Best Warrumbungle Walks And Hikes: Full Guide For First-Time Visitors

If you’re looking for the best hikes in Warrumbungle National Park, start with the Grand High Tops Circuit for the most iconic views, Mount Exmouth for the highest summit, Wambelong Nature Trail for the best short walk, and Whitegum Lookout for an easy scenic option.

Our family spent a wonderful time camping and hiking in the Warrumbungles this past spring break. This national park is among the best kept secrets of New South Wales, with its stunning volcanic rock formations, rich wildlife and magical night skies. We completed most of the walking tracks, and even though we haven’t seen all the kangaroos and parrots, we surely saw an incredible number of them.

In this guide I compare the top Warrumbungle walks, including distance, difficulty, highlights, and who each trail is best for.

In case you’re planning a bigger inland NSW hiking trip, Mount Kaputar National Park is another excellent stop — these are the best walks in Mount Kaputar National Park.

If you want a broader overview of the park, read my general Warrumbungle visiting guide here.

TOP 3 Warrumbungle hikes

• Best overall: Grand High Tops Circuit
• Best short walk: Wambelong Nature Trail
• Best summit: Mount Exmouth
• Best wildlife walk: Belougery Flats
• Best for sunset or night walking: Wambelong Nature Trail

Warrumbungle National Park walks overview

First, a quick summary for busy hikers choose the right walk in Warrumbungle National Park — whether you’re after a challenging summit, a short scenic trail, a family-friendly walk, or an easy wildlife walk near Camp Blackman.

Hike	Distance	Difficulty	Best for	Highlight
Grand High Tops Circuit + Bluff Mountain	14.5 km loop	Hard	Best full-day hike	Breadknife, panoramic ridges
Mount Exmouth	17 km return	Hard	Highest peak	360-degree summit views
Wambelong Nature Trail	3 km loop	Easy-moderate	Best short hike	Split Rock, creek, wildlife
Belougery Split Rock	4.5 km loop	Hard (technical)	Best scramble	Lava dome, dramatic summit
Whitegum Lookout	1 km return	Easy	Best easy walk	Big views with little effort
Fans Horizon	3.6 km return	Moderate	Short steep climb	Elevated dome views
Goulds Circuit	5.8 km loop	Moderate-hard	Alternative challenge	Tor viewpoints
Belougery Flats	5 km loop	Easy	Best wildlife walk	Kangaroos and emus, distant mountain views
Gurianawa Track (Link Track)	3 km return	Easy	Shortest wildlife walk	Kangaroos

For a step-by-step plan, have a look at my Warrumbungle National Park itinerary, which covers the best way to spend 1, 2 or 3 days there.

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 in the Warrumbungles: Grand High Tops Walk (with Bluff Mountain)

Best for: fit hikers who want the signature Warrumbungle experience, families with confident older kids (6+) who are used to long hiking days

Why do it

If you only do one big hike in Warrumbungle National Park, make it the Grand High Tops Walk. This is the most iconic trail in the park, with close views of The Breadknife, dramatic ridgelines and some of the best volcanic panoramas in the Warrumbungles.

We were truly impressed while hiking in the shadow of the Breadknife, one of Australia’s most striking rock formations, that towers 90 meters above the valley floor. Then we enjoyed the views from the Grand High Tops summit just as much.

Adding Bluff Mountain makes it even better, with an extra summit and superb 360-degree views.

While the Grand High Tops Walk easily ranks among the most memorable hikes in the state, here are a few of my other favorite hikes in NSW.

Things to know

• this is one of the hardest hikes in the park
• expect more than 1000 steps and 640+ meters elevation gain
• the full route is much more rewarding than turning around at Spirey View
• the optional Bluff Mountain detour is short but steep
• some sections are exposed and can feel tough in warm weather
• toilets and facilities are at the main visitor areas, not out on the trail
• carry all the water you need for the day
• phone reception may be patchy or unavailable in parts of the park

I would not recommend beginning this hike late in the day unless you are very confident with timing and daylight.

Suitable for kids?

It is a demanding full-day hike. But it can be realistic for families with older kids, or some confident young hikers. The number of steps, elevation gain and overall distance make it a big day even for hiking families.

That said, we completed this loop with an actively hiking 5-year-old boy. But consider that an encouragement, not an expectation. We didn’t have that expectation either, and we started the hike being ready to turn back and cut it short if needed. We ended up hearing quite a lot of complaints about never-ending stairs, but it turned out we all had enough snacks and motivation to complete the full loop.

My tip

The full route is what makes this one of the best hikes in Warrumbungle National Park, and Bluff Mountain is absolutely worth the extra effort if you still have the energy.

Best summit walk: Mount Exmouth Walk

Best for: strong hikers who want to reach the highest point in the park

Why do it

Mount Exmouth is the highest peak in Warrumbungle National Park and the best summit hike if you want wide, 360-degree views over the volcanic landscape. The final section is the real highlight, with grass trees, rocky outcrops, a dramatic saddle and panoramic views from the summit.

Things to know

• much of the lower track follows a fire trail through forest
• the last 2 km are the most scenic and the most challenging
• the upper trail becomes narrower and more exposed
• some sections may feel uncomfortable for people nervous about heights
• carry plenty of water and snacks
• no facilities on the trail
• phone reception may be unreliable
• start early, especially on warm days

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.

Suitable for kids?

Confident young hikers may be able to do this walk, but it is a very long and demanding day. The exposed upper section means it is not a good choice for toddlers or inexperienced children to walk independently. A hiking carrier can keep the little ones safe during this section.

We completed this hike with our son, too, and the most challenging part was the monotonous but quite demanding fire trail. He enjoyed the steeper and much more strenuous upper section more — we did, too. However, we held his hand quite often, because the path gets narrow, sometimes a bit exposed, too, with a steep slope on one side.

Anyway, it was our son’s first 17k hike — a cheerful milestone for our family. 🙂

My tip

Don’t judge this walk too early. The first section is more of a forest grind, but the last part and the summit views make the whole hike worthwhile.

Grand High Tops vs Mount Exmouth?

If I could choose only one, it would be Grand High Tops & Bluff Mountain. We completed both, and we appreciated their difference and the beauties both offered.  But the Grand High Tops Walk is the more scenic one, and if you add Bluff Mountain, you get a 360-degree summit panorama, as well.

The truly outstanding views on the Mount Exmouth track are in the last 2 km and from the 1206 meters high summit. 

Best short Warrumbungle hike: Wambelong Nature Trail

Best for: visitors who want a short but rewarding walk, families with children, campers at Camp Blackman and anyone looking for a scenic evening trail

Why do it

Wambelong Nature Trail is the best short hike in Warrumbungle National Park. It packs a lot into a small loop: creekside scenery, basalt formations, a rocky plateau, views of Split Rock and very good chances of seeing wildlife, especially in the morning or evening.

Things to know

• short but not completely flat
• expect stairs and some rugged sections
• proper walking shoes are better than sandals
• excellent choice for sunrise, sunset or even a night walk if you are comfortable hiking in the dark
• reflective trail markers help with evening walks
• bring a head torch if walking after dark
• close to campground facilities if starting from Camp Blackman

Suitable for kids?

Yes, for most active kids. This is one of the best family-friendly hikes in the park, though there are stairs and uneven terrain, so it is not pram-friendly. It’s a real hike, not a casual stroll.

My tips

If you’re camping at Camp Blackman, do this walk more than once. It feels different in the morning, late afternoon and after dark. I saw lots of kangaroos and different kinds of birds on every morning and evening walk. 

It’s also the best stargazing hike. We marvelled at big starry skies with the dark silhouettes of fabulous rock formations in the foreground. Just have a head torch and keep an eye on the reflective markers so that you don’t lose the track.

Best hard hike in Warrumbungle: Belougery Split Rock

Best for: experienced hikers who enjoy scrambling and want a shorter but more adventurous climb

Why do it

Belougery Split Rock is the most technical hike in Warrumbungle National Park and one of the most exciting. You climb onto an ancient lava dome, tackle a proper scramble near the summit and get huge views over the surrounding valleys, domes and plains.

Things to know

• this is not an easy short walk
• the trail is steep both uphill and downhill
• the final section involves scrambling on rock
• iron footholds and carved steps help, but you still need to use your hands
• the scramble is more difficult on the way down
• not suitable in wet or slippery conditions
• carry water and avoid the hottest part of the day
• if you’re looking for something easier than Mount Exmouth or the Grand High Tops Walk, this is not a good choice

Suitable for kids?

Only for confident older kids with scrambling experience and close supervision. 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 harder).

It’s not suitable for toddlers, prams or anyone uncomfortable with steep rock sections. Not ideal for baby carrying either, because you do need good balancing.

We completed it with our 5-year-old, and the biggest challenge was exposure, closely followed by the steepness of the track. It was a one of a kind adventure though.

My tip

Best done clockwise, in our experience, because the steeper northern side is easier uphill. We did it counterclockwise and we regretted the choice several times on our way down. 

The southern slope is steep, too, but a bit less than the northern side, and there are more stairs.

Best short & easy Warrumbungle walk: Whitegum Lookout Walk

Best for: first-time visitors, families, people with limited mobility and anyone who wants an easy scenic stop

Why do it

Whitegum Lookout is the best easy walk in Warrumbungle National Park. The path is short, paved and almost flat through a dry woodland, yet the lookout gives you a broad and beautiful view with very little effort.

Things to know

• wheelchair accessible
• suitable for prams
• very short, so easy to add to a bigger sightseeing day
• ideal for visitors who don’t want a long hike
• good option for families, older visitors or anyone easing into the park
• limited shade, so still bring water on hot days

It’s a lovely short option at either end of the day if you want quick views without committing to a longer trail.

Suitable for kids?

Yes, very suitable. This is the easiest family-friendly walk in the park. Rather a stroll than an actual hike.

My tip

Even if you’re doing harder hikes, don’t skip this one. It’s such an easy addition and the payoff is excellent for the effort. The view can easily compete with the ones from the Fans Horizon or the Goulds Circuit walking tracks, both of which require more effort.

Grand High Tops Walk alternatives

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

Best for: visitors wanting a short, steep viewpoint walk without technical scrambling

Why do it

Fans Horizon is a good short climb if you want elevated views but aren’t ready for a full-day hike. It’s steep, but technically straightforward, with stairs leading most of the way to the viewpoint.

Things to know

• this is a steady uphill climb rather than a difficult scramble
• the view is lovely, but not as dramatic as Grand High Tops or Mount Exmouth
• a good option if you want something shorter from Pincham car park
• little shade on warmer days

A good shorter option for late afternoon light, as long as you allow enough time to return safely.

Suitable for kids?

Yes, for active children who can manage stairs and short uphill effort. Not pram-friendly.

My tip

Think of this as a solid backup option, not a must-do over the park’s bigger signature hikes.

Goulds Circuit

Best for: hikers who want a shorter challenge than Grand High Tops while still earning some good views

Why do it

Goulds Circuit is a good alternative if Grand High Tops feels too long but you still want a more challenging walk with elevated views. The highlights are the viewpoints at Febar Tor and especially Macha Tor.

Things to know

• steep uphill sections
• some minor rock scrambling near Macha Tor
• views from Febar Tor are more limited by trees
• Macha Tor gives the better panorama
• a good half-day option from Pincham car park

Suitable for kids?

Suitable for confident older kids who are used to steep tracks and some scrambling. Not for toddlers or prams.

My tip

If you do this walk, focus on Macha Tor as the highlight rather than expecting an all-time classic like Grand High Tops.

Best wildlife walks in Warrumbungle National Park

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.

But what’s other wildlife? Mostly birds, but an impressive variety of them: cockatoos, kookaburras, different species of parrots, fairy wrens, eagles, even emus. Yes, we saw all of these.

The few wallabies we were lucky to spot were further up on the steeper slopes. We haven’t seen wallabies in the valley. (But do you know where to see many wild wallabies? In Sydney!)

Timing matters the most

But to get the most magical wildlife experience you have to time it right: for early mornings, late afternoons and evenings. During the day most of the kangaroos are sleeping hidden 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.

Best short walk to see kangaroos: Gurianawa Track / Link Track

Best for:  campers, families and anyone wanting an easy wildlife-focused walk without committing to a longer trail

Why do it

This is the shortest and easiest dedicated wildlife walk in the Warrumbungles. It connects Camp Blackman and the visitor centre through flat bushland and is ideal for a quick morning or evening walk.

Things to know

• very easy terrain
• excellent for kangaroo spotting at the right times of day
• best early or late in the day
• simple walk to add around camp

Suitable for kids?

Yes, very suitable. Easy for families, though not necessarily pram-perfect unless conditions are dry and smooth.

My tip

If you stay at Camp Blackman, this is the kind of trail worth doing repeatedly rather than just once.

Best Warrumbungle wildlife walk: Belougery Flats Circuit Walk

Best for: wildlife lovers, families, photographers and anyone wanting an easy trail with a high chance of seeing kangaroos

Why do it

Belougery Flats is the best wildlife walk in Warrumbungle National Park. It’s mostly flat, easy to follow and excellent for seeing kangaroos, birds and sometimes emus, with beautiful distant views of the volcanic peaks. I also enjoyed the distant views of the Grand High Tops, Mount Exmouth and Belougery Split Rock.

Things to know

• best done early morning or late afternoon
• daytime can be hot and fly-heavy
• very little elevation change
• easy walking surface
• not the most dramatic hike in the park, but one of the most rewarding for wildlife

Suitable for kids?

Yes. This is one of the best family-friendly walks in the park and a good option with younger children.

My tip

Don’t rush it. This is a walk to wander slowly, especially in the morning when the kangaroos are active.

Where to stay for hiking in Warrumbungle National Park

If hiking is your main reason for visiting Warrumbungle National Park, it’s worth staying as close to the trailheads as possible. Camping inside the park gives you the biggest advantage: you can start long hikes early, enjoy wildlife-rich mornings and stay out for sunset or stargazing without extra driving.

Best campground: Camp Blackman

This is where we stayed and I think Camp Blackman is the best all-round base for hiking in Warrumbungle National Park. It’s a convenient option with good facilities, easy access to several walking tracks and the flexibility to head out early in the day.

What I liked at Camp Blackman:

• close to Wambelong Nature Trail, Gurianawa Track and Belougery Flats
• hot showers, drinking water and dishwashing sinks
• powered and unpowered sites
• excellent for wildlife spotting at dawn and dusk

This is the best choice for most visitors, especially families, first-time campers and anyone staying for several nights.

Quieter campground: Camp Wambelong

Camp Wambelong is a good alternative if you prefer a smaller and quieter campground. Facilities are more basic, but it’s well positioned for hikes in the southern part of the park, like  the Mount Exmouth and Belougery Split Rock trailheads.

This is a better fit for hikers who value peace and don’t mind fewer amenities.

Best motel in Coonabarabran: Acacia Motor Lodge

If you’d rather sleep in a proper bed than camp, Coonabarabran is the best base near the park. Acacia Motor Lodge is one of the best-rated options in town, with clean and spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant and a seasonal outdoor pool. It’s also within walking distance of shops, which makes it a convenient base before or after hiking.

👉 See availability at Acacia Motor Lodge for your dates.

Best family stay: Mu S Boutique Motel “Matthew Flinders”

For families or road trippers who want a comfortable base in town, Mu S Boutique Motel “Matthew Flinders” is a great option. It was newly renovated in 2024 and is centrally located in Coonabarabran, making it practical for picking up supplies before heading into the national park.

👉 You can choose a room at Mu S Boutique Motel “Matthew Flinders” for your dates.

Best time to hike in Warrumbungle National Park

The best time to hike in Warrumbungle National Park is spring or autumn. These seasons offer the most comfortable temperatures for longer walks and the best balance between hiking conditions, wildlife activity and camping comfort.

Spring

Spring is one of the best times to hike in the Warrumbungles, and it’s my favorite. Days are usually mild to warm, wildflowers add extra colour to the landscape and wildlife is active in the mornings and evenings. This is an excellent season for both short walks and longer summit hikes.

Autumn

Autumn is another great season for hiking. Temperatures are usually pleasant again after summer, which makes longer trails like Grand High Tops and Mount Exmouth much more enjoyable.

Summer

Summer can be risky for hiking in Warrumbungle National Park. Daytime temperatures often climb above 30°C, many trails have very limited shade and the steeper hikes can feel very exposed. If you visit in summer, start very early, choose shorter walks and carry plenty of water. But avoid a summer visit in the first place if you can.

Winter

Winter days can be crisp and pleasant for hiking, but nights are often freezing and mornings usually very cold. If you start early, expect chilly conditions until the sun gets higher. Winter works well for walking if you dress in layers, but camping is much less comfortable unless you’re well equipped.

Best time of day for hiking and wildlife

Wildlife visibility is best in the early morning and late afternoon. That’s when you’re most likely to see kangaroos, birds and occasionally emus along the easier valley walks. Midday is usually the hottest and least rewarding time for wildlife spotting, and kangaroos are hidden among the bush, taking their long daytime naps.

Safety tips for hiking in Warrumbungle National Park

Warrumbungle National Park is a rewarding hiking destination, but it’s important to come prepared. Some trails are long, exposed and much steeper than many visitors expect.

Before heading out:

• start early, especially for longer hikes
• carry plenty of water, even on shorter walks
• expect limited shade on many trails
• wear proper hiking shoes
• take sun protection, including wide-brim hat and sunscreen
• check weather and trail conditions before setting out
• don’t rely on phone reception everywhere in the park
• be alert for snakes, especially in warmer weather
• take extra care on steep stairs, exposed sections and scrambling routes
• avoid technical hikes in wet or windy conditions

If you’re hiking with kids:

• choose the route carefully
• avoid long exposed hikes in hot weather
• keep children close on steep or narrow sections

FAQ: Warrumbungle hikes and walks

What is the best hike in Warrumbungle National Park?

The best overall hike in Warrumbungle National Park is the Grand High Tops Walk. It’s the park’s most iconic trail and gives you the best combination of dramatic rock formations, ridgeline views and a big sense of adventure.

What is the hardest walk in the Warrumbungles?

The hardest walks in the park are Grand High Tops with Bluff Mountain and Mount Exmouth. Grand High Tops is more iconic overall, while Mount Exmouth is longer and leads to the highest summit. Belougery Split Rock is shorter, but it is the most technical.

Can you do Warrumbungle hikes with kids?

Yes, but it depends on the trail—and the kid. Whitegum Lookout, Wambelong Nature Trail, Belougery Flats and Gurianawa Track are all easy family-friendly options. Longer and steeper hikes like Grand High Tops, Mount Exmouth and Belougery Split Rock are only suitable for confident young hikers with experience.

What is the best short walk in Warrumbungle National Park?

The best short walk is Wambelong Nature Trail. It offers a great mix of scenery, volcanic formations, wildlife and a manageable distance.

Is the Grand High Tops walk worth it?

Yes, absolutely. If you enjoy challenging hikes, Grand High Tops is one of the most rewarding walks in NSW. The views of The Breadknife and the surrounding volcanic domes make it the standout hike in the park.

How long does it take to hike Mount Exmouth?

Mount Exmouth is a full-day hike for most people. The exact time depends on your pace, weather and how long you spend at the summit, but it is not a quick walk.

When is the best time to hike in Warrumbungle National Park?

Spring and autumn are the best times to hike in Warrumbungle National Park. These seasons offer the most comfortable temperatures for both short walks and longer summit hikes.

Can you hike in Warrumbungle National Park at night?

Yes, some trails can work for night walks, especially Wambelong Nature Trail, which has reflective markers. But you should only hike at night if you are comfortable doing so, have a reliable head torch and choose an appropriate trail.

Where should I stay for hiking in the Warrumbungles?

Camp Blackman is the best all-round base for hikers, while Camp Wambelong is better if you prefer a quieter campground. If you want a motel, stay in Coonabarabran.

Are there many kangaroos in Warrumbungle National Park?

Yes. Kangaroos are one of the highlights of the park, especially around Camp Blackman, Belougery Flats and the easier valley walks in the early morning and late afternoon.