‘I keep coming back to Tooraweenah in central west New South Wales’

I’m heading to Tooraweenah to do a house sit. Not exactly your usual house sitting arrangement, more like a caravan park sit.

I did this a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed meeting and greeting the many travellers who pass through this beautiful little heritage town. Tooraweenah is in the central west of New South Wales, Australia. It’s just off the Newell Highway.

The quiet park where I’ll be based is at the southern end of the Warrumbungle National Park, about 3 kilometres off the highway.

The caravan park owners do not get much time out; it is a 365-day-a-year job, and to their credit,  they are always so friendly and welcoming to all who choose to stay there.

The little park has four cabins, all of which need to be cleaned and remade, ready for the next round of guests. There are also 15 powered sites for caravans and motorhomes, some are large enough to cater for the biggest of rigs. There is an unpowered section for campers in tents or camper trailers.

The caravan park is pet friendly. In fact, if you’re travelling through and need to book into a cabin there is one that is pet friendly. A large fenced, off leash area is available for all four legged guests.

The park has a nice swimming pool, which is ideal for the hot days like the ones we have been experiencing recently.

Nestled at the foot of the beautiful Warrumbungle National Park and situated in between Gilgandra and Coonabarabran, the caravan park at Tooraweenah is a great spot to spend a few days exploring the surrounding districts.

Tooraweenah was the home of Butler Airlines. The first commercial airline to fly into rural areas of NSW. The old airstrip is still there, as is the airport building. Arthur Butler’s grandson recently moved to Tooraweenah and is always willing to inform people of the history of the airline.

Nearby is  beautiful Hickey Falls (near Gowang), Mendooran, Gulargambone, Dubbo and of course Siding Springs Observatory.

The Observatory is well worth a visit. It’s situated overlooking the Warrambungle Ranges and boasts an average 70 per cent clear night skies. Totally unpolluted and clearer than clear. It’s only open to the public during the day, but you can still make use of the telescopes that are dotted around the original site to probe the skies above.

As ‘caravan park sitter’ I will be booking in the quests, making sure they have a suitable site and of course supplying them with a welcome plate of scones, jam and cream.

There is a ‘Happy Hour’ for guests to attend and meet their neighbours over a nice cool drink.

The little township of Tooraweenah has a great pub and there are wonderful meals to be had there.The village has a self-guided historical walk around some of the local landmarks. You can collect a map from the caravan park office and take a wander. For postcards, stamps and newspapers head to the rural store and post office, while you can buy groceries and fuel at the service station.

It is a beautiful part of NSW, well worth a visit. Personally, I am looking forward to playing my part to ensure the smooth running of the caravan park while the owners enjoy a well-earned break.

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