Mount Talowla lookout

Toorale State Conservation Area

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

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

Type
Lookouts
Where
Toorale State Conservation Area in Outback NSW
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
Please note
  • The weather in the area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit.
  • Please respect the wishes of Kurnu-Baakandji People by protecting the natural and cultural features of the park.
  • Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.

Mount Talowla lookout has sweeping 360-degree views across Toorale National Park and State Conservation Area, and beyond. This site is known by local Kurnu-Baakandji People as Withawitha Iaana. This exceptional vantage point provides intrepid travellers and first-time visitors with a great introduction to the vast outback landscape of north-west NSW, near Bourke.

The lookout offers a great spot for birdwatching, so be sure to bring along your binoculars for a chance to see wedge-tailed eagles soaring above. In spring, the fluffy yellow heads of foxtail flowers peep above the drying grass tussocks.

At the summit, dotted mulga trees show off their yellow flowers in winter months. Gaze across to Dunlop Range in the south and Mount Gunderbooka in the east, as well as the seemingly never-ending western floodplains. Lines of trees in the distance indicate the path of ephemeral waterways.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • 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.

  • Photo of giant steel front door artwork, Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra). Photo: triggerdesign.com.au

    Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra)

    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.

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/things-to-do/lookouts/mount-talowla-lookout/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Mount Talowla lookout.

Getting there and parking

From Bourke:

  • Travel 10.5km north from Bourke on Hungerford Road
  • Continue for 21.5km and turn left at the sign to Louth, onto the unsealed section of Toorale Road (Rural Local Road 10).
  • Drive for 38km and, after crossing a stock grid, you’ll see a Toorale entrance sign.
  • Continue for a further 24km to the turn-off to the carpark at Mount Talowla

From Louth:

  • Travel 30km on the unsealed section of Toorale Road (Rural Local Road 10) towards Bourke.

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Mount Talowla lookout can become impassable when it rains.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • All roads require 4WD vehicle

Weather restrictions

  • Dry weather only

Parking

Parking is available for eight cars and a bus at the Mount Talowla lookout carpark.

Facilities

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Carpark

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

This park or attraction is in a remote location, so please ensure you’re well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

The walking opportunities in this park are suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking. If you’re bushwalking in this park, it’s a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.

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.

Wildlife safety

Beware of wildlife when driving at dawn and dusk.

Prohibited

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.