Mount Gunderbooka rises to 500 m among the rust-coloured cliffs, gorges and hills of the Gunderbooka Range. The region is of great significance to the local Ngemba people and the range has a history of ceremonial gatherings and rock art.

The Gunderbooka Range is a significant place for the Ngemba and Paakandji Aboriginal people of western New South Wales. It features prominently in the consciousness of Aboriginal people today and in particular the people of Bourke and Brewarrina. The range provided a vital resource for Aboriginal people living in the area in dry periods. Creeks in the range are one of the few locations on the Cobar Peneplain that provide water in times of drought. The mountain and nearby Yanda Creek form part of an extensive travel network that linked the mountain with other waterholes, creeks and the Darling River.


European exploration of the Darling River began in the early years of the 19th century and the Gunderbooka Range was noted by Charles Sturt during his explorations in 1829. From the mid 19th century, European settlement moved gradually north up the Darling River. Although 'Gundabooka' station was established adjacent to the river in 1857, the mountain range was situated away from the river and was only used sporadically by pastoralists.

However by the late 19th century, settlement had spread further into the interior and the mountain range was included in the neighbouring stations of Yanda and Gundabooka. These were subsequently subdivided as part of the soldier settlement scheme following World War One.