Cranky Rock Nature Reserve

Cranky Rock is 8 km east of Warialda, turn off is off the Gwydir Hwy and is well sign posted. Powered and unpowered camping is available, there is a little kiosk, toilet and shower, day use area with shelter, free gas BBQs and children’s play area. They also allow dogs. At the time we were there it was $20 for a powered site and $15 for non powered. We stayed one night on a powered site which were dry and dusty, there were some non-powered sites that we thought were the pick.

Nestled in a natural bush setting you often see kangaroos, emus and other wildlife. There is a short walk to the Reserve, which is well marked, it has lots of giant boulders a creek and swimming hole which was rather dry when we were there. It was still great and an interesting place to visit.

There is an observation platform that gives you a great view over the area.

Cranky Rock got its name from an old legend which said that an old “Cranky Chinaman” jumped to his death after being accused of some wrongdoing.