Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru)
Toorale National Park
Overview
Camp by the riverbank at Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru) in Toorale National Park, near Bourke. Watch animals and birds flock to the river, go fishing, and discover the history and scenery of outback NSW.
| Number of campsites | 4 |
|---|---|
| Camping type | Tent, Caravan site, Camper trailer site, Camping beside my vehicle |
| Facilities | Picnic tables, carpark, toilets |
| What to bring | Drinking water, cooking water, topographic map, compass, gps |
| Price | There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies. |
| Bookings | Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online. |
| Group bookings | This campground is not suitable for group bookings. |
| Please note |
|
If you're exploring Toorale or Gundabooka national parks, Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru), near Bourke, is a basic bush camp with limited facilities. Set up your tent, campervan or trailer in a peaceful spot beside the river, and see what makes this place so special to the Kurnu-Baakandji People.
The campground is ideally located for exploring the iconic Darling River drive, or Mount Talowla lookout with its sweeping views of the park. Discover the fascinating history of nearby Toorale Homestead, once the world's largest sheep station. Or, try your hand at fishing for yellow belly in the Darling River, beside the river red gums and coolibah trees.
It's a good idea to visit during the cooler months, between April and September. After the rains, the landscape comes to life with wildflowers, and the floodplains become a birdwatcher's paradise. Bring your binoculars to spot wedge-tailed eagles soaring above or spoonbills and Major Mitchell's cockatoos by the water. The Darling River is also a favourite watering hole for kangaroos, emus and goannas.
After a day of outback adventures, enjoy dinner against a magical sunset and starry night, as the kangaroos, emus and goannas come down to the river watering hole.
Also see
-
Yanda campground
Camp by the Darling River at Yanda campground in Gundabooka State Conservation Area, near Bourke. This remote campground offers caravan camping with fishing and paddling in Outback NSW.
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Redbank Homestead
For a taste of outback heritage accommodation, historic Redbank Homestead, in Gundabooka State Conservation Area, offers fishing, paddling and walking, near Bourke.
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Dry Tank campground
Stay overnight in Gundabooka National Park at Dry Tank campground. Bring your tent, caravan or trailer to enjoy a night of national park camping near Bourke in outback NSW.
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Belah Shearers' Quarters
Don't feel like camping? Experience national park accommodation with a difference at Belah Shearers' Quarters in Gundabooka National Park, near Bourke in outback NSW.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://uat.nswparks.cloud/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/darling-river-campground-yapara-paaka-thuru/local-alerts
Bookings
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Bourke office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6830 0200
- npws.bourke@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 51-53 Oxley Street, Bourke NSW 2840
Park info
- in Toorale National Park in the Outback NSW region
Toorale National Park and SCA is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru).
Maps and downloads
Learn more
Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru) is in Toorale National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Birdwatching spectacular
After the rains, the vast natural floodplain springs to life and the wetlands bring an abundance of birdlife. A fabulous spot for birdwatching, bring your binoculars for the chance to see the iconic brolga, pink cockatoo, or the wide range of waterbirds such as the Australian pelican, pied cormorant and royal spoonbill.
Inland rivers
Toorale National Park marks the junction of two mighty inland rivers and provides one of only a few opportunities to access the Darling and Warrego rivers. Set up camp on the Darling riverbank, or spend a leisurely day checking out the local wildlife, birdwatching and fishing.
Rich pastoral history
A relative newcomer to the national park family, Toorale was purchased in 2008. The large pastoral station and woolshed changed hands many times, and many people have a historic connection to Toorale, including Henry Lawson, who worked on the station for a short period during the 1890s.
- Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra) Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra) is a must-see for outback travellers near Bourke. Built on the lands of the Kurnu-Baakandji People, Toorale Station was once part of the world’s largest sheep station.
The People of Darling River
This country between the Warrego and Darling rivers is of spiritual and cultural significance to Kurnu-Baakandji People. The name Baakandji comes from the word ‘paaka’, meaning ‘Darling River’, so Baakandji are the People belonging to Darling River. Take a Discovery tour to learn about the culture and heritage of the region as well as local bush tucker such as wild orange, quandongs, wild plum bush, wild bananas and bush tomatoes.
Environments in this park
Education resources (1)
Bookings
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Bourke office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6830 0200
- npws.bourke@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 51-53 Oxley Street, Bourke NSW 2840
Park info
- in Toorale National Park in the Outback NSW region
Toorale National Park and SCA is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.