Cranky Rock Nature Reserve, NSW

We stayed at Cranky Rock Nature Reserve for a few days, giving us ample time to explore, enjoy and relax in this beautiful and natural environment.  This location has been on our bucket list for some time now and we weren’t at all disappointed!

Cranky Rock Nature Reserve is about 8km south-east of the early established New England country town of Warialda, on the Gwydir Highway.  Once you reach the turn off, it is only about another 2km via sealed road into the Reserve area.

There are both powered and unpowered campsites available.  This would also be a nice spot for a day visit if you are staying in the region.  There are barbeques, picnic areas and toilets available.  For campers, there is also a really nice hot shower available.  Facilities here are spotless. There is loads of birdlife to sit and enjoy too.

 This location is a good starting point for scenic country drives on this, the western side of the New South Wales New England region.

Like many little country towns and locations, Cranky Rock has its own little legend that has intrigued the people of Warialda and visitors for generations.  So here is the legend of Cranky Rock:

‘On the 24 December 1874 in the town of Warialda, Mrs Golthorpe was attending to her chores.

A very cranky Chinaman named Charlie Young, a local cook, attacked Mrs Golthorpe with a knife repeatedly stabbing her, then ran off out of town. Mrs Golthorpe managed to get to the local doctor, but her wounds were so severe she passed away six days later.

Charlie Young evaded police for quite a while.  He dodged capture by leaping from a high rock into the creek.  His body was found later by the police.

The local story claims that Mrs Golthorpe quarreled with the Chinaman after she warned her son not to play cards with him.

And so came to pass, the naming of Cranky Rock.’

 If you would like to see more of Cranky Rock Nature Reserve, including some stunning drone footage, head to our YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/S1ZVp4E0WRk