Pilliga Ultra 2026

The Pilliga is the largest inland forest in eastern Australia. It’s a biodiversity hotspot, home to at least 300 native animal species and more than 900 plant species. It’s sacred to the Gomeroi/Gamilaraay people, and rich in cultural sites. Underneath its rare eucalypt forests lie recharge zones for the Great Artesian Basin, one of the largest groundwater sources in the world.

No, however at least 50% of event profits will be allocated to a fund managed by For Wild Places.  This fund will be made available to organisations, individuals, and community groups in and around the Pilliga to support their efforts to bring more people to the Pilliga.

The amount of funds to be distributed will be dependent on how much money is raised through registration and event sponsorship.  If you enter in the Pilliga Ultra, we will keep you up to date on how the funds help contribute to the community.

Pilliga Pottery is approximately a 6 hour drive from Sydney, 8 hours from Byron Bay and 8 hours from Brisbane.  The closest airport is Narrabri, which is serviced by Link Airways.  Alternatively, you can fly into Tamworth and Dubbo and hire a car, after which it’s roughly a 2.5-hour drive.  The Pottery is approximately 10 km off the Newell Highway, along a gravel road.  After heavy rain, the road can be slippery and difficult for 2WD.  We will keep participants up to date with road conditions, or you can check yourself via the Pilliga Pottery website.

If you're not from the area, we invite you to join us and stay on-site at Pilliga Pottery / Barkala Farm, where all the action will take place.  Maria and her family have created a warm and welcoming environment, providing clean, hand-crafted, environmentally conscious facilities to ensure you stay warm, dry and comfortable. 

There are affordable camping, self-contained and bunk room options available.

Alternatively, there is accommodation (hotels, Airbnbs, caravan parks) available in Coonabarabran (approx 30min) or Narrabri (approx 1 hour).  All accommodation, except for camping at Pilliga Pottery needs to be booked in advance.

The Pilliga Ultra is the perfect entry-level event for runners and hikers of all fitness and experience levels. We have allowed for generous cut-off times to ensure people can hike the PU10 and PU20 events.  With a few months before the event, there is plenty of time to train and get experience running on trails. You can check out our training plans here to help you get race ready!

When purchasing your registration for the event, you'll also see the option to add a dinner ticket.  Because the event venue, Pilliga Pottery, is quite remote, we offer a family-style catered dinner on Friday and Saturday nights.  The meals are provided by the wonderful team at the Blue Wren Cafe.  If you don't feel like firing up the camp stove we have you sorted. There will be a set menu on either evening, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options. Numbers are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

As part of the Pilliga Ultra weekend, join this guided bus tour through the Pilliga Forest to witness the impacts of the Narrabri Gas Project firsthand.

Led by local grassroots group North West Protection Advocacy, the tour will take you deep into the Pilliga to explore gas infrastructure sites, culturally significant areas, and key water sources at risk.

Thursday 17th September 2025 

$50 per person (includes morning tea and lunch)

Tour departs: 7:45 am from Pilliga Pottery (bus provided)

Duration: Full-day (return approx. 4:00 pm)

Saturday 19th September

$30 per person (includes morning tea)

Tour departs: 7:00 am from Pilliga Pottery (bus provided)

Duration: Half-Day (return approx. 12 pm)

Note: We require a minimum of 6 people for the tour to go ahead. Tours will be confirmed one week prior.  If your tour does not go ahead, you will receive a full refund. Also, tours are subject to weather conditions, so we may cancel if there is inclement weather.

This tour is suitable for children; however it can be a long day, so we leave it to parents’ discretion if it’s something their child will enjoy.  There is not too much walking, but is not wheelchair accessible.

Of course! Runners with a disability who participate with a guide runner can receive an additional race bib for their guide free of charge. Just get in touch with us before the event so we can ensure they are registered and have any information they may need.

YES! We love dogs (as do the crew at Pilliga Pottery). Your dog can also run with you (on leash) or we'll surely be able to find someone to hang out with them while you're out on course.

Yes!

Click Register Now and you will see an option to join the waitlist for an event. If any tickets become available, you will be notified via email and given 3 days to register using the link.