Warrumbungles

As the range is between the moist eastern coastal zone and the dryer plains to the west, it has provided protection for flora and fauna suited to both habitats.

There are over 120 bird species identified on the range, including lories and lorikeets, rosellas and parrots.

The centre of the range has served as an area of protection for a healthy and content colony of grey kangaroos.

[1] The Warrumbungles are the remnants of a large heavily eroded shield volcano which was active from 13 to 17 million years ago.

The main features of the Warrumbungle mountains are a series of huge jagged outcrops in a roughly circular pattern, surrounded by hilly bush and woodland forest.

Lieben, on Crater Bluff, was the most difficult rock climb in Australia for many years after its first ascent by Bryden Allen and Ted Batty in 1962.

By 1953, 3,360 hectares (8,300 acres) of the range was recognised for its natural heritage and preserved as Warrumbungle National Park.

Crater Bluff, 1994