National park · Australia
Coolah Tops National Park
Go if you are already driving the Central West: a half-day loop of the falls and lookouts, or one night at The Pines campground. Skip as a stand-alone trip from Sydney — the drive is long (check times).
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
106 km²41 sq mi
approximate
Established
1996
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Area
- 106 km²41 sq mi
- Roughly 106 km² of plateau and escarpment (check).
- Established
- 1996
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Coolah Tops sits on a basalt plateau where the Warrumbungle and Liverpool ranges meet, about 30 km east of the small town of Coolah. Waterfalls drop off the plateau edge, snow gums and grass trees line the roads, and the park holds one of the largest known greater glider populations in Australia. Almost everything is reached by car on unsealed roads, with short walks from the car parks, so it suits a self-drive loop rather than a hiking trip. Camp at The Pines or rent Brackens Hut, and treat the park as a two-night stop between Mudgee, Dubbo and the Warrumbungles.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1996.
Size and age
106 km²41 sq mi · national park since 1996
Roughly 106 km² of plateau and escarpment (check).
Why go
- Waterfalls that drop about 35 m off the plateau edge, an easy 1 km return walk from the picnic area.Waterfalls that drop about 35 m off the plateau edge, an easy 0.6 mi return walk from the picnic area.
- One of the largest greater glider populations in Australia, in snow gum and open forest.
- Lookouts over the Liverpool Plains farmland and, on a clear day, the Warrumbungle ranges.
- Camping under snow gums at The Pines, with no town lights and cold, clear nights.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanWarm days, cool nights; storms build
- FebRainy late summer; unsealed roads may soften (check)
- MarRain easing; green plateau
- AprMild and often clear; good camping after the wet season
- MayCrisp and clear; cold nights (check)
- JunCold; winter conditions on the plateau (check)
- JulColdest month; check conditions before driving in (check)
- AugCold nights, bright days; wind
- SepSpring; waterfalls running
- OctWarm, dry, best all-round
- NovWarm; flies appear
- DecHot in the middle of the day; storms
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater glidersAll year · Present year-round; seen at night in snow gums and open forest. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Eastern grey kangaroos and wallabiesAll year · Most active around dawn and dusk, often near the campground. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Eagles and owlsMar–Sep · Wedgetails soar over the escarpment; owls call at night. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Wildflowers on the plateauSep–Nov · Grass trees and understorey shrubs flower in spring. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Coolah
Coolah Creek Road east for about 19 km, then The Tops Road for about 11 km to the park boundary; the last stretch is unsealed. Check road conditions in Coolah before setting out.Coolah Creek Road east for about 12 mi, then The Tops Road for about 6.8 mi to the park boundary; the last stretch is unsealed. Check road conditions in Coolah before setting out.
40–50 min
From Mudgee
Drive north via Dunedoo and Coolah, then the same unsealed approach road. Check road conditions before leaving.
2–2.5 h
From Dubbo
East via Dunedoo and Coolah, then the unsealed approach road; check road conditions before leaving.
2.5–3 h
From Sydney
Golden Highway through Singleton and Dunedoo, then Coolah; a long day's drive — check the route and times before committing.
check
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Western plateau | The Pines campground, Brackens Hut, snow gum forest and most of the short walks. | Open; unsealed roads, 2WD possible in dry weather. |
| Norfolk Falls and the escarpment | The falls, the picnic area and the lookout over the drop. | Open; short walk from the car park. |
| Eastern lookouts | Breeza and Bundella lookouts over the Liverpool Plains. | Open by car; about 25 km of gravel from the western side.Open by car; about 16 mi of gravel from the western side. |
| Northern slopes | Open forest and grass trees on the way down towards the plains. | Open; fire trails, no formed walking tracks. |
Sketch map
- 1Coolah · Town≈-31.827, 149.720Closest town, about 30 km west; approximate.Closest town, about 19 mi west; approximate.Map ↗
- 2Park boundary on The Tops Road · Gate≈-31.760, 149.990Approximate.Map ↗
- 3The Pines campground · Sleep≈-31.744, 150.030Map ↗
- 4Brackens Hut · Sleep≈-31.752, 150.032Map ↗
- 5Norfolk Falls lookout · Viewpoint≈-31.747, 150.011Map ↗
- 6Breeza lookout · Viewpoint≈-31.819, 150.194Map ↗
- 7Bundella lookout · Viewpoint≈-31.697, 150.018Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | vehicle | No day entry fee is charged for this park; confirm on the official NSW National Parks page before you travel (check). |
| The Pines campground | AUD 12–24 | adult per night | 2026 estimate; a booking fee applies on top — confirm the current rate when booking (check). |
| Brackens Hut | AUD 100–200 | night | 2026 estimate for the whole 1937 cottage; sleeps a small group — confirm the current rate when booking (check). |
| Vehicle entry to other NSW parks | AUD 0–12 | vehicle per day | Some NSW parks charge a vehicle fee; this park does not (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Camping booking permit or guide
Brackens Hut booking permit or guide
Park entry no permit
Park rules
- Fires
- Use only the fireplaces provided; total fire bans apply in summer and are enforced.
- Dogs and pets
- Not allowed in the park, including in vehicles passing through.
- Wildlife
- Do not feed or handle animals; keep torches off gliders' eyes at night.
- Roads
- Unsealed roads may close after heavy rain; check conditions before leaving Coolah.
- Water
- Treat or boil creek and tank water; carry your own drinking water.
Where to stay
In the park
The Pines campground
Pitch beside the pines; booking fee applies and there is no power.
In the park
Brackens Hut
A 1937 cottage with BBQ, drinking water and toilets; book ahead.
Near the park
Coolah
Motels and pub rooms about 30 km west, the closest beds outside the park.Motels and pub rooms about 19 mi west, the closest beds outside the park.
Safety
Cold nights and frost medium
Unsealed roads after rain medium
Remote country medium
Bushfire high
Accessibility
- The Norfolk Falls picnic area and Breeza lookout are reached by car with short, mostly level walks.
- Norfolk Falls walk and the escarpment tracks are rocky and not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility.
- No paved paths or accessible camping facilities in the park (check).
Visiting lightly
- Book and pay for camping so fees go back into track and toilet maintenance.
- Carry out all rubbish; there are no bins at the campground.
- Keep to formed tracks on the plateau to protect grass trees and glider habitat.
- Use a red-light torch and keep your distance when watching wildlife at night.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Coolah Tops National Park?
Nothing for day entry — NSW national parks do not charge an entrance fee here. You pay for camping at The Pines (about A$12–24 per adult per night, 2026 estimate, plus a booking fee) or for Brackens Hut, both booked online in advance.
What are the best hikes in Coolah Tops National Park?
The Norfolk Falls walk is the main one: about 1.1 km return, 45 minutes to an hour, ending at a lookout over the 35 m falls. Everything else is short — a few steps to Breeza and Bundella lookouts — or a drive on the park's unsealed roads. There is no long through-trail.
When is the best time to visit Coolah Tops National Park?
April, May, September and October give dry roads, mild days and clear views. Winter is cold with frost and possible snow, and late summer brings the heaviest rain, which softens the unsealed roads.
Can I get there without a 4WD?
Usually yes in dry weather. The approach on The Tops Road and the park roads are unsealed but graded, and a 2WD car manages them when it is dry. After rain the clay surface becomes slippery, so check conditions in Coolah first.
Where can I camp or sleep near Coolah Tops?
The Pines campground is inside the park and needs an online booking. Brackens Hut, a 1937 cottage, sleeps a small group and is also booked online. The nearest beds outside the park are motels and pub rooms in Coolah, about 30 km away.
Will I see a greater glider?
The park has one of the largest greater glider populations in Australia, but they are nocturnal and quiet. Walk the campground tracks after dark with a torch and look for eye shine high in the snow gums; sightings are never guaranteed.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Sources
- officialNSW National Parks — Coolah Tops National Park
- officialNSW National Parks — Norfolk Falls walk
- officialNSW National Parks — The Pines campground
- officialNSW National Parks — Brackens Hut
- secondaryWikipedia — Coolah Tops National Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Coolah Tops National Park, revision 4837042 (CC BY-SA 4.0)