Exploring the Pilliga

South of Narrabri is an area known as the Pilliga scrub. We based ourselves at Baradine, a small town on the western side of the scrub in a nice quiet camp-site and spent the next day exploring the attractions in the area.

First attraction is sculptures in the scrub. Only about 30km from Baradine but that was on dirt roads that were sometimes heavily corrugated. We questioned as to why anyone would install a sculpture display in an area where access to them is on such woeful roads. Anyway, it was a perfect day weather wise and while there are only a few sculptures, they were interesting and the walk through the gorge was very pleasant.

Another 30km drive, again on dirt roads, we headed up to the salt caves and viewing tower which gave a great outlook once we had climbed the 80 steps to the top. Didn't even notice the salt caves.

The sandstone caves were 50km away (around 40km on dirt) and they were worth seeing. Beautiful colours and shapes. Finally we thought we would stop for afternoon tea at Pilliga Pottery, After all, it was only 10km off the highway - it can't be that bad - Wrong! The worst corrugated roads to get to a cafe. There was much cursing (by Brad), made worse by having to return on the same road after our coffee and scones.Read more