Goobang National Park Walks and Bushland Trails

Goobang National Park sits on the central western slopes of New South Wales, between Peak Hill, Parkes and Molong. The nearest major centre is Dubbo, and the park lies roughly 360 kilometres north west of Sydney. This is a landscape of ironbark forest, ridgelines and open woodland, offering a wide range of walks, bushwalks and hikes for those keen to explore beyond the highway.

Whether you are touring by car, riding mountain bike tracks or setting out on foot, there is a strong sense of space here. The park’s network of fire trails and walking tracks makes it well suited to both short strolls and longer all trails style adventures. From elevated lookouts you can see across farming country to distant ranges, while within the forest you move through changing vegetation that reflects the diversity of this region.

Wildlife is part of the experience. Red necked wallabies, swamp wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos and echidnas are often seen around campgrounds and along quieter tracks. In the warmer months, reptiles are active, including lace monitors, blue tongued lizards, shinglebacks and bearded dragons. There have also been occasional koala sightings in the more secluded areas of the park. After dark, boobook owls, nightjars, possums, bats and frogs add their calls to the night air.

The plant life is equally impressive. More than 500 species have been recorded, forming part of the largest remaining forest woodland complex in the central western slopes of NSW. As you walk, you may pass through stands of red ironbark, mugga ironbark, black cypress pine and red stringybark. Blakely’s red gum, yellow box and grey box are also common, along with shrubby sheaok, heaths, wattles, grevilleas and tea trees. In spring, native grasses, herbs and forbs put on a colourful display that makes bushwalks especially rewarding.

Birdwatchers are well catered for. Parrots such as eastern rosellas, little lorikeets and red rumped parrots are frequently seen, and glossy black cockatoos have been recorded in the park. From higher points, you may spot wedge tailed eagles and brown falcons riding thermals. The heathlands and shrubs also support wrens, thornbills, warblers, pardalotes, finches and robins, making even short hikes feel rich with movement and sound.

The park holds strong cultural significance for Wiradjuri people, who lived mostly on the flats east of the Herveys Range escarpment and in the central and southern Curumbenya Range. Evidence of long standing connection to Country can be seen in open camp sites, stone arrangements, quarries and axe grinding grooves. Scarred trees near Wanda Wandong campground and interpretive signs along the Wanda Wandong Woodland walking track offer insight into local Aboriginal culture and stories passed down through generations.

Each season brings something different. Autumn’s cooler temperatures make it a comfortable time for longer bushwalks along fire trails and ridgelines, with clear skies that suit stargazing at Wanda Wandong campground. Spring highlights the wildflowers and flowering shrubs, and a drive to Caloma lookout reveals wide views across paddocks of canola, cereals and pasture. In summer, early starts are best for walks and hikes, followed by a relaxed afternoon using the free gas barbecues at Wanda Wandong campground.

Goobang National Park is a place where you can plan a steady day walk, test yourself on more demanding hikes, or link together sections of all trails for a longer outing. With varied terrain, reliable access points and a mix of natural and cultural interest, it rewards those who take the time to explore thoughtfully and come prepared.

Want to find the best trails in Goobang National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.