Explore Bingara & Warialda's National Parks

Horton Falls National Park – 1hr 15min drive from Bingara

Tucked away in the rugged foothills of the Nandewar Range is this patch of relatively undisturbed old growth forest, where nature lovers can explore the waterfalls, swimming holes and gorges of Horton Falls National Park. Make the short 100m stroll to Horton Falls lookout which is the ideal vantage point to see Horton River cascade into the deep valley below. If you fancy an invigorating dip, head past the Upper Falls picnic area and follow the scenic track to the most perfect little swimming hole. Picnic tables, BBQ facilities and toilets. Map: Horton Falls National Park map.

Goonoowigall State Conservation Area – 1hr 10min drive from Bingara

Scenic area covering 1,057 hectares, with low hills and large dramatic boulders, home to protected local wildlife and rare plants. Enjoy an easy stroll or longer trek with 10 km of marked walking tracks though woodlands and alongside meandering creeks. Within the reserve, on Jukembal Land, is the Nhunta Karra Kara Track commemorating the Aboriginal families who made the Goonoowigal area (known as the Inverell "fringe dwellers" camp) their home from the 1940s until the 1970s. To listen to their fascinating and moving stories as you walk the track, download the free Soundtrails App then open Goonoowigal Soundtrail. Map: Goonoowigal State Conservation Area map

Kwiambal National Park – 1hr 30min drive from Bingara

Located at the junction of the Severn and Macintyre Rivers, this tranquil park is a nature-lovers paradise, featuring sandy riverbank beaches, invigorating plunge pools, thundering waterfalls and dramatic granite gorges. Perfect secluded spots for picnicking, swimming, camping, fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, hiking and mountain biking. Highlights include Macintyre Falls Lookout, the Limestone Caves and the 4km loop Slippery Rock Walking Track. Marked trails, picnic tables, BBQ and toilets. Map: Kwiambal National Park map

Mount Kaputar National Park – 2hrs 10min drive from Bingara

Whether you’re a thrill seeker or seeking blissful solitude, take the time to discover this rugged island of wilderness left behind by ancient volcanic eruptions between 17 and 21 million years ago. The Nandewar Ranges rise dramatically from the flat agricultural plains below, the elevation resulting in a great variety of vegetation, landscape and temperature. The park is home to rare and threatened fauna, including bats, birds, koalas, quolls and wallabies. Keep an eye out for the distinctive native pink slug, which is unique to the area! Camping, bushwalking, mountain biking, rock-climbing, swimming, horse riding…the options for adventure are endless. Contact the Moree Visitor Information Centre on 02 6757 3350 before venturing out to check current road conditions. Map: Mount Kaputar National Park map

Highlights of the park include:

• Mount Kaputar Summit lookout - spectacular, panoramic 360- degree views taking in an extraordinary 10% of the state. If you’re keen for a hike, start at the Dawson’s Spring picnic area and follow the trail along the Mount Kaputar Summit Walk (2km return).

• Waa Gorge Walking Track - millions of years of weathering has formed the deeply etched gorge, its gullies are strewn with enormous boulders and the ghost of ancient rivers and streams. Follow the track (2.5km return through the Grattai Wilderness Area) deep into the rock formation and be dwarfed by the towering tangerine-streaked walls up to the volcanic plug. Wildflowers carpet the area in springtime and it’s a cool and quiet spot for a picnic in summer. Picnic tables and bush toilets near the carpark at the base of Mt Waa.

• Sawn Rocks Walking Track - Soaring, 40m tall pillars reminiscent of church organ pipes, Sawn Rocks is a perfect example of the Mount Kaputar’s park’s volcanic past - the striking wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the result of slow and even cooling of molten rock. From the carpark a 1.5km return walking track offers an easy stroll through fragrant eucalypts, fig and wattle trees to an observation platform providing the perfect view of this intriguing geometric formation. You can then take the steps down for a dip in the tranquil pools of Bobbiwaa Creek. BBQ, picnic tables and bush toilets.