This route offers excellent opportunities to see western and northern NSW woodland birds like Pale-headed Rosella, Superb Parrot, various thornbills and many birds of prey.
See Route map in the printed Guide or alternatively download the electronic version from the front page of this site.
There are various stops you could consider depending on your time. If starting in the east:
Start at the Marra Crossroads/Telecom Tower (Cnr Gibson’s Way and Macquarie Valley Way/Warren-Carinda Road). Head north along the Carinda Road.
Check out the areas of the Mole Marsh which are great when wet. You can find various egrets, dotterels and duck species in the lagoon on the western side of the road. *Be careful of passing traffic*
Pillicawarrina TSR: the land between the main road and the river at the entrance to Pillicawarrina is a TSR. Be mindful of stock in this area, but there are areas of river red gum woodlands through to the Macquarie River here.
The Ginghet: To the north there are some crossing points of the Ginghet Creek. When wet this area has a good variety of waterbirds and woodland birds.
Through to the ‘hundred mile’ T-intersection. The road northwards to the T-intersection with the Carinda-Gongolgon Road is a good opportunity to see a variety of raptors and other birds. Keep an eye out for Ground Cuckoo-Shrike, Superb Parrots (when in season) and Pale-headed Rosellas.
Mullins Swamp and Bell’s Bridge (Lower Macquarie River): These areas can offer some interesting birds at times.
Carinda-Quambone Road: The Wilga and Box scrub along the roadside can be very worthwhile at times, especially when some of the plants are flowering. Lots of Singing Honeyeater, Chestnut-rumped Thornbills and occasional Hooded Robins.
Carinda-Sandy Camp Road: Keep an eye out for Ground Cuckoo-Shrike, woodswallows and Little Eagles.
‘Ninnia’ Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve. This small reserve is full of great remnant vegetation and is generally excellent for birds. If dry, take the access track along the northern boundary through to the ruined homestead. Stopping at Dusty Creek Baradine Red Gum areas will often yield Crested Shrike-tit.
Stop near the southern boundary also, good for Crested Bellbird, Painted button-Quail and various thornbill species.
During flooding the section of road between Ninnia and Sandy Camp is excellent for waterbirds as it follows the Terrigal Creek. Be careful not to leave the road, though!
30°53’48.25″S, 147°27’50.03″E (For the Marra Crossroads intersection referred to above)
The Carinda-Warren road is bitumen so is all-weather. Carinda-Sandy Camp is unsealed so is dry-weather only.
Be especially careful in the single-lane roads during cotton harvesting season – this road is used by some big trucks!
Note that nearly all land adjacent to the road reserve (unless TSR) is privately managed. Do not enter private land unless you have obtained permission from the relevant landholder.
Walgett and Coonamble Shire Councils for road closures.
