Toorale is a remarkable experience for those who wish get an understanding of the breadth of the back-story of Western NSW, or for those wanting to get back to basics and immerse themselves in the natural world.
Off the Beaten Track
At the junction of the Warrego and Darling rivers, it’s well worth the 80km drive southwest of Bourke to explore the once iconic station, now Toorale National Park. With its incredible old homestead, exquisite natural geography and secluded camping spots, Toorale is an experience for the history buff, a treasure trove for the curious, and a hidden find for the adventurous traveller.
Toorale Homestead was owned by Sir Samuel McCaughey from 1880 to 1913, and together with over 400,000 hectares of superb farming land, forms one of the great pastoral histories of NSW.
The Old Toorale Homestead, while not open to visitors, still manages to impress with its sheer scale and intricate design; high ornate ceilings, and a grand ballroom, once featuring a coloured glass ceiling to allow beams of rainbow light to hit the dance floor.
The stories of station life have been captured and are being told through the new series of installations located at the Toorale Homestead Precinct.
A short drive from the homestead is the popular Darling River Drive; a clearly sign posted 41km loop through the amazing 91,000 hectares of the Toorale National Park. Along the loop, home of Traditional Owners, the Kurnu-Baakandji you’ll experience the exquisite red sand hills, which look breathtaking against the bluest of blue skylines.
You can find stunning secluded spots for camping along the bank of the Darling River and pull out your picnic pack at Many Big Rocks Picnic Area (Karnu Yalpa). It’s a fantastic spot to observe bush birds, and enjoy water birds darting near the natural rock weir.
The best months to visit Toorale National Park are between March and October, when you’ll have uninterrupted views of stunning sunsets, sunny Outback days and crisp clear nights for viewing the endless sky.
Location