Pilliga Nature Reserve

Pilliga Nature Reserve, established in December 2005, spans 80,627 hectares and is part of the largest remaining native forest in Australia. Managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, it safeguards habitats for declining woodland bird species and a significant koala population. The reserve is home to diverse wildlife, including eastern pygmy possums, swamp wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, barking owls, squirrel gliders, and the south-eastern long-eared bat. Visitors can explore over 240 bird species, such as barking owls and turquoise parrots, along designated bird routes and forest drives. The Sandstone Caves, significant to the Gamilaraay People, offer insights into Aboriginal culture through a short walking track. Located between Narrabri and Coonabarabran on the Newell Highway, the reserve features a complex network of tracks and roads. It's advisable to consult the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre for guidance before visiting, as many roads are unsealed and poorly marked.