Trail Fast Facts
Mulgowan (Yappa) Aboriginal Art Site walking track is a 1.4km, grade 5 hike in Gundabooka National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 45 minutes to complete.
Hike Overview
For an outback adventure that's bound to inspire, head for Mulgowan (Yappa) Aboriginal Art site walking track in Gundabooka National Park, near Bourke. Be amazed by the fascinating Aboriginal rock art of the Ngemba and Paakandji people, set amongst unspoilt bushland. It's an unforgettable 'off the beaten track' experience for all ages.
Following this challenging yet rewarding walking track along encompassing boulders, you might see hooded robins and pink cockatoos. Arriving at the enormous rock overhang, you'll discover unique Aboriginal rock paintings that not only depict animal motifs, but dancers, hand stencils and hunting tools. The surrounding Gunderbooka Range and Mulareenya Creek is a significant area where ceremonies were held and the echoes of a vibrant Aboriginal culture can still be felt.
Take your time to soak up the tranquil setting before retracing your steps. If you're keen to explore, try Bennetts Gorge picnic area and the nearby walk or pitch your tent beneath the vast desert sky at Dry Tank campground or Yanda campground.
Take a virtual tour of Mulgowan (Yappa) Aboriginal Art Site walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
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.
Map and GPX file
Help fellow hikers navigate with confidence. Share your GPX or KML file for this trail and help build a more comprehensive resource with precise waypoints and elevation profiles. Your contribution will empower adventurers with details they need for a safer and more enjoyable experience. I meticulously verify every file using official maps and surveys, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability. Submit your file now and become a trailblazer for your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
On entering Gundabooka National Park from Kidman Way, 49km south of Bourke or 160km North of Cobar, drive along Ben Lomond Road for approximately 7.5km to the Mulgowan Heritage Site entrance on the left. Turn off, then drive for about 16km to the Mulgowan Heritage Site carpark. Road quality Check the weather before you set out as the road to Mulgowan (Yappa) Aboriginal Art site can become boggy when it rains. Parking Parking is available at Mulgowan Heritage Site.
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.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Gundabooka National Park in the Outback NSW region
Gundabooka National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.