Yarrowyck – Rock Art and Riverbanks

Yarrowyck can be explored through two distinct travel interests: the cultural heritage of Bulagaranda Aboriginal Area and time by the Gwydir River at Yarrowyck Crossing Reserve. The protected area features an important rock art site and remnant bushland; swimming and fishing are possible by the river during the warmer months. These different highlights can help you decide whether to focus your stay on cultural history and nature or on activities by the water.

Rock art and protected landscape

Bulagaranda Aboriginal Area protects 598 hectares of culturally significant remnant bushland and is jointly managed by the Anaiwan and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Its protected cultural heritage includes an important Aboriginal rock art site that is several hundred years old. The surrounding natural environment is also protected. The area's size and cultural significance give the place a clear focus on landscape and history.

Traditional ochre paintings on the rock walls are associated with “Turkey dreaming”. This connection makes the site interesting to travellers who want to learn about Indigenous art and cultural traditions as part of a visit to nature.

The walk to the rock art site

The Aboriginal Cultural Walk is a 3 km return walk along the mountain's granite slopes to the rock art site. It passes through one of the few remaining areas of natural bushland on the western slopes of the New England Tablelands. The three kilometres cover the full return distance; the rock art site is the walk's specific destination. The outing therefore combines a clearly defined route with landscape and cultural heritage.

The walking track in Bulagaranda Aboriginal Area is clear and easy to follow, relatively flat and not very challenging. Its condition may change after weather events, so it is advisable to check the current track conditions before setting out. A circuit to the rock art site also allows visitors to experience the landscape, native wildlife and a diversity of native plants.

By the Gwydir River

Yarrowyck Crossing Reserve is on the banks of the Gwydir River. It is suitable for swimming and fishing during the warmer months. Free overnight stays are possible at a campsite, which has pit toilets. This option therefore includes not only daytime activities but also the opportunity to camp there. As operating conditions and facilities can change, check the latest information about camping and toilets before travelling.

When choosing a holiday rental in Yarrowyck, you can also take the different conditions into account when planning: swimming and fishing at Crossing Reserve are seasonal, while the track at Bulagaranda may change after weather events. If these experiences are important to your stay, consider both your travel dates and the current track conditions.

Discover more destinations: Arding.

For the broader travel overview: Uralla Shire Council.