Sunday 26/10/2025   Dry Tank Campground – Little Mountain Walking Track – Little Mountain Lookout

                                       Gundabooka National Park, NSW

                                        Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji Country (Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji people)                                

Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies

Departing Dry Tank Campground, the Little Mountain Walking Track quickly enters classic Gundabooka country—broad flats of red earth and sand, broken by low rises and rocky outcrops. The route is straightforward, tracing a mostly direct course for over 2.8 km each way, with just enough undulation to keep the walking lively without straining the legs.

Download file: 20251026.gpx                         Track Info

 

On the day, atmospheric conditions were close to ideal for the region. Weather records confirm a dry spring day, with temperatures rising from around 16 °C early in the walk to a forecast high of 27 °C, mild relative humidity, and only gentle north-westerly breezes. Skies were clear, providing strong visibility and an unfiltered quality to the light—perfect for taking in the spectrum of reds, ochre and orange that characterise the Gundabooka landscape.

We found the afternoon to be pretty hot, so we elected to do this walk as it cooled off later in the day. We took our headlamps, hoping to catch a good sunset from Little Mountain Lookout.

The climb towards Little Mountain is gradual but sustained, gaining approximately 100 m in elevation and weaving between boulders and sporadic shrubs. The surface is a mix of compacted clay and sections of quartz and sandstone scree, demanding steady footing but generally free of hazards.

Reaching Little Mountain Lookout brings broad panoramas across Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji Country—plains stretching to the horizon, ridges of the Gundabooka Range cut sharply against the sky, and the sense of vast Outback space that makes this walk special. Sheltered rocky ledges offer a space to pause, reflect, and absorb the scene. We caught the last light of the day from the lookout, but with only light, scattered cloud cover, there was no dramatic sunset for us this time.

The return to camp retraces the outward route, with descent easing the pace and the dry footing ensuring a comfortable finish at Dry Tank. The walk, totalling just under 6 km, is accessible and well-marked, suitable for most bushwalkers who want to experience the distinctive beauty of Gundabooka’s red country.

Photos

Map View

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Contents

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Information on Parks signage along the way

Walking in Gundabooka National Park

1 Тара (Melopman) art site wall:

An easy pleasant 1.4 km (40 minute) return walk from the Mulgowal carpark to fascinating Aboriginal art sites along Mulareeya Creek.

2 Little Mountain walk:

An easy to medium graded 4.2km (2 to 3 hour) walk from Dry Tank picnic area through mulga woodlands to nearby Little Mountain. Head to the lookout for a view of the northwest escarpment of the Gunderbooka Range.

3 Valley of the Eagles (Nigann Molyan) walk:

 A steep 5,7 km (2 to 3 hour) difficult walk from the Bennetts Gorge picnic area to the summit of Mount Gunderbooka. The return walk over rocky and very steep terrain should only be undertaken by fit and experienced walkers. However, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Darling floodplain all the way to the horizon. Those unable to make the trek may still wish to walk to the base of the mountain, following a 1km easy walk.

Little Mountain Walking Track – Gundabooka National Park

Welcome to our Country – Yamakarra Mayingkallaa (Ngemba People) : Ngayi, Kiira Klir-inana (Baakandji People)

Gundabooka National Park is of great cultural significance to the Ngemba and Baakandji Aboriginal People. They took advantage of the mountain’s natural water supply and food sources along the Darling River. In accordance with the Ngemba creation story, the Gunderbooka Range is a feature along the historic path travelled by Bialme, a mythological creation figure.

The Baakandji peoples of the Darling (Baaka) River, tell stories of Ngatji, the rainbow serpent that connects the river to the range. These creation stories do more than explain the formation of a landscape and its features.

Aboriginal languages are richly spoken. When Europeans first arrived in the area and attempted to write their interpretation of the Ngemba and Baakandji, this resulted in many alternative spellings.

Mount Gunderbooka, is an example of this. In later years, a better understanding of local dialects has occurred, and the spelling was corrected to Gundabooka when the national park was named.

Aboriginal heritage

The range was a vital resource for Aboriginal people living in the area in dry periods. Creeks in the range are one of the few locations on the Cobar Peneplain that provide water in times of drought. Mount Gunderbooka and Yanda Creek were used as part of an extensive travel network that linked the mountain with other waterholes, creeks and the Darling River.

Gundabooka was, among many things, used as a meeting place and site for large ceremonial gatherings. Traditional groups came from as far away as the area now known as Broken Hill (Wilyakali Country). Please respect the wishes of the traditional people by protecting their cultural heritage sites and special places.

European history

In 1829 explorer Charles Sturt journeyed to central Australia in search of the fabled inland sea.

While no such sea existed, he did describe the Darling River and the interior of New South Wales.

In the wake of Sturt’s exploration the inland was developed for grazing and mining. European settlers moved into the area, bringing with them a new culture that contrasted strongly with the existing Aboriginal culture.

Pastoral properties developed initially along the frontages of the Darling River in the 1850s. The Darling River was the great inland supply route for the carty pastoralists, and riverboats travelled as far upstream as Brewarrina.

Following World War I the original pastoral leases were subdivided into much smaller soldier settler blocks.

Many of the pastoral buildings and infrastructure on Gundabooka date from the mid-20th century, a reminder of the intrepid families who struggled to survive on small properties in this difficult environment.

Mining leases for this area originate from the 1920s, although documented accounts indicate that minor expiration took place around the time copper was discovered in Cobar in 1870. There is an old silver and gold mine south west of here at Belah, and another near Mulgowan.

The national park was originally gazetted in 1996 and comprised of Two Western Lands pastoral leases, Ben Lomond and Belah. Mulgowan was added in 2002. ‘Yanda was gazetted as Gundabooka State Conservation Area in 2005.

Gundabooka State Conservation Area is one of the vast outback reserves protecting the floodplains of the inland river systems, such as Toorale, Paroo Darling and Culgoa National Parks. Here at Gundabooka you can experience the upland mesa meeting the river floodplain. This not only provides spectacular views, but also a variety of ecosystems to explore.

Things you may see

Brown treecreeper (eastern subsp) (Climacteris picumnus)

Australia’s largest treecreeper has been recorded in this area. Individuals are active. noisy and conspicuous, and give a loud pink call, often repeated in contact, and sometimes given in a series of 5 – 10 descending notes, so listen out

European history

Gundabooka’s natural and cultural values overlap in the landscape creating a rich tapestry that reveals profound relationships between people and land through time.

In 1829 explorer Charles Sturt journeyed to central Australia in search of the fabled inland sea. While no such sea existed, he did describe the Darling River and the interior of New South Wales.

In the wake of Sturt’s exploration the inland was developed for grazing and mining. European settlers moved into the area, bringing with them a new culture that contrasted strongly with the existing Aboriginal culture.

Pastoral properties developed initially along the frontages of the Darling River in the 1860s. The Darling River was the great inland supply route for the early pastoralists, and riverboats travelled as far upstream as Brewarrina.

Following World War I the original pastoral leases were subdivided into much smaller soldier settler blocks.

Gundabooka’s natural and cultural values overlap in the landscape creating a rich tapestry that reveals profound relationships between people and land through time.

In 1829 explorer Charles Sturt journeyed to central Australia in search of the fabled inland sea. While no such sea existed, he did describe the Darling River and the interior of New South Wales.

In the wake of Sturt’s exploration the inland was developed for grazing and mining. European settlers moved into the area, bringing with them a new culture that contrasted strongly with the existing Aboriginal culture.

Pastoral properties developed initially along the frontages of the Darling River in the 1860s. The Darling River was the great inland supply route for the early pastoralists, and riverboats travelled as far upstream as Brewarrina.

Following World War I the original pastoral leases were subdivided into much smaller soldier settler blocks.

Walking in Gundabooka National Park

1 Yapa (Mulgowan) art site walk:

An easy pleasant 1.4km (40 minute) return walk from the Mulgowan carpark to fascinating Aboriginal art sites along Mulareeya Creek.

2 Little Mountain walk:

An easy to medium graded 4.2km (2 to 3 hour) walk from Dry Tank picnic area through mulga woodlands to nearby Little Mountain. Head to the lookout for a view of the northwest escarpment of the 

Gunderbooka Range.

3 Valley of the Eagles (Nana Malyan) wall:

A steep 5.7km (2 to 3 hour) difficult walk from the Bennetts Gorge picnic area to the summit of Mount Gunderbooka. The return walk over rocky and very steep terrain should only be undertaken by fit and experienced walkers. However, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Darling floodplain all the way to the horizon. Those unable to make the trek may still wish to walk to the base of the mountain following a 1km easy walk.

The Darling River Run

The drive from Bourke to Wentworth is an unforgettable experience where you’ll discover ancient rock formations, historic landmarks and plenty of wildlife.

For more information specifically about the Darling River Run visit www.thedarlingriverrun.com.au

Near by …

Toorale National Park is located at the junction of the Warrego and Darling Rivers and offers a great opportunity to explore an outback floodplain, especially as it’s so close to here.

Although Toorale is only across the Darling River you will need to travel via Bourke or Louth.

Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra): is open 7 days a week, 8am-5pm. The partially restored homestead of this vast outback precinct provides a window into a bygone era.

Warrego Floodplain walk: This short easy 1km 30min return walking track offers views of the vast floodplains, birdwatching and seasonal wildflowers.

Mt Talowla walk and lookout: Although only a small rise, the lookout and walk across the plateau reveal impressive 360° views across the broad expanse of land, from the Dunlop Ranges in the south, through to Mount Gunderbooka and across the Warrego and Darling floodplains.

Darling River drive: Roam along the Darling River across the Warrego and Darling floodplains within the national park. You’ll travel through coolabah woodlands, which can come alive with blankets of wildflowers in spring.

 

The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, Indigenous history, white history and other nearby walks in the area (Perplexity AI Model)

Landscape Features and Geology

Dry Tank Campground is set on gently undulating plains of red earth and sandy loam, scattered with mulga woodland and bisected by ephemeral creek beds. The 4.8-kilometre Little Mountain Walking Track guides visitors through outback bushland to Little Mountain Lookout, which rises amid the Gunderbooka Range – a low sandstone fault-block range that ascends to 500 metres above sea level and dominates the northern park horizon. The range and surrounding flats are shaped from ancient Devonian sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and conglomerate, formed around 400 million years ago by marine and fluvial processes then uplifted by tectonic forces and eroded by wind, rain, and temperature extremes.

Scenic Highlights

Little Mountain Lookout affords expansive views across the northern escarpment of the Gunderbooka Range, with spectacular sunsets illuminating the red cliffs against the blue sky. Scenic highlights include the striking contrast of rugged range and open woodland, vibrant wildflower displays in spring, and an abundance of wildlife visible along the track. The trail’s tranquillity, native birdsong, and bold colours contribute to its reputation as one of the premier nature walks in outback New South Wales.

Local Flora

Vegetation communities comprise mulga (Acacia aneura) woodland, bimble box (Eucalyptus populnea), river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), belah (Casuarina cristata), western red box (Eucalyptus dorrigoensis), ironwood, grey mallee (Eucalyptus socialis), and white cypress pine (Callitris glaucophylla). The understory includes native grasses, sedges, spinifex, saltbush, and diverse acacias. Seasonal wildflowers such as parrot pea (Dillwynia spp.), grevillea, and wattles paint the bushland gold and red during autumn and spring.

Local Fauna

Gundabooka supports more than 130 species of birds, including mallee ringneck parrot (Barnardius zonarius), pink cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri), hooded robin (Melanodryas cucullata), and painted honeyeater (Grantiella picta). Western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus), emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), and kultarr (Antechinomys laniger) are frequently encountered. The park harbours threatened species such as the yellow-bellied sheathtail bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris), pied bat (Chalinolobus picatus), and native reptiles including bearded dragon (Pogona barbata) and brown snake (Pseudonaja spp.).

Indigenous History

Gundabooka National Park is within Ngemba and Paakantji Country, with the Gunderbooka Range and its surrounds holding immense spiritual, cultural, and historical significance. Aboriginal rock art, stone quarries, scarred trees, open camp sites, and reliable springs bear witness to many thousands of years of occupation and ceremony. The range is a place of creation stories, lore, trade, and ceremony for the Ngemba and Paakantji peoples, whose living connection to the land is reflected in joint park management, educational programs, and ongoing cultural practice. Oral tradition recalls these hills as places of refuge and gathering, particularly during the disruptions of colonial expansion.

White History

European settlement began with exploration by Charles Sturt in 1829, followed by the development of sheep stations along the Darling River frontages in the 1860s. Properties such as Ben Lomond and Belah, dating from the early 1900s, operated as pastoral stations, with extant buildings and infrastructure testifying to the region’s outback history. Attempts at mining have occurred intermittently, but agriculture and scientific research remain more prominent. The creation of Gundabooka National Park in 1996 restored access to traditional owners, with joint management forging new partnerships between Aboriginal communities and state agencies.

Map View

Clickable icons on this world map will open the related trip report

Contents

A detailed, searchable trip list with links to reports, photo galleries