Warrumbungle National Park is called one of Australia’s best kept secrets, a perfect place for hiking – day and night. Because night skies are magical, and as Australia’s first Dark Sky Park the Warrumbungles are legendary for stargazing. But it also impresses with unique volcanic rock formations, majestic bushland and forested plains (a favorite habitat for kangaroos!), sandstone formations and deep gorges. The dramatic volcanic domes emerge from the surrounding forests and grasslands. There are surely peaks to conquer in this park!
Our family spent most of the spring break here, we completed all the walking tracks and surely haven’t seen all the kangaroos and parrots, though we saw an incredible number of them. This post is your guide to the most stunning hikes in the Warrumbungles, some longer and more challenging ones, but also some shorter and easier walks.
Click to read our general visitor guide to Warrumbungle National Park here.
5 best hikes in Warrumbungle National Park
Some of the most well-known and most impressive of the volcanic rock formations in the Warrumbungles are Belougery Spire, Bluff Mountain, Mount Exmouth, The Breadknife, Split Rock, Fans Horizon and Crater Bluff. In this section I listed the most scenic hikes, but also some fantastic and easy options so that everyone can find one that’s a good fit.
Best full day hike: Grand High Tops Circuit & Bluff Mountain
The Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is probably the most iconic in Warrumbungle National Park. If you only have one day, I recommend doing this full-day adventure, even extending it with the climb up to Bluff Mountain to make the most out of it.
First of all, this hike is incredibly scenic, with fantastic panoramic views and also close views of impressive rock formations. On the other hand, it’s a challenging hike, with 640+ meters elevation gain and 1000+ steps to climb. Well, if you come from a mountainous country, it might seem average, but in Australia, mountain hikes are not the average. But the Warrumbungles offer quite a few, and this is one of them.
In exchange, you hike in the shadow of the Breadknife, one of Australia’s most striking rock formations, that towers 90 meters above the valley floor, then enjoy views of the rest of the volcanic rock formations from the saddle and the Grand High Tops summit.
After the summit the path continues on towards Western High Tops and Ogma Gap campground, passing Dows Camp on the way. At Down Camp you can add a short, but steep ~2.5 km return hike to Bluff Mountain. It’s a detour and I did it while I left my 5-year-old behind with his father to rest and play at the campground. I highly recommend this addition if you have the time and strength, because the panoramic views from the top of Bluff Mountain are fabulous!
But if you skip it, you’ll still enjoy a few nice views of Bluff Mountain on your way down towards the West Spirey track that finally takes you back to Pincham carpark.
What if you want to make it shorter? Hiking only until the Spirey View (~3km) is much shorter, but much less impressive, too. If you do the shortcut through the Balor Hut, you miss the most spectacular part of the hike. My point: do it all the way if you can.
Hiking info:
- Trailhead: Pincham car park
- Length: 14.5 km loop
- See it on a map here.
Conquer the tallest peak in the Warrumbungles: Mount Exmouth
There are two challenging day hikes in the Warrumbungles: the Grand High Tops & Bluff Mountain and the Mount Exmouth walking track. We completed both, and I liked both of them very much, but what if you have time for only one? I think the Grand High Tops are more scenic, and the views from the saddle are truly one of a kind. If you add Bluff Mountain, you get a 360-degree panorama of the Warrumbungles, as well.
The Mount Exmouth track offers the outstanding views in the last 2 km and from the 1206 meters high summit. Until that point it’s a forest grind, mostly on a wide fire trail, mostly not too steep, but not too exciting either. Oh, well, you might spot kangaroos, wallabies or wallaroos along the way, but it’s not likely in the middle of the day, rather on your way back (or if you start very early). So the overall experience is better on the Grand High Tops loop. But that last section of the Mount Exmouth track makes it all worth it!
This last section is also the most challenging. We had to hold the hand of our 5-year-old quite often, because the path gets narrow, sometimes a bit exposed, too, with a steep slope on one side. But the beautiful forest, the huge grass trees, the picturesque rock formations and the occasional views make hiking this stretch a pure joy. Then comes the highlight: stunning views from the rocky saddle and finally, from the summit. 360-degree views over the whole park, all the basalt formations and the valleys!
Then you return the same way. The car park for the trailhead is just opposite of Camp Wambelong, but you can also start at the Burbie Canyon trailhead, walk through Burbie Canyon and continue further on the Burbie fire trail.
Burbie Camp and Danue Camp are two primitive campsites along the way if you want to make it an overnight adventure. I think it can easily be done as a day hike unless you combine it with other hikes. It was a huge challenge for our 5-year-old who hikes with us regularly, but hasn’t conquered such a high summit and completed 17 km on his own in one day before. A new milestone for our family. 🙂
Hiking info:
- Trailhead: Mount Exmouth walking track car park (opposite of Camp Wambelong)
- Length: 17 km return
- See it on a map here.
Best short hike: Wambelong Nature Trail
Wambelong Nature Trail is our very favorite short hike in the Warrumbungles. Despite being so short it offers a variety of natural beauties: tranquil creekside scenes along Wambelong Creek, looking up to (and climbing up to) amazing basalt rock formations, a few panoramic views as you hike on a rocky plateau and stunning close views of the Split Rock.
Not to mention the rich wildlife and birdlife! I saw lots of kangaroos and different kinds of birds on my morning walks. And that’s another good thing: since you can start this walk at Camp Blackman, it’s a great start or end of the day if you camp there. And everyone knows (or you should) that mornings and evenings are prime time to see Australian wildlife.
This track is not an easy, flat walk though. The terrain becomes a bit rugged at places, there are steeper sections and lots of stairs. I wouldn’t call it challenging either, but it’s a hike and you better do it in proper hiking shoes.
And if you’re looking for a hike to do at night? Choose the Wambelong track. Then you can enjoy those big starry skies with the dark silhouettes of fabulous rock formations in the foreground, yet it’s relatively easy to complete this track even in the dark. Obviously, have a head torch and keep an eye on the reflective markers, because they’re there to help you during the night walks.
I loved this track so much that I did it several times during our stay at Camp Blackman, and it rewarded me with something new and beautiful every time: a lovely scene with kangaroos, a tiny fairy wren, mist over the eucalyptus forest in the morning, wonderful skies at night.
Hiking info:
- Trailhead: Camp Blackman or the Canyon picnic area
- Length: ~3 km loop
- See it on a map here.
Steep climb to a spectacular view: Belougery Split Rock
This 4.5 km loop might seem like a relatively easy hike up to a lovely view at first sight. The views from the Belougery Split Rock viewpoint at the top are breathtaking, but the way up (and down) is quite technical. Actually, it’s the most technical hike in Warrumbungle National Park.
We enjoyed it very much, not only the views, but the challenging climb, too. However, if you’re looking for something easier than Mount Exmouth or the Grand High Tops circuit, this is not a good choice. Either opt for the Whitegum Lookout walk, or the series of stairs up to Fans Horizon in that case. But those of you who are excited about conquering dramatic cliffs to enjoy amazing views? This is for you!
You’ll actually set foot on an ancient lava dome on this hike and climb up to the summit of Split Rock. The views of Warrumbungle mountain rising out of the volcanic landscape is spectacular, just like the lush valleys and the seemingly endless Western Plains below.
But how hard is the climb? The trail is steep uphill or steep downhill, there’s no flat section. But 4.5 km is not too long. I think it’s best to do it clockwise, because the northern slope is steeper and is easier to do uphill. We did it counterclockwise and we regretted the choice several times on our way down. Downhill on this terrain didn’t feel relaxing – it’s hard on your knees, and you need to watch your steps on the loose terrain. The southern slope is steep, too, but a bit less than the northern side, and there are more stairs.
The most challenging section is the last stretch to the Belougery Split Rock summit, which is a return path so you need to do it uphill and downhill (and yes, downhill is a bit harder). There are some iron footholds, but mostly you use your hands to hold on to the rocks and find your foothold on the steps carved into the smooth rock face. It’s a proper scramble, and then a very slow, cautious downhill on your way back.
Take a picnic lunch (you’ll need some energy, anyway) and enjoy the 360-degree views at the summit. You might spot a wedge-tailed eagle or a shy red-necked wallaby.
Hiking info:
- Trailhead: Mount Exmouth walking track car park (opposite of Camp Wambelong)
- Length: 4.5 km loop
- See it on a map here.
Short, easy walk to a spectacular view: Whitegum Lookout
This is a short, easy and almost flat walk on a paved path, even wheelchair-accessible. It leads through a dry woodland and to Whitegum Lookout. The lookout is wonderful! The view can compete with the ones from the Fans Horizon or the Goulds Circuit walking tracks, both of which require much more effort. Even if you do other panoramic hikes in the park, don’t miss this one. It’s an easy, impressive addition.
Hiking info:
- Trailhead: Whitegum Lookout walking track car park
- Length: 1 km return
- See it on a map here.
More short, steep walks to viewpoints in Warrumbungle National Park
If you think the Grand High Tops or Mount Exmouth are too demanding for you, but you still want to hike to enjoy views of the lava domes from above, there are two alternatives you can choose from.
I admit that after completing the Grand High Tops and Mount Exmouth walking tracks, neither of these two took our breath away. But we like hiking, and they offered views from other angles of the stunning landscapes with the lava domes, so we were happy to do them. If you’re short on time, you can skip them, or use them as alternatives to the longer, physically more demanding tracks.
Fans Horizon
This short, but steep track starts from the Pincham car park, similarly to the Grand High Tops. Though it’s steep, it’s a technically easy hike, because it’s basically a series of stairs up to the viewpoint. The viewpoint is lovely, but I have to admit it can’t compete with the Grand High Tops, Bluff Mountains, Mount Exmouth or Split Rock, as it’s not a 360-degrees panorama. Well, that doesn’t mean we didn’t have a lovely picnic on the smooth rocks at the viewpoint.
Hiking info:
- Trailhead: Pincham car park
- Length: 3.6 km return
- See it on a map here.
Goulds Circuit
If the Grand High Tops is too long, but you’re up for challenges, the Goulds Circuit might be the best choice. Climbing up to Febar Tor, then Macha Tor, you’ll work a lot (steep uphills), but they reward you with pretty views. My favorite was Macha Tor, as the Febar Tor views are a bit obstructed by the trees. Macha Tor offers a wider panorama, but it requires a bit of rock scrambling, as well, for the last, short section.
Hiking info:
- Trailhead: Pincham car park
- Length: 5.8 km (partial) loop
- See it on a map here.
Best wildlife walks in the Warrumbungles
Are you not a fan of steep, sweaty uphills? (Oh, you should learn to like them, because they lead to the most fabulous views! Anyways…) Warrumbungle National Park will still impress a lot! Because of wildlife (and I mean the thousands of kangaroos in the first place, but not only them) and because of the easy valley walks with pretty views of those spectacular volcanic domes.
So the kangaroos. Thousands of them call the Warrumbungles their home, and by that I mostly mean the grassy and forested plains – exactly where the largest campground (Camp Blackman) is conveniently located.
My favorite “kangaroo walks” were the ~1.5 km Link Track (also called Gurianawa Track) that connects Camp Blackman with the visitor center, and the ~5 km Belougery Flats circuit walk. But to get the magical experience I got you have to time it right. They’re for early mornings and late afternoons. During the day they are dusty (especially the Belougery Flats), the kangaroos are sleeping among the bush, but you’ll meet with millions of flies. Early or late in the day you won’t only get soft colors, more pleasant temperatures and barely any flies (at least in shoulder season), but you’ll also see the kangaroos hopping around, grazing, fighting, simply being active and entertaining. I felt like I was inside a nature documentary.
The Belougery Flats circuit also treats you with impressive distant views of the Grand High Tops, Mount Exmouth and Belougery Split Rock, while the elevation change is minimal, it’s almost flat. The Gurianawa Track is also an easy terrain and has some pretty views of the peaks, though it’s more forested and trees often block the view. But kangaroos love the area just as much.
I already mentioned the Wambelong Nature Trail, which is also a lovely walk to see kangaroos and other wildlife. But what’s other wildlife? Mostly birds: cockatoos, kookaburras, parrots (quite a few different species of them), fairy wrens, eagles – that’s what we’ve seen.
The few wallabies we had the luck to spot in the Warrumbungles were further up on the steeper slopes, we haven’t seen them in the valley.
Overall, the colorful birds and flocks of kangaroos made us venture out on these easy walks several times while we were camping in the park, and it was a joy each time, something wonderful and different. Because nature surprises us – if we give it a chance.
Best place to stay
I’m obsessed with camping – either with a tent or a campervan – when it comes to Australia. Few countries have better weather, and to get the best wildlife experiences, you’d better be out in nature early in the morning and after dark. Moreover, campgrounds are inside the national parks, close to most trailheads.
Warrumbungle National Park has two campgrounds for easy car camping (and several more remote campgrounds): Camp Blackman and Camp Wambelong. We stayed at Camp Blackman which is bigger and has more amenities (like hot showers, dishwashing stations or drinking water), but also a bit busier and noisier. I didn’t mind though, the closeness of nature and the trails starting at the campground made it worth it very much. (And let’s admit I appreciate the hot showers, too.)
But what if you’d want a room? The closest town is Coonabarabran, half an hour drive from the central area of the national park. Don’t expect a wide variety of accommodation. But you’ll find a few simple motels, and Acacia Motor Lodge is one with some of the best ratings, clean and spacious rooms, a restaurant and a seasonal outdoor pool. It’s also walking distance from shops.
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