Ancient Geological Site Glacial Area, Rocky Creek (near Bingara), NSW.

Rocky Creek

We found exploring Rocky Creek and seeing evidence of ancient glacial activity fascinating. 

There are a couple of flat spots suitable for overnighting.

Amenities at the Glacial Rocks Campground.

Upper reaches of Rocky Creek

There is no set trail but the remains of rocks sliced through by the action of ancient glaciers are easily found with a little bit of rock hopping.

Evidence of glacial activity.

Glacial Rocks (Rocky Creek) Campground
Where: Killarney Gap Road, Rocky Creek NSW. 36 km (25 min) south-west of Bingara. 86 km south-west of Warialda. 74 km north-east of Narrabri.  
Access: 300 meters unsealed with overhanging trees. Not suitable for large rigs. 
Free Camp
Facilities: Non-flush toilets. Bins.
Prohibitions: No pets allowed.

Sculptures in the Scrub Walking Track, Timmallallie (Pilliga) National Park, NSW.

Sculptures in the Scrub Walking Track: 3 km circuit, Grade 3.

A highlight of camping at the Sculptures in the Scrub Campground is easy access to this brilliant walk showcasing aboriginal culture. We did the walk clockwise; exploring the sculptures before descending and walking along the base of Dandry Gorge.

Sculptures in the Scrub walking track.

Scrub Spirits by Col Henry

First Lesson by Brett Garling

Yuundu Yuundu by Ken Huthchinson

Connections by "Badger" William Bates

Respect Mother by Pamela Denise

From the gorge we were able to look up and see some of the sculptures placed to scan the landscape. Despite the dry riverbed in the gorge we spotted a fair bit of wildlife including kangaroos, lizards and emus.

Path at the bottom of Dandry Gorge.

Young Lace Monitor with Bells Phase markings.

Being watched over by "First Lesson"

Nobbi Dragon

"Scrub Spirits" keeping an eye on us.

Eastern Grey Kangaroo in Dandry Gorge.

There were lots of interesting things to observe. Three of my favourite curiosities being: distinctively shaped emu poo, the truly huge 8 cm Giant Burrowing Cockroaches scurrying about and a perfectly fitted out case moth.

Emu poo.

Giant Burrowing Cockroach

Case Moth

Sculptures in the Scrub Picnic Area and Campground, Pilliga National Park, NSW.

Sculptures in the Scrub Picnic Area

There are several separate large camping sites at Sculptures in the Scrub Campground.

There are no facilities in the campground itself, however, it is only a short walk from the campsites to the toilet block and picnic area. 

Our set up in one of the large sites.

Each sites leads off the road in.

No 1 Break Road.

This is a remote campground with a stark Australian environment. There were several kangaroos "grazing" in the picnic area and campground. Somehow they were finding something to eat in the dry dirt. We enjoyed colourful sunrises in the morning and Glossy Black Cockatoos flew over every afternoon.

Eastern Grey Kangaroos.

Sunrise at Sculptures in the Scrub Campground.

Glossy Black Cockatoo.

Access to the Sculptures in the Scrub Walking Track is from the picnic area. Due to the outstanding nature of the walk, I will cover it in a separate blog.

Sculptures in the Scrub Campground:
Where: Pilliga National Park (Timmallallie National Park), NSW. 106 km (1 hour 25 mins) south of Narrabri. 84 km (1 hour 20 min) from Coonabarabran via Baradine. From Baradine drive along Indians Lane for 9.5 km, turn right at the T Junction onto No 1 Break Road and drive for about 13 km. Turn right onto Top Crossing Road and drive for about 11 km. Turn left into Dandry Gorge Road and drive for about 1 km to the campground. 
Access: Unsealed roads. 2WD dry weather only. Check road conditions at the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre in Baradine 02 6843 4011. 
Bookings & Fees: No bookings. Free to camp. Free to enter.
Sites: Suitable for tents, camping beside your vehicle, camper trailers, caravans. There are several separate large sites. 
Facilities: There is a toilet block near the picnic area. Walking track with information signs. Generators are permitted.
Picnic Area: The picnic area adjoins the camping area. Sheltered tables, free gas barbecues, non-potable tank water, non-flush toilet, car park.
Prohibited: Pets, Smoking.

Wildlife: Emu, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Nobbi Dragon, Giant Burrowing Cockroach, Lace Monitor (Bell's Phase). Birds: Apostlebird, Grey-crowned Babbler, Black Kite, Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Galah, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Pied Currawong, Superb Fairy-wren, Grey Fantail, Noisy Friarbird, Noisy Miner, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Crested Pigeon, Eastern Rosella, Inland Thornbill, Rufous Whistler, Willie Wagtail, Masked Woodswallow, White-browed Woodswallow.

Baradine, NSW.

We drove from Coonabarabran to the small town of Baradine to check out the Pillaga Forest Discovery Centre. The staff were very helpful and there was lots of information to peruse. Tours with an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger can be booked here.

While in Baradine we took the opportunity to track down a Spotted Bowerbird that frequents the area. We quickly discovered the bower but had to wait some time for the bowerbird to show up. A number of other birds popped in just to keep us on our toes. At last the male Spotted Bowerbird made an appearance.

Spotted Bowerbird Bower

Spotted Turtle Dove

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater

Spotted Bowerbird.

Sandstone Caves, Pilliga National Park, NSW.

Where: Pilliga National Park, Dandry NSW. 87 km (56 mins) south of Narrabri or 175 km north of Dubbo (2 hours). Turn east off the Newell HWY onto Yaminba Trail. 
Access: Yaminba Trail is unsealed but was in good condition when we visited. There is a large car park.
Prohibited: pets, smoking.
Caution: Take water as it can get very hot and dry here.
Note: This is a special place for the Gamilaroi people. You are requested not to use flash photography and to refrain from touching the rock art and engravings.

Car Park at the Sandstone Caves.

Trailhead for the Sandstone Caves Walk.

Sandstone Caves Walking Track: 1.7 km loop, Grade 3.

You can do a self guided walk or a tour with an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger can be booked at Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre in Baradine, phone  02 6843 4011. The sandstone caves are very spectacular so I will simply let the photos tell the story.