Barakee National Park

Barakee National Park is a protected area in Australia.

Barakee National Park at a Glance

Location
New South Wales & ACT, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-31.640440, 151.887270
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season in the north). Year-round in southern parks.

Getting to Barakee National Park

Nearest airport: Gloucester Airfield (YGCR), 47 km away.

Nearest international airport: Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD), 265 km away.

Weather & Climate in Barakee National Park

The warmest temperatures in Barakee National Park occur in January, averaging 18.5°C (up to 24.6°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 6.7°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 35.6mm. Average humidity: 71.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 18.5°C (rainfall: 148.8mm)
  • February: 17.4°C (rainfall: 180.0mm)
  • March: 15.7°C (rainfall: 223.9mm)
  • April: 12.4°C (rainfall: 83.7mm)
  • May: 9.2°C (rainfall: 52.8mm)
  • June: 6.8°C (rainfall: 42.0mm)
  • July: 6.7°C (rainfall: 55.3mm)
  • August: 8.5°C (rainfall: 35.6mm)
  • September: 11.0°C (rainfall: 76.0mm)
  • October: 13.4°C (rainfall: 95.2mm)
  • November: 15.4°C (rainfall: 124.5mm)
  • December: 17.4°C (rainfall: 130.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Barakee National Park

The best months to visit Barakee National Park are January, April, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 18.5°C, rainfall 148.8mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 78.3%
  • February: Poor, temperature 17.44°C, rainfall 180mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 80.9%
  • March: Poor, temperature 15.73°C, rainfall 223.9mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 83%
  • April: Good, temperature 12.41°C, rainfall 83.7mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 79.9%
  • May: Good, temperature 9.16°C, rainfall 52.8mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 80.3%
  • June: Good, temperature 6.83°C, rainfall 42mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 78%
  • July: Good, temperature 6.72°C, rainfall 55.3mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 77.7%
  • August: Good, temperature 8.49°C, rainfall 35.6mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 71.7%
  • September: Good, temperature 11.02°C, rainfall 76mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 67.3%
  • October: Good, temperature 13.4°C, rainfall 95.2mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 70.6%
  • November: Good, temperature 15.43°C, rainfall 124.5mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 73.8%
  • December: Good, temperature 17.45°C, rainfall 130.6mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 73.3%

Wildlife in Barakee National Park

Home to 51 recorded species including 15 waterbirds, 10 iconic birds, 9 tropical birds, 9 birds of prey, 5 small mammals, 1 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Barakee National Park

Based on average temperature of 12.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 76%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 13°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in New South Wales & ACT

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Australia

Travel advisory for Australia

Barakee National Park FAQs

What is the ideal time of year to visit Barakee National Park for wildlife viewing and comfortable weather?

The cooler, drier months from May to September are generally best for visiting Barakee National Park. During this period, wildlife is often more active and easier to spot near water sources, and the milder temperatures make outdoor activities like bushwalking more enjoyable.

What unique Australian wildlife can I expect to encounter during a visit to Barakee National Park?

Visitors to Barakee National Park can anticipate seeing iconic Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, and a diverse array of native bird species. While not an African-style safari, the park offers excellent opportunities for observing these animals in their natural Australian bushland habitat.

What kind of visitor experience should I expect at Barakee National Park, given its protected area status in Australia?

Barakee National Park offers a more immersive Australian bushland experience, focusing on self-guided exploration and appreciation of native ecosystems. You can expect well-maintained walking trails, designated viewing areas, and opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography, rather than large-scale commercial safari operations.

Are there any specific safety considerations or essential gear recommendations for visitors exploring Barakee National Park?

Beyond general travel safety, visitors should carry ample water, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, and protect themselves from the sun with hats and sunscreen due to the Australian climate. It's also advisable to stay on marked trails and be aware of native wildlife, including potential encounters with snakes or spiders, though serious incidents are rare.

What are the typical entry costs and transportation options for accessing Barakee National Park?

Entry to Barakee National Park typically involves a per-vehicle or per-person fee, which contributes to park maintenance and conservation efforts. While self-driving is a popular option, allowing flexibility, some local tour operators may offer guided excursions from nearby towns for those preferring organized transport.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.