Siding Spring Observatory and Whitegum Lookout, Warrumbungle National Park. NSW.

View from Whitegum Lookout.

We visited Whitegum Lookout while already camping at Warrumbungle National Park but it would be better to visit it on the way in as the view from the lookout has great signage and would be an excellent way to become familiar with the various mountains that make up the landscape.

Whitegum Lookout, 1 km return, Grade Easy:

Whitegum Picnic Area

The walk starts from the Whitgum car park and picnic area. The path is short and easy making it suitable for strollers. As the picnic area and lookout are in the national park, dogs and other pets are not allowed. We saw lots of White's Skinks basking alongside the path.

White's Skink

Whitegum Lookout has informative signage.

Crater Bluff, Belougery Spire, Breadknife, Balor Peak, Bluff Mountain and Bluff Pyramid.

Bluff Mountain, Bluff Pyramid, Mount Exmouth.

Mount Exmouth, Split Rock.

Siding Spring Observatory

Siding Spring Observatory Visitor Centre

The Dome Cafe and Exporatory (astronomy exhibition) are usually open Monday to Saturday. It may be open on Sunday during New South Wales school holidays. However, it is closed when there is extreme fire danger. Entry to the Exporatory is about $6 an adult and approx $4 per child. Tours start at about $10 per adult and can also be booked on 02 6842 6363. The steep road in is rated as not suitable for caravans.

View from Siding Spring Observatory 

Siding Spring Observatory is the centre of The Worlds Largest Virtual Solar System and as such represents the Sun. When driving around the Narrabri, Dubbo, Tamworth areas boards representing the various planets can be found along the roadside. It is a great family friendly activity to locate various planets along your road trip and learn about the solar system. 

The Worlds Largest Virtual Solar System

Venus; part of the Virtual Solar System.