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Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra)

Toorale National Park

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Overview

Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra) is a must-see for outback travellers near Bourke. Built on the lands of the Kurnu-Baakandji People, Toorale Station was once part of the world’s largest sheep station.

Type
Historic buildings/places
Where
4258 Toorale Road, Gumbalie, NSW, 2840 - in Toorale National Park in Outback NSW
Accessibility
Medium
Grade
Easy
Opening times

Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra) is open 7 days a week, 8am–5pm. Entry inside the homestead and outbuildings is by NPWS guided tours only, during the school holidays. For further information, call the NPWS Bourke office on (02) 6830 0200.

Please note
  • Please respect the wishes of the Kurnu-Baakandji People by protecting the natural and cultural features of the park.
  • The homestead is in a remote location where the weather can be extreme and unpredictable. Ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit, and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.
  • Roads to and within Toorale National Park are unsealed and can be closed due to wet weather. Check with the NPWS Bourke office or Bourke Shire Council for the latest road condition report before you set out. Don’t drive on closed roads – heavy fines apply.
  • Pick up maps and brochures from the NPWS Bourke office and Bourke Visitor Information Centre.

Visit Toorale National Park, and you’ll realise there’s nowhere else quite like it. It’s an important spiritual and cultural region for the Kurnu-Baakandji People. The Traditional Owners have continued their connection by living and working at Toorale station over its long history.

Take a self-guided tour of Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra). You'll be fascinated by the grandeur of the homestead and its outbuildings. History buffs will enjoy the stories of Toorale's past. In the late 1880s the station was the calm centre of a thriving sheep and cattle empire.

It’s a good idea to visit during the cooler months between April and September. You can plan some extra sightseeing and a walk in the area. Nearby attractions include Mount Talowla walking track (Thina Yapa) and lookout (Withawithalaana). Rest under the shade of red river gums at Many Big Rocks picnic area (Karnu Yalpa) and Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru). Soak up the peaceful surrounds as you take in the vast floodplains, red sand hills and gigantic sky.

You might see sand goannas, bearded dragons and emus during the day, and crucifix frogs, owls and western grey or red kangaroos by night. Birdwatchers, bring your binoculars along. You’re likely to be rewarded with sightings of red-tailed black cockatoos and wetland birds like brolgas, spoonbills and straw-necked ibises.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • Wide view of Toorale Homestead with palm trees, under a sunny sky. Photo: Joshua Smith © OEH

    Toorale Homestead walk

    Toorale Homestead walk is in the Toorale Homestead precinct of Toorale National Park, near Bourke. Enjoy a short stroll around the heritage-listed homestead and its historic buildings.

  • Mount Gunderbooka from Mount Talowla lookout, Toorale National Park. Photo: Leah Pippos/DPIE

    Mount Talowla lookout

    For vast floodplain views to Mount Gunderbooka, check out Mount Talowla lookout, also known as Withawitha Iaana, in Toorale State Conservation Area, near Bourke.

 

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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

General enquiries

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