Yarrowyck: Experience rock art and nature

Yarrowyck offers two distinct focal points for a stay: Bulagaranda Aboriginal Area is centred on protected cultural heritage, bushland and a rock art site. Yarrowyck Crossing Reserve is on the banks of the Gwydir River, where swimming and fishing are possible in the warmer months. Free camping is also available there. If you’re looking for a hotel in Yarrowyck, these specific interests can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Rock art and protected bushland

Bulagaranda Aboriginal Area protects 598 hectares of culturally significant remnant bushland. The protected area includes a significant Indigenous art site with a rock painting site that is several hundred years old; the surrounding natural environment is also protected. The traditional ochre paintings on the rock walls are associated with “Turkey dreaming”. The area is jointly managed by the Anaiwan and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). This offers specific points of interest for travellers interested in Indigenous art: the paintings themselves, their named cultural connection and the joint management of the protected area.

The Aboriginal Cultural Walk

The Aboriginal Cultural Walk is a 3 km return walk along the mountain’s granite slopes to the rock painting site. The track passes through one of the few remaining areas of natural bushland on the western slopes of the New England Tablelands. The walk to the rock painting site allows visitors to experience the landscape, native wildlife and a variety of native plants. So the focus is not just on the paintings at the end of the walk: the bushland, animals and plants are also part of the nature experience along the way. The track is clear and easy to follow, relatively level and not very challenging. Its condition can change after weather events, so take this into account when planning your visit.

On the Gwydir River

Yarrowyck Crossing Reserve is on the banks of the Gwydir River. It’s suitable for swimming and fishing in the warmer months. This seasonal detail is useful if water-based activities are important to your travel plans. The reserve also offers free camping and pit toilets. As operating conditions and facilities can change, check the current situation before your visit.

Two distinctions are especially relevant when choosing what to focus on: Bulagaranda is centred on rock paintings and a 3 km return walk, while swimming and fishing at Crossing Reserve are seasonal activities available in the warmer months. This can help you plan your trip to Yarrowyck around whether you’d prefer to experience cultural heritage on foot or spend time by the river.

Discover more destinations: Arding

For the broader travel overview: Uralla Shire Council.