Thanks to the Jolly Swagman and his billabong, coolabah trees are iconic in Australian folklore. Culgoa Connellys track has loads of them - in fact, it threads for 4km through open coolabah woodlands, with birds circling overhead and emus rushing through scrub along the track. After rainy season, the ground blooms with native wildflowers, too.
Reached from Culgoa River campground, Culgoa Connellys track is suitable for everybody, from families and grey nomads to experienced bushwalkers. Bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and that all-important sense of adventure, and this easy walk delivers plenty of rewards. While it's Grade 5 for not having directional signage, you'll still find this an easy walk for all ages.
If you're river camping, consider bringing a torch as a great deal of wildlife is most active at night. So, follow the track in the evening for a completely different experience to a chorus of frogs and cicadas. You might like to look up for a bit of amateur astronomy while you're at it.
You can even extend the stroll by following the adjoining Yawura Yarun (Sandhill track), which offers a return walk to the campground as well.
The small townships of Weilmoringle, on the south-west side of Culgoa, and Goodooga, on the east side of Culgoa, offer no fuel, so please ensure you have enough before departure.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Getting there
Culgoa Connellys track starts from Culgoa River campground in the Burban Grange precinct of Culgoa National Park. To get there:Take the unsealed road north-east of Bourke for 180km, or the unsealed, dry weather road north of Brewarrina for 120km.The campground is 14km from the southern entrance of the park Road quality Check the weather before you set out as the road to Culgoa National Park can become boggy when it rains and the roads are susceptible to flooding. Parking Parking is available at Culgoa River campground.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
About the region
Culgoa National Park in the Outback NSW region
Culgoa National Park is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe