NATIONAL PARKS
Explore Cowra’s nearby national parks, which offer stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife hiking trails, and scenic picnic spots for nature lovers.
Always check the NSW National Parks alerts page for up-to-date information on closed parks and safety alerts.
CONIMBLA NATIONAL PARK
A short drive from Cowra and Grenfell, Conimbla National Park is a quiet, tranquil nature reserve where you can enjoy easy, peaceful bushwalks amid rugged hills and farming country.
Yambira Mountain and its surrounding forested ranges rise nearly 500m above the plain, forming a ‘bush island’ amid the central west farmlands. Rock ledges and small waterfalls have formed along some of the creek-lines.
The road to the park is an unsealed, well-travelled and highly used farm road that’s in good condition. It’s suitable for 2WDs in all weather.
With limited visitors to this huge, untapped natural place, you can sometimes find that you have the entire 7,965ha of park entirely to yourself.
The park is particularly popular with keen birdwatchers, as over 150 species have been recorded here, including some interesting threatened species, such as the little eagle, glossy black-cockatoo, turquoise parrot and several species of honeyeaters and robins.
Mammals you may see here include eastern grey kangaroos, wallaroos, swamp wallabies, little red flying foxes, brush-tailed possums, and the threatened pygmy possum and squirrel glider. Kangaroos and wallabies are often seen throughout the day, but the possums and gliders are best seen at night.
ACTIVITIES
Wallaby Picnic Area in Conimbla National Park features picnicking tables, and a spot for birdwatching in a lovely setting close to bushwalking trails and scenic views.
Wallaby Walking Track is a moderately challenging 3km return bushwalk linking Wallaby picnic area with Ironbark picnic area and carpark. Keep an eye out for red-necked wallabies and swamp wallabies along the way.
For those seeking a longer trek, the Ironbark Walking Track in Conimbla National Park is a pleasant 1.5 hour looped bushwalk that winds its way along a ridge and up onto a broad flat plateau, which overlooks Cherry Creek.
Safety in NSW national parks
It’s great to explore and experience NSW national parks. Naturally, we encourage you to see and do as much as possible. We also want you and your companions to stay safe. Remember that parks are natural environments and can be unpredictable. You may not have mobile phone reception if you need help. You should plan your journey for all weather conditions.
Check park alerts
Always check the NSW National Parks alerts page for up to date information on closed parks and safety alerts.
Park closures
There will be times when national parks and reserves will need to be closed or have access restricted. Read more about park closures.
Bushwalking safety
If you’re heading out on a walk, hike or a backpack camp—always be prepared. Find out about the Think Before You TREK bush safety initiative and how to stay safe when bushwalking.
Wildlife encounters
Keep yourself and our wildlife safe by understanding the risks of wildlife encounters and how to avoid them.
No smoking in parks
NSW national parks are no smoking areas. Cigarette butts put lives and property at risk, ruining beaches, spoiling the beauty of our parks, and endangering wildlife. Read more about no smoking in national parks.
