Weddin Mountains National Park – secluded, scenic views, and colourful walks.

The Weddin Range rises sharply on both the northern and eastern sides with dramatic orange and ochre cliffs. In between the cliffs, the plateau descends gradually to the west and is carved by many gullies.

Photo by Mountain/Ash

The Weddin Mountains are a crescent-shaped formation that rises more than 400 metres above the surrounding plains. Almost all of the range is covered by the Weddin Mountains National Park.

The park covers 8,361 hectares

The rock formations are composed of sandstones, siltstones, and shale

A massive geological event between 350 and 370 million years ago uplifted the sediments forming the twisted and rugged mountains

Today the site shows how millions of years of weathering and erosion have created a much more subdued landscape

Vegetation varies from dense scrubland on the plateau, to woodlands on the slopes and open forest around the base of the mountains

The wildlife includes grey kangaroo, wallaby, wallaroo and rare species of peregrine falcons, superb parrots, and regent honeyeaters.

Over 150 species of birds live in the Weddin Mountains

It is believed that Weddin may have derived from the aboriginal word for stop or remain.

The mountains are in the Wiradjuri people’s territory and there are many signs of their long occupation

More about Ben Hall

Outlaws Ben Hall, John O’Meally and John Bow used the mountains to hide out between 1861 and 1865. Other outlaws such as Johnny Gilbert and Frank Gardner were attracted to the area after the discovery of gold

The park is a little west of Grenfell and approximately 430km drive from Sydney

Camping and picnic areas are located near Seatons Farm and Holy Camp.

Photo by alden0249

Seatons Farm
Now part of the Weddin Mountain National Park it was acquired as an important example of vernacular architecture, utilising only those materials that were readily available. Built from second-hand iron, sawmill offcuts, mud, and hand-cut timber it was home to the Seaton family for 25 years and shows what can be achieved with limited funds and is typical of how many small farms were 50 to 100 years ago.

Photo by Mountain/Ash

For more information contact:
National Parks and Wildlife Forbes
Camp Street, Forbes
Ph 02 6851 4429
PO Box 774, Forbes NSW 2871
Open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday