A short drive in the Warrumbungles

I took the scenic route to Coonabarabran. Although much longer and slower than the Newell Highway, it winds through the spectacular landscape of the Warrumbungles.




Beloungery Split Rock, a dome formed about 16 million years ago when lava pushed through the Pillaga sandstone.



The view from Whitegum Lookout. The peaks are solidified magma, which have been exposed by erosion of the surrounding rock. Crater Bluff (far left) and Belougery Spire (left) are volcanic plugs. The Breadknife (centre) is thought to be a magma intrusion into a fault in the sandstone. (The outcrops on the right are Bluff Pyramid (top) and Balor Peak (below).)



Cypress pine (Callitris endlicheri), a native pine abundant in the Warrambungles and the nearby Pillaga Scrub.