Warrumbungles

Photo: Crater Bluff, Warrumbungle Range

In my last post New England Australia - introducing the Liverpool Plains I mentioned the Warrumbungle Range (more commonly called the Warrumbungles) as forming the western edge of the Liverpool Plains.

For those unfamiliar with the area, the Warrumbungles lie 329km (4:43 hours driving time) south east of Armidale, 480km (6:4 hours driving time) north-east of Sydney.

The Warrumbungles are the spectacular remnants of a large, heavily eroded shield volcano that was active from 18 to 15 million years ago. The main features are a series of huge, jagged outcrops, surrounded by hilly bush and woodland forest.

The Range's location between the moist eastern coastal zone and the dryer plains to the west means that it has provided protection for flora and fauna suited to both habitats.

Much of the area is protected by a national park. There are camping facilities,together with an extensive network of extensive network of tracks. The Siding Spring Observatory is situated on an eastern peak.

The Warrumbungle Region site provides more information about the area and its attractions.

Postscript

Thinking about this post later, I feel the need to add one thing. The Warrumbungles really are quite spectacular and well worth a visit.