Fast facts
- The home of the legendary ‘black stump’
- Nestled in a picturesque valley of undulating hills and river flats
- 420 km north-west of Sydney, population 910
Why go there
Coolah is the gateway to Coolah Tops National Park. The sub-alpine park combines tall eucalypt forests, waterfalls, giant grass trees, scenic forest drives and panoramic views.
The wildlife is abundant and includes the greater glider, a 1 m-long nocturnal possum, which can glide for up to 100 m.
History
The Australian expression, ‘beyond the black stump’ – a phrase meaning beyond the limits of settlement – is said to have derived from Governor Macquarie's proclamation of where land could be bought, let or settled in the Coolah area.
The Aboriginal name for the area means ‘place where the fire went out and left a black stump’.
Things to do
- Go hiking and bush camping and enjoy forest drives in the peaceful tranquillity of Coolah Tops National Park.
- Look for the black stump at The Black Stump Rest Area, the approximate site of the old Black Stump Wine Saloon.
- Visit the weatherworn headstone of the Aboriginal leader "Togee – King of the Butheroe Tribe".
Events
- Coolah Campdraft and Working Dog Trials in February is a signature country event that includes horse-riding skills and sheep dog trials.
- Coolah Jazz in the Tops , Coolah Tops National Park, in March.
Don’t miss
- A beer and a bite in a classic country pub.
- Sampling delicious home-made cakes at Coolah Crafts.
- Recalling childhood memories at the Black Stump Nursery Rhyme Village.
- A picnic with panoramic views at Pandora’s Pass.
- Fishing for trout in the upper reaches of the Coolaburragundy River.
