Where

Culgoa National Park in Outback NSW

Distance

1km return

Time suggested

30min - 1hr

Grade

Grade 5

What to
bring

Drinking water, sunscreen, hat

Please note

• There's limited water available in this area, so you'll need to bring your own.
• Check the weather before you set out as the roads are susceptible to flooding
• This park is in a remote location, so please be well-prepared and tell a family member or friend about your travel plans.
• It’s a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.
• There is no mobile reception in this park.

Mirri Mirri Yurun, also known as River Bank walk, follows the bank of Culgoa River, threading between majestic red gums. After a wet season, spring sees the ground flourish with wildflowers as well. This is an easy walk but a good one, offering a modest introduction to the park, and a chance to enjoy a stroll without having to worry too much about equipment. Nevertheless, make sure you take a hat and plenty of water.

You might want to bring binoculars for a spot of birdwatching too, or, if you’re artistically inclined, an easel with some paints: the landscape is fascinating around here, with rich soil and a stark palette of Australian outback colours. Expect to see gidgee and coolabah trees, with emus and native birds hanging around the waterholes.

After your relaxing walk, take advantage of the tables at Culgoa River campground, settling down to finish the day off with an afternoon picnic or a barbecue.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Maps and downloads

Learn more

Historic heritage

Charles Sturt was the first European explorer to venture here, in 1829, but colonial pastoralists were not far behind. By the 1860s, settlements were established right across the region, with large properties like Byerawering, Cawwell and Burban Grange, where Culgoa River campground can be found today. Culgoa National Park is committed to conserving the pastoral history of the area.

Iconic plants and animals

Culgoa has enough animals to keep even the most knowledgable naturalist glued to their binoculars: 24 mammals, 170 species of bird, 29 lizards, seven types of snake, and 15 types of frog. If you're lucky, you might spot a long-necked tortoise - there are many varieties in the park. Even more special, Culgoa has one of the largest koala populations in northern NSW. 

Rich cultural life

Aboriginal Australians have a long relationship with Culgoa. Murrawarri people, from the Gandugari group, consider it traditional land and it has significant archaeological and cultural value. Other tribal groups include the Ngemba, Ngaampaa, Paakandji, Morawari and Budjiti, who work with the NPWS in discussions of land management. Today, Murrawarri descendants reside in the area around the park, including the townships of Weilmoringle, Brewarrina, Goodooga, Bourke and Enngonia. These people retain a strong oral history of the region, expressed as traditional knowledge, beliefs, personal history and attachment to the landscape.

Under the shade of a coolabah tree

Culgoa is the only national park in NSW with Brigalow-gidgee woodland. It also has the largest continuous tract of coolabah woodland left in the state, meaning plenty of opportunities to settle down in the afternoon 'under the shade of a coolabah tree'.