The Tara Cave walking track offers a gentle 3.8km return bushwalk through Warrumbungle National Park, providing a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in both nature and local Aboriginal culture. This easy, grade 2 hike typically takes around two hours to complete and is ideal for those seeking a peaceful walk with the added benefit of learning about the area's rich history.
Starting at the Old Woolshed picnic area, the trail crosses Wambelong Creek and leads through a grassy valley. The track gradually climbs through eucalypt forest, bringing you to the distinctive Pilliga sandstone slopes. As you continue along the path, you'll arrive at Tara Cave, a significant site where evidence of Aboriginal occupation can be found. The cave was once used for shelter and for manufacturing stone tools. At the entrance, you’ll find a stone slab featuring grinding grooves, a reminder of the area’s ancient use by the local people. Along the way, interpretive displays provide insight into the deep connection the Aboriginal people have with this land, enriching the walk with historical context.
The top of the trail offers stunning views of Warrumbungle National Park’s iconic skyline, making it a perfect spot for reflection. After your hike, take the chance to relax with a picnic at the Old Woolshed area or enjoy a barbecue at the nearby Canyon picnic area. If you’re keen to explore further, you can combine the Tara Cave track with a short walk to the Whitegum lookout, which is accessible for those with mobility needs.
Visiting in spring brings extra rewards, as the area blooms with wildflowers, including vibrant yellow everlasting daisies and billy buttons. The cooler temperatures make for a pleasant walk, and it’s a fantastic time for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for turquoise parrots and spotted pardalotes, adding a colourful touch to the already stunning surroundings. Whether you're keen to learn about the area's cultural history or simply enjoy the natural beauty, the Tara Cave walking track offers a fulfilling and enriching experience.
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
- This walk includes a creek crossing. Please check water level height at Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre before starting this walk. Take special care after heavy rain.
- Visit Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre before you set out to pick up a free trail map and get detailed route information and advice.
Total distance: 3785 m
Max elevation: 501 m
Min elevation: 416 m
Total climbing: 99 m
Total descent: -99 m
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Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Warrumbungle National Park.
Nestled within Warrumbungle National Park, the Tara Cave Walking Track is easily accessible by car year-round. Whether you’re coming from Coonabarabran or Gilgandra, well-maintained sealed roads pave the way for a smooth journey.
From Coonabarabran: Follow Newell Highway west onto Dalgarno Street for about 450 meters. Make a right turn onto Namoi Street, then continue onto Eden Street and eventually Timor Road after 400 meters. Keep an eye out for signs guiding you towards Warrumbungle National Park along Timor Road for roughly 23 kilometers. Upon entering the park, the road transforms into John Renshaw Parkway. Stay on this parkway for 14 kilometers, and you’ll find the Old Woolshed picnic area conveniently located on your right.
From Gilgandra:Â Take Newell Highway north towards Coonabarabran. After traveling for about 40 kilometers, look out for the brown Tourist Drive 1 sign. Use this as your cue to turn left onto the road leading into Tooraweenah village. Traverse through Tooraweenah, following Tourist Drive 1 north for another 28 kilometers until you reach the old Gummin Gummin homestead. Make a right turn here and follow John Renshaw Parkway for 10 kilometers. Your destination, the Old Woolshed picnic area, awaits you at the end of this journey.
Parking and Facilities:Â Ample parking is available at the Old Woolshed picnic area, providing a convenient starting point for your exploration of the Tara Cave Walking Track.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Millions of years ago, a mighty shield volcano sculpted the jagged peaks of Warrumbungle National Park. Today, these ancient formations rise majestically from eucalyptus-dotted plains, creating a landscape unlike any other in New South Wales.
As Australia's first Dark Sky Park, Warrumbungle boasts pristine skies untouched by light pollution. Here, the Milky Way stretches across the heavens, revealing a dazzling display of stars, planets, and distant galaxies. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a curious beginner, Warrumbungle offers unforgettable stargazing experiences.
Lace up your boots and explore a network of walking tracks. Hike the iconic Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk for breathtaking close-up views of the park's most recognizable rock formations. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for camping, birdwatching, and capturing stunning photographs of the dramatic scenery.
While wildfires impacted the park in 2013, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has meticulously restored walking tracks, campgrounds, and visitor facilities. Start your adventure at the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre, where you can gather park information or purchase a star chart to navigate the night sky.
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