The rugged and wild NSW outback is about to get a little more exciting with the opening of Cuttaburra National Park, a vast new sanctuary covering 37,422 hectares. Set to open in 2025, this park will offer a safe haven for native plants and animals, including some endangered species.
Visitors will find shimmering waterholes, sprawling floodplains, and breathtaking landscapes that look like they’ve been pulled straight from a country song. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventurer, Cuttaburra National Park is set to become a must-visit destination, offering both ecological beauty and cultural significance.
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A Remote Escape Like No Other
While there are many beautiful national parks near Sydney, such as Australia’s oldest national park or Booderee National Park with its stunning white sand beaches, Cuttaburra National Park offers something a bit different. Its remote location ensures fewer crowds and a sense of untouched wilderness, perfect for those looking to truly escape city life.
The park gets its name from Cuttaburra Creek, which winds through the area for 20 kilometres, alongside the nearby Yantabulla Swamp Cuttaburra Basin. Visitors will find a mix of landscapes, including mulga hills, grassy floodplains, woodlands, swamps, and the picturesque Maranoa Waterhole.
Where is Cuttaburra National Park?
If you’re planning a visit from Sydney, be ready for an 11-hour drive into the far reaches of the NSW outback. The park is located 150 kilometres northwest of the historic outback town of Bourke, nestled in the Paroo and Warrego River Country. While the journey is long, the incredible scenery and wildlife make it all worth it.
What Can You Do There?
Nature conservation is the primary focus of Cuttaburra National Park, setting it apart from other parks in the state. Still, visitors will have plenty to do. The park is a haven for biodiversity, home to 292 plant species and 158 native animals, including 12 threatened species like the brolga, stripe-faced dunnart, yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat, and eastern fat-tailed gecko. Birdwatchers will be thrilled to find over 100 bird species, including migratory shorebirds and waterbirds.
For those seeking adventure, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore the park’s unique landscapes, from shrublands and sand dunes to floodplains. Planned activities include birdwatching, driving tours, and camping.
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When Will It Open?
Cuttaburra National Park is still under conservation development and is expected to open in 2025. Keep an eye out for more details as the opening date approaches, and start planning your outback adventure!