Nilla Yannagalang Billana
Willandra National Park
Overview
The Nilla Yannagalang Billana is an easy walking track that follows Willandra Creek and passes sites of great historical and cultural significance.
- Where
- Willandra National Park in Murray-Riverina
- Distance
- 3.7km one-way
- Time suggested
- 1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min
- Grade
- Grade 3
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Sunscreen, hat
In Wiradjuri, Nilla Yannagalang Billana means “walking along together”. The track follows the course of the Willandra Creek and can be accessed from the homestead precinct or, if you’re camping, the Willandra Billabong weir.
It’s an easy walk through black box woodland interspersed with openings of black bluebush shrubland. Keep your eyes peeled for woodland wildlife. If there’s water in the creek, expect to see waterbirds such as egrets, herons, spoonbills, cormorants and ducks.
The track takes you past historic pastoral infrastructure once relied upon by the homestead, such as the weir and Buttabong Bridge. This bridge was the creek crossing to the railway siding at Wee Elwah from where people travelled on to Sydney. At the old tip site are the rusting remains of a steam-powered engine.
Map
Map legend
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/walking-tracks/nilla-yannagalang-billana/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Willandra National Park in the Murray-Riverina region
Willandra National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring correct change.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Nilla Yannagalang Billana.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
3.7km one-way
Time
1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min
Quality of markings
Sign posted
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Flat
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
The Nilla Yannagalang Billana walking track starts at the homestead precinct of Willandra National Park. To get there, go to the northwest corner of the Willandra Homestead grounds where the track begins. If camping, you can join the track by walking to the Willandra Billabong weir and then following the track along the creek.
Parking
Parking is available at the homestead precinct of Willandra National Park.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Willandra National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Like spring, this season is also a time of mild weather.
Spring
Spring brings mild weather and fantastic birdwatching opportunities, as well as being the best time for wildflower displays. Drive, cycle or walk the scenic Merton trail or follow the Nilla Yannagalang Billana walking trail to make the most of what's on offer at this time of year.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
17°C and 32°C
Highest recorded
46°C
Winter temperature
Average
7°C and 16°C
Lowest recorded
-4.4°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
October
Driest month
February
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
119.6mm
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
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.
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted in this park. Find out more about pets in parks.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Learn more
Nilla Yannagalang Billana is in Willandra National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A closer look at Aboriginal culture
Evidence of Aboriginal people's lives on this land can best be seen on the scalds near Halls Lake, near the Merton trail, where erosion has exposed a number of objects. Take a look at (but please don't touch) the remains of oven hearths, broken pieces of grinding dishes and stone flakes. Nilla Yannagalang Billana, the only formal walking track in the park, means 'walking along together' in Wiradjuri.
- Merton motor trail Whether you’re driving or cycling, the Merton motor trail at Willandra National Park is the perfect way to experience the park’s various wildlife habitats and historic past.
Plain to see
Windmill, cane, spear and white top - the names of Australian native grasses really have evolved to become far more fun than their original Latin terms. These grasses now make up most of the ground cover on the park's plains. Saltbush and cottonbush dominated - and still does - but Europeans quickly recognised the nutritional value of these plants and a century of grazing has changed the environment. A hike through the wetlands, woodlands and grasslands of the park, rich with birds and animals, is a reminder of how nature continues to adapt.
- Nilla Yannagalang Billana The Nilla Yannagalang Billana is an easy walking track that follows Willandra Creek and passes sites of great historical and cultural significance.
The ringer looks around
Big Willandra Station once stretched from Hillston to Mossgiel and covered an area eight times that of what is now Willandra National Park. Some buildings from the huge merino stud are in ruins, while others have been restored. In its time, Big Willandra saw it all: illegal squatting, leasehold, freehold, homesteading, the establishment of the Western Lands Commission, resumptions and soldier settler occupation. Today, you can enjoy cheap heritage accommodation, ideal for a weekend family or group getaway.
- Merton motor trail Whether you’re driving or cycling, the Merton motor trail at Willandra National Park is the perfect way to experience the park’s various wildlife habitats and historic past.
- Nilla Yannagalang Billana The Nilla Yannagalang Billana is an easy walking track that follows Willandra Creek and passes sites of great historical and cultural significance.
- Willandra Homestead Visit Willandra Homestead, the lovingly restored pastoral station of Big Willandra. Step back in time, enjoy a barbecue and watch waterbirds on Willandra Creek.
- Willandra shearing precinct Explore the rustic and distinctive woolshed and shearers’ quarters of the Willandra Shearing precinct to experience the fascinating working history of Big Willandra.
What bird is that?
Could there really be 195 species of birdlife within an area of less than 20,000ha? The diversity of Willandra's natural environment — from woodland and wetland to grassland and open plain — provides a variety of habitats. The result is an eclectic mix that includes emu, swan, seagull, night heron, raptor and duck. Set yourself the challenge to see how many different birds you can spot during your visit.
- Nilla Yannagalang Billana The Nilla Yannagalang Billana is an easy walking track that follows Willandra Creek and passes sites of great historical and cultural significance.