3km loop walk showcases a collection of stunning sculptures that are thoughtfully integrated into the natural surroundings.

Each sculpture is inspired by local stories, culture and wildlife, creating a fascinating blend of art and nature. As you walk, keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of bird species that call the forest home.

After this creative exploration, we’ll enjoy a relaxing BYO lunch before driving to the Sandstone Caves. This geologically significant site is deeply meaningful to the local Gamilaraay people.

We’ll wrap up with a 1.7km loop walk around the caves, where you’ll see dramatic rock formations and hear about the cultural importance of this ancient site.

Remember to bring your own snacks, lunch, plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen.

You must have your own 2WD high-clearance vehicle to join the convoy.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Getting there and parking

Maps and downloads

Learn more

A bird watcher’s paradise

Pilliga Forest is a mixture of eastern and western climates, making it very attractive to birds – more than 230 species have been recorded. You’re bound to see some of that range during your time at the park, and if you keep a close eye out and bring some binoculars, you’re definitely see even more. Pilliga is one of the few places left in NSW where you can catch sight of the grey-crowned babbler. It’s a bird that lives in family groups and roost together in domed nests of sticks. Other birds you may see include glossy black cockatoos, brown treecreepers, regent honeyeaters, barking owls, and red-capped robins. For more information about great bird watching opportunities in Pilliga, be sure to pick up a copy of Bird Routes of Baradine from Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre.

Aboriginal culture

Pilliga is on the lands of Gomeroi Nation and Gamilaroi people (also known as Kamilaroi) that are part of the Gamilaraay language group. Evidence of their ancient and continued connection to the land exists in the park today. On your exploration of the park, you may see stone tools, grinding grooves, modified trees, and rock art. Find out more about the Gamilaraay People and their ancient culture on a guided tour of Sandstone Caves, a place containing Aboriginal rock art and engravings.

Marsupials territory

Pilliga Forest supports a vast number of mammals, including swamp wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, and eastern pygmy possums.