Arrived in Coonabarabran with the wind howling and the trees swaying. After checking in to the caravan park, it didn’t take long for us to find the other member for the stars night viewing tour. As we had a few hours to kill, a brisk walk with hat and scarf was the perfect solution. The tourist centre was nice and warm plus it hosted a wonderful display and information about the prehistoric times to the future in this area.
After an early meal at the pub we were just in time to join the 7pm talk. Under the stars and very cold, at the Warrumbungle Observatory the guide had a wealth of information. It was a very special sight to see Jupiter and Saturn through the telescope.
Next morning we met seven more members at the Coonabarabran Tourist Information Centre picnic area for morning tea. Heading north (about 30ks) along the Newall Hwy we turned left onto a dirt road which lead us to the start of the Sandstone Caves Bush Walk. It was such a beautiful day with the sun shining and the sky a brilliant blue. We wandered around the large sandstone outcrop that had so many beautiful displays of weathered sandstone and caves.
Next it was onto Dandry Gorge to do the ‘Sculptures in the Scrub’ bush walk. North again for 8kms then left following the signs, we arrived at the car park. With our lunch packed in our back packs we headed off on this medium grade 3 km walk taking us to the five Aboriginal culture inspired sculptures overlooking the gorge. We stopped at the last sculpture to enjoy our lunch where we could sit in the winter sun and listen to the birds calling and watching the wildflowers blooming.
