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Many Big Rocks picnic area (Karnu Yalpa)

Toorale National Park

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Overview

Enjoy an outback picnic at Many Big Rocks picnic area (Karnu Yalpa) in Toorale National Park, near Bourke. You can also birdwatch or fish by the banks of the Darling River, under a shady coolibah tree.

Type
Picnic areas
Where
Toorale National Park in Outback NSW
Accessibility
Medium
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, snacks, drinking water, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, clothes for all weather conditions, insect repellent
Please note
  • This is a remote picnic area with no water facilities, please arrive well prepared.
  • It's a good idea to pick up maps and brochures from the NPWS Bourke office or Bourke Visitor Information Centre. You may want to bring a topographic map, compass or GPS.
  • 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.

Many Big Rocks picnic area (Karnu Yalpa) is a tranquil stop along the Darling River driving route. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a bend in the river, under the coolibah trees and river red gums. Spend some time fishing from the riverbank or natural rock weir to see if the yellow belly or cod are biting.

Stretch your legs with a walk along the water's edge to catch a glimpse of waterbirds like cormorants and spoonbills. Chances are you'll also spot emus, kangaroos bouncing around, or a wedge-tailed eagle soaring above.

After your break, you'll be ready to continue exploring Toorale National Park. Visit Toorale Homestead to see the outback's pastoral history, or learn about the Kurnu-Baakandji People and their strong connection to these lands. At Mount Talowla lookout you'll be greeted with vast outback views of the floodplains, and seasonal wildflowers, stretching towards Mount Gunderbooka.

At the end of the day, the basic Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru) is located 500m from the picnic area. You can also camp, or stay at an old homestead or shearer's quarters, in Gundabooka National Park.

The best times to visit are during the cooler months, between April and September.

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

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

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