Mt Kaputar National Park is a rugged island of wilderness, towering high above the surrounding Western Plains. It's the footprint left behind by a series of volcanic eruptions that moved across this area between 17 and 21 million years ago. Millions of years of erosion have carved this volcanic pile into the Nandewar Range, with its dramatic landscape of lava terraces, volcanic plugs and ring dykes. At the peak of the range is Mt Kaputar, which reaches an altitude of 1200m. There are superb views from the summit, as well as from many other lookouts in the park.

The park protects a wide variety of plant communities, including semi-arid woodlands, wet eucalypt forests and subalpine heaths. It is home to a host of animal species, and provides a haven for many threatened species - including bats, birds, wallabies, quolls and a unique large pink slug, which often appears after rain.

Access: The park's access roads may be closed for indefinite periods following heavy rain and rock falls, or during winter after heavy snowfalls.

To get to the Kaputar summit section of the park (including the summit, Dawsons Spring and Bark Hut areas), head south from Narrabri on the Old Gunnedah Road. Turn left about 4km out of town and follow the Mt Kaputar Road to the park. The road to the summit area of the park is steep, narrow and winding, and is part bitumen, part gravel. You'll need to be particularly careful, and keep weather conditions in mind when driving. Caravans are not permitted on this road.

To get to the Sawn Rocks area, head north from Narrabri towards Moree for about 3km, crossing the railway line, then turn right onto the Bingara Road. Travel along this road for around 35km and you will come to the Sawn Rocks sign indicating the carpark on the right side of the road.

To visit the Waa Gorge area, take the road to Moree from Narrabri and turn towards Bingara after about 3km. Head along this road until you come to Courada, then take the Moree turn off (15km) and follow for around 28km until you come to the Waa Gorge sign where you turn right. Along the last 8km you will have to go through several gates.