If you love the outdoors or are a curious adventurer wanting to add some stunning National Parks to your bucket list, we can narrow that list down for you! Central NSW has over 250 breath-taking national parks with dramatic natural landscapes, ensuring there will be something for everyone.
Even better is that many of them are accessible from Dubbo, so all you have to do is arrange some comfortable accommodation (why not give The Palms Motel, Dubbo a go?) and head on out.
1. Goobang National Park
Just 100km from Dubbo, Goobang National Park is adored by residents of NSW. Take awe inspiring pictures of scenic views, go bushwalking, have a picnic, set out on a 4WD tour, or embark on a mountain bike trail. This national park is also perfect for animal lovers and birdwatchers alike so do not leave your binoculars at home!
On sunny days it is not uncommon to see native species of lizard out on the prowl such as Lace Monitors, Blue Tongues, Shingle Backs and Bearded Dragons. Other sightings in the park have been Nightjars, Possums, bats, frogs, Swamp Wallabies, Koalas, and Eastern Grey Kangaroos.
As for birdwatchers, most commonly you’ll encounter Boobook Owls, eagles, parrots, and small wren flying throughout the sky.
2. Nangar National Park
Nangar National Park is just a bit further along than Goobang National Park, 180km from Dubbo. Established in 1983, Nangar National Park is notable for featuring the Nanjar Mountain, rising 778 metres into the sky.
Terarra Creek is the perfect base for bushwalking or picnicking and has beautiful woodland hills dotted with Pink Honey-Myrtle flowers—perfect for Insta and your own stash of memory filled photos.
Like Goobang, there are many birds, animals, and wildflowers to be found. Be on the look-out for Ironbark, Blackpine, Scribbly Gum and Eucalyptus trees, or wild animals like Kangaroos, Wallabies, bats, falcons, and eagles, too.
3. Warrumbungle National Park
Warrumbungle National Park is located roughly 130km North of Dubbo and is known for being Australia’s only Dark Sky Park, which means that light pollution is restricted in the area to promote astronomy.
The park also has beautiful, rugged landscapes that promise bushwalks, stargazing, birdwatching and camping. One of the best bushwalks in NSW is known to be The Breadknife and Grand Hightops walk that goes through the iconic formation such as Bress Peak, Crater Bluff and Belougery Spire.
Since a wildfire in 2013, the National Parks and Wildlife Service have rebuilt and grown their facilities, so some of the park has now been modernized with new attractions such as walking tracks, campgrounds and visitor sites. Star charts are also available to be purchased from the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre.
Mentioned on the official National Parks NSW website, “In spring, walkers will be treated to a wildflower display of Purple Hoveas, White Daisy bushes, Yellow Wattle and Orange Pea flowers.” adding that the park is, “A haven for birdwatchers, be sure to look for wedge-tailed eagles soaring high above the cliffs and listen out for the screech of peregrine falcons.”
4. Pilliga National Park
Just a bit further North of Warrumbunga National Park, Pilliga National Park is 180km from Dubbo with an alluring 2,000km of public access.
Most notably Pilliga National Park has the Pilliga Forest which is carefully managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure the protection of Koalas and declining woodland bird species.
Unlike the other National Parks on this list, Pilliga has stunning sandstone caves which can be seen on the Aboriginal Discovery guided tours, where you will learn about the importance of the site to the Gamilaroi people. A picnic area has also been established within the salt caves, which is open to the public.
There are over 240 bird species recorded in the area, including Barking Owls and Turquoise Parrots. A bird route has been made for those wanting to catch some of the threatened bird species.
5. Goulburn River National Park
185km East from Dubbo, Goulburn River National Park is a spectacular forest with a riverside landscape. The national park is 90km long with the river winding alongside, which is perfect for swimming in summer or fishing all year round!
A birdwatcher’s dream, the park homes roaming emus that inhabit the park and turquoise parrots. Also common to the area, there’s also native Australian wildlife like the eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, and wombats.
The park is an area of significant Aboriginal heritage with more than 300 known sites, located mostly along the river, the area is very important to the local Wiradjuri Aboriginal people: A National Park well worth visiting.
6. Breelong National Park
Located close to Dubbo, Breelong National Park is a hidden gem about 60km north of the city. The Castlereagh River runs throughout the park and is a great opportunity to see local flora and fauna. Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos, Yellow-Billed Spoonbills, and Black-Fronted Dotterels have all been spotted here. This Park is great for a relaxing cycle or walks with beautiful views that you can get to within an hour. Give it a try.
Book with The Palms Motel Dubbo!
To live the perfect adventure in New South Wales’s best National Parks, be sure to book comfortable and affordable accommodation with The Palms Motel, Dubbo. We are in the heart of Dubbo, in walking range to some iconic restaurants, coffee shops and main street shopping. For any questions or to book your stay, please contact our friendly staff on (+61) 2 6881 8155, by emailing us at bookings@tpmd.com.au, or simply book your weekend by clicking here!
