Into the Pilliga
We rolled into Baradine with no big expectations and left a few days later completely charmed. This small country town, often overlooked on the tourist trail, turned out to be a gem and the perfect base for exploring the nearby Pilliga Forest. We set up camp at the Baradine Showgrounds, a quiet and affordable spot with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a few slow days.
Our first stop in town was Reggie's Tattersalls Hotel, where we grabbed lunch after setting up. We’d heard good things from other travellers and weren’t disappointed — the meals were hearty, full of flavour, and served with proper country hospitality. The steak sandwich was a standout, and we may have returned more than once during our stay!
With full bellies and recharged batteries, we set out to explore the Pilliga National Park. The sheer scale of the forest was breathtaking — it’s the largest native forest west of the Great Dividing Range, and driving through it felt like we were entering another world. Our first adventure took us to the Pilliga Fire Tower. The climb to the top wasn’t long, but it was steep enough to get our hearts racing. The panoramic view from the top made it all worth it (For Neil anyway, Cameron chickened out half way up!) a sea of treetops stretching as far as the eye could see and a view across to the famous Warranbungles.
Next, we stopped in at the Salt Caves. The small picnic area nearby made it a great place to pause for a break, and we loved reading about the local history and geology. From there, we wandered along the Sculpture Walk, a short track dotted with striking art pieces that reflect the connection between land, culture, and creativity. It added a thoughtful, unexpected layer to the natural beauty of the forest.
Baradine’s Pilliga Discovery Centre also deserves a mention. It gave us helpful context before we set off and added to our appreciation of the environment around us. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the centre itself is beautifully presented.
We originally thought we’d only stay a night or two, but ended up spending three nights in Baradine. It gave us time to slow down, soak up the forest, and enjoy this peaceful pocket of New South Wales. As we packed up and hit the road toward Coonabarabran, we both agreed that Baradine had been a highlight of this leg of our travels — quiet, welcoming, and full of surprises.
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