Pilliga Forest & Warrumbungle Mountain Range
Monday 17 May - Friday 21 May
Overview
Date: Monday 17th - Friday 21 May, 2021
Please join me for a city escape to the wide open spaces of the Pilliga Forest and Warrumbungles.
We depart Sydney by train through the Blue Mountains to Mt. Victoria and then by private coach/driver to the Dubbo Shearing Shed Motor Inn, our destination for one night.
We’ll visit the Japanese Gardens for grand afternoon tea followed by dinner. Depart after breakfast, by coach to Barkala Farm – home of Pilliga Pottery – on the edge of the Pilliga Forest near Coonabarabran, an area famous for star gazing.
Relax in the serenity and take time to walk in nature with wonderful vistas for creating art en plein air. We’ll traverse the Pilliga Sculpture trail, visit Coonabarabran, explore the Warrumbungles by coach and take a class at Pilliga Pottery Studio.
About the Area
Pilliga Scrub & Sculpture Walk
The Pilliga Forest, frequently known as Pilliga Scrub, constitutes over 5,000 km² of semi-arid woodland in temperate north-central New South Wales. It is the largest such continuous remnant in the state.
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/sculptures-in-the-scrub-walking-track
Barkala Farm (aka Pilliga Pottery)
is an organic farm and provider of unique eco-friendly accommodation and host to many different wildlife species. Activities are conducted in the most sustainable ways possible. This unique farmstead will inspire those who visit to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Barkala strives for sustainable buildings, power supplies, waste management solutions as well as fun, interactive activities for guests.
Visit Barkala Farmstay website here.
Pilliga Pottery Studio is part of Barkala farm on the edge of Pilliga forest. All pottery is handmade on site by skilled artisan potters. Designs are original and each piece is unique. The studio began 30 years ago when German immigrants Richard and Maria Rickert began in a mud brick shed. It is now managed by Maria and her eldest son Johannes. We will take a class in the studio and after firing, your piece(s) will be posted to you.
The Warrumbungles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrumbungles Mt.
Mt.Kaputar National Park
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/mount-kaputar-national-park
Our driver, Bernie Baker, with 10 seater coach, has driven coaches around Australia for 15 years and knows the areas we will be exploring and passing through. Bernie will choose the best roads to travel if weather is a factor.
Tour Info
Included
Private coach transfer from Mt. Victoria to Barkala Farm on the edge of the Pilliga Forest / return
All travel by coach
All meals (4 breakfast /5 lunch/ 4 dinner)
Private walking tour with guide
1 night (single sup) accom at Shearing Shed Motor Inn, Dubbo
3 nights (single sup) accom at Barkala Farm Homestay on the edge of Pilliga Forest
Pottery class in Pilliga Studio
Visit Coonabarabran and Krystal Kingdom with local dinner
Pilliga Sculpture Walk and creating art en plein air
Day tour by private coach through the Warrumbungle Mountain Range
Not Included
train travel ($2.50 seniors) Central – Mt Vic
train travel ($2.50 seniors) Mt. Vic – Central
Alcohol
art materials (en plein air sessions are optional)
Itinerary
Monday 17 May
Depart Central Station 9.18am and arrive Mt. Victoria 11.36am.
Transfer by coach with our driver (Bernie) and arrive Dubbo in time for a grand afternoon tea in the Japanese Gardens.
Group welcome dinner.
Lunch – The Tin Shed, Lithgow
Accom – Shearing Shed Motor Inn, Dubbo.
Tuesday 18 May
Depart Dubbo after breakfast for a day tour around the Warrumbungle National Park with picnic lunch. Arrive Pilliga Pottery late afternoon with dinner provided in our studio accommodation.
Wednesday 19 May
Our fridge will be stocked with fresh fruit, yoghurt, muesli, bread, butter, jam, cheese, bacon, eggs, plunger coffee and tea for breakfast today.
Morning visit to the Pilliga forest and sculptures to walk, explore and create art with picnic lunch.
Afternoon visit to Barradine and the mineral museum and then to Coonabarabran for dinner.
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/itineraries/itinerary-pilliga-warrumbungles
Return to Barkala Farm.
Thursday 20 May
Leisurely breakfast, lunch and dinner at Pilliga Pottery Blue Wren Cafe. A morning pottery workshop in the studio. An afternoon private guided walk around the surrounding area and time for creating art.
Friday 21 May
Depart Barkala Farm after breakfast by coach to Mt. Victoria for the Sydney bound train.
Picnic lunch en route.
