Weddin Mountains Region
Caragabal
THE COUNTRY SPIRIT OF THE WEDDIN MOUNTAINS REGION
Known for camp oven cook offs, sheep races, bird art and trails, and an iconic local pub, Caragabal encompasses the country spirit of the Weddin Mountains Region. An active community with a big heart, the people of Caragabal know how to have fun and they love to share it with visitors to the region.
Caragabal is a small rural village located 43km west of Grenfell on the Mid-Western Highway, towards West Wyalong. Originally known as ‘Gibson Run’ Caragabal became the outlet for the Bland, where wheat was loaded on the railway for transport to Sydney.
The village is close to the Weddin Mountains National Park - an outstanding place for bushwalking adventures and the unique village of Quandialla. Include it in a loop day trip in the Weddin Region or camp for the night to soak up the relaxed rural lifestyle, spectacular sunsets and brilliant starry nights.
About Caragabal
The historical railway village of Caragabal is surrounded by a progressive farming community who come together for local events such as the Caragabal Camp Oven Cook Off and the Caragabal Sheep Races. Don’t be fooled by the peaceful appearance of the village, Caragabal is backed by a strong, resilient and active community intent on having good old fashioned country fun.
The village has an interesting centre with quirky buildings and informative historical signage. Located in the gum trees of the peaceful local park, a path of informative signs was written by locals and includes local photos through the ages. The park also has toilets and a lovely, sheltered picnic area with free barbecues.
DON’T MISS…
Don’t miss the Caragabal Camp Oven Cook Off held on the Sunday of the June long weekend. Hundreds gather on the local sportsground for a massive bonfire, cook off competitions as well as other old-fashioned fun and entertainment throughout the night. Come for the day or camp for the entire weekend!
The Caragabal Sheep Races are held every year on the second Saturday in September. The region comes alive with six races starting at lunch time held under the magnificent gum trees on the Caragabal Golf Course (2km west of the village). It’s a fun-filled day for all ages. Camping on the Golf Course is free.
Inspiring and meaningful, the Caragabal Bird Art is a large, modern public artwork that aims to celebrate the unique local bird life at Caragabal and raise awareness of local threatened species. Taking flight in 2020, the art is located on the Mid-Western Highway in the middle of town and is a popular stop-off on the silo art trail through Central West NSW.
Go in search of the real thing with a bushwalk and some bird watching in Little Caragabal State Forest, one of the Weddin Bird Trails. The forest is 300m on the right, past the rail bridge. Visitors can walk the access tracks through the Inland Grey Box / White Cypress Pine Forest frequented by the Superb Parrot, Butcherbird, Mallee Ringneck, Eastern Rosella, Bronzewing, Apostlebird, Yellow-rumped Thornbill and Greycrowned Babbler. The Glossy Black Cockatoo has also been seen in this area, feeding on Belah and Bulloak trees.
Visit the Royal Hotel where you are bound to receive a warm welcome, quality food and refreshments. You’ll love the hand painted mural out the front and the magnificent beer garden out the back! The Caragabal Country Golf Club is run by local volunteers and provides food, beverages, golf and bowls approximately 2km west of the village on the Mid-Western Highway.