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Gundabooka National Park
Overview
The Gundabooka National Park is a protected national park in the north-west region of New South Wales, in eastern Australia. The 63,902-hectare (157,910-acre) national park is located approximately 820 kilometres (510 mi) northwest of Sydney. The nearest town is Bourke, 70 kilometres (43 mi) to the north. The national park is located adjacent to both the Darling River and the Toorale National Park, both located on the northwest boundary of Gundabooka National Park. Mount Gunderbooka and the Gunderbooka Range is located within the park. Prior to becoming a park the area was home to the Ngemba people and a sheep station. Petroglyph rock art and ancestral ceremonial grounds are located inside the park. It has many exotic plants. The landscape is dominated by large open plains, stretches of grassy woodlands, and rust-coloured rocky cliffs.
Facts
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Source
WBP almanac
External sources
Media
From Wikipedia177 words
WBP editorial3
Indigenous imprint on the landscape
Beyond the visible rock art, the Ngemba’s traditional fire‑management practices still echo across Gundabooka’s grasslands. Early visitors can join guided walks led by local custodians, who will point out subtle variations in vegetation regrowth that mark centuries‑old burn patterns. These controlled burns not only sustain the delicate balance of native grasses but also create a mosaic of habitats for ground‑dwelling birds. Engaging with this living heritage offers a perspective on how cultural stewardship shapes ecological resilience, something most guidebooks overlook.
Seasonal rhythms and the river’s pulse
The park’s proximity to the Darling River means its character shifts dramatically with the water’s cadence. In late winter, low flows expose expansive mudflats that are a magnet for migratory waders, while spring floods blanket the low plains, turning tracks into temporary waterways navigable by canoe. Planning a visit around these natural cycles allows travellers to witness contrasting scenes – from stark, wind‑swept dunes to lush, water‑kissed woodlands – and to time wildlife spotting with the river’s own timetable rather than a fixed calendar.