Grand High Tops Walk, Warrumbungle National Park: Full Hike Guide

If you only do one big hike in Warrumbungle National Park, make it the Grand High Tops Walk. This is the park’s most iconic trail, also our family favorite — and with good reason. This is the best way to experience the dramatic volcanic landscape that makes the Warrumbungles so special. You hike in the shadow of the 90-metre-tall Breadknife, one of Australia’s most striking rock formations, then climb to the Grand High Tops for wide, unforgettable views across ridgelines, lava domes and forested valleys.

We hiked this trail during our early spring camping trip in the Warrumbungles, and it was one of the highlights of the whole holiday. It’s a hard walk, with lots of stairs, and you better plan a full day to do it, but the reward is absolutely worth the effort.

This guide is about everything you need to know about the Grand High Tops Walk: distance, difficulty, what to expect, whether it’s worth adding Bluff Mountain, and whether it’s realistic with kids. (We completed it with a 5-year-old energy bomb — but I’m saying this as encouragement, not as expectation.)

If you’re planning your first visit to the park, start with my full guide to Warrumbungle National Park.

Grand High Tops Walk: quick overview

• Distance: 14.5 km loop
• Optional detour: Bluff Mountain, about 2.5 km return
• Elevation gain: about 640 m, plus more if adding Bluff Mountain
• Trail type: loop
• Trail difficulty: hard
• Time needed: allow a full day
• Trailhead: Pincham car park
• Best for: fit hikers who want the signature Warrumbungle experience
• Main highlights: The Breadknife, Grand High Tops summit, volcanic ridgelines and rock formations, Bluff Mountain panoramic view

If you’re staying overnight in the park, Camp Blackman is the most convenient all-round base for this walk.

👉 Check campground availability on the NPWS website.
👉 Need a room to stay nearby? Compare accommodation near Warrumbungle National Park.

And if you want to compare this trail with the others before deciding, take a look at my summary of the best hikes in Warrumbungle National Park.

Is the Grand High Tops Walk worth it?

Yes, without a doubt.

If you’re wondering whether the Grand High Tops Walk is really worth the effort, my answer is an easy yes — though the hike itself is far from being easy. But it’s the standout hike in Warrumbungle National Park and one of the most rewarding day walks I’ve found in inland NSW so far. In fact, Warrumbungle National Park and this hike gave me the necessary push to explore more of the inland parks instead of mostly sticking to the legendary NSW coastline.

As we started the hike, it took very little time for the views to get dramatic. But what made this hike so special is the way the landscape keeps changing. Yes, it’s all volcanic rocks — in a surprising variety. We soon found ourselves in the shadow of The Breadknife, then climbed higher for broader and broader views over the surrounding formations.

By the time we reached the Grand High Tops summit, we’d already earned one of the best panoramas in the park. Yet, adding the Bluff Mountain detour makes the overall experience even better.

So yes, if you can manage the distance and stairs, do the full loop and also the detour. This is not the walk to cut short unless you truly need to.

If you’re looking for more memorable hikes around the state, I’ve written about my favourite NSW walks here, from the coast to the mountains.

Why the Grand High Tops Walk is so special

The Breadknife

The Breadknife is the most famous rock formation in the park, and seeing it up close is one of the best moments of the hike. It rises dramatically above the valley floor, and it looks even more impressive in person than in photos (especially when the light conditions are not the best, so don’t judge based on my pictures).

Walking right beneath it made the volcanic landscape feel very real to me. It’s not just a pretty viewpoint — you’re right there in it.

The Grand High Tops summit

The climb is demanding, but once you’re up on the High Tops, the views open out beautifully. We got that satisfying feeling of being right in the middle of the landscape, surrounded by volcanic cones shaped by wind, water and centuries. This is the most scenic section of the trail.

Bluff Mountain detour

From Dows Camp, you can add a short but steep detour to Bluff Mountain. I did this while my husband stayed behind with our 5-year-old to rest and play, and I’m so glad I went.

The panoramic views from the top are fabulous and feel different again from what you get on the main trail. If you still have the time and strength, I think it’s absolutely worth the extra effort.

The full loop experience

What truly stunned us about this walk is that it keeps delivering. After the summit, the trail continues towards Western High Tops and Ogma Gap campground, passing Dows Camp on the way. Even if you skip Bluff Mountain, you’ll still get lovely views of it before descending via the West Spirey Track back to Pincham car park. That changing scenery is a big part of what makes this loop feel so rewarding.

Grand High Tops Walk trail details

Trailhead: Pincham car park

The walk starts at Pincham car park, one of the main trailheads in Warrumbungle National Park. This is the practical starting point for several other walks, too, and I recommend getting there early to find a spot. Though Warrumbungle National Park is not a busy one, especially compared to the parks closer to Sydney, the Grand High Tops loop is its most famous hike. When the weather is decent, it gets significantly more traffic than other Warrumbungle walks.

There are basic toilet facilities at Pincham, but the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre is located a few minutes drive away, on the other side of John Renshaw Parkway, the main park road. If you want to talk to park rangers, that’s where you could drop in before the hike.

Once you’re out on the trail, you need to be self-sufficient — no water, no toilets.

Grand High Tops loop route summary

The standard Grand High Tops Walk is a 14.5 km loop from Pincham car park.

The trail takes you:

• on a few small bridges over seasonal creeks
• past the junction towards Gould’s Circuit (which can work as an extension to the Grand High Tops loop, but I think the Bluff Mountain extension makes it long enough for a fulfilling and properly exhausting day)
• up to the Spirey View Lookout
• past Balor Hut
• beneath The Breadknife
• up to Grand High Tops
• onward to Western High Tops
• past Dows Camp where you can extend the hike to Bluff Mountain and back (adding 2.5 km return)
• onward to Down High Tops
• past Ogma Gap campground
• then back via West Spirey Track to Pincham car park

How hard is the Grand High Tops Walk?

One of the hardest hikes in Warrumbungle National Park.

It’s not technical in the sense of needing scrambling skills like Belougery Split Rock, but it is a proper physical challenge, with more than 1000 steps, around 640 metres of elevation gain on the main loop, and long exposed sections. You’ll be on your feet the whole day, and you don’t want to do this hike in hot weather. We did it in mid-September, and it already felt sweaty.

If you add Bluff Mountain, the day becomes even harder — though also more rewarding.

I think the biggest challenge is not one single steep section, but the cumulative effort: the stairs, the climbs, the distance and the sun exposure all build on each other. Generally, I wouldn’t classify a ~15 km hike as a difficult full day experience, but we all know that elevation and climate matters just as much. And they make the Grand High Tops a much bigger hike than it may first appear on paper.

So start early, carry plenty of water (and some more), and don’t begin late in the day unless you’re very confident with timing.

Can you shorten the Grand High Tops Walk?

Technically yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you really need to.

If you do need to, one option is doing a simple return walk to Spirey View. It’s a much shorter walk of about 3 km return overall, however, it is nowhere near as impressive as the full Grand High Tops loop. It gives you a taste of the scenery.

There’s another option if you want to do the full loop, but make it easier: using the shortcut near Balor Hut. If you do that though, you miss the most spectacular part of the hike.

So honestly, if you’re fit enough to do this trail, do it properly. The full route is what makes it one of the best hikes in the Warrumbungles.

Bluff Mountain detour: should you add it?

Yes, if you have the time and energy. The Bluff Mountain side trip is short, but steep. After already doing the High Tops (and hoping it should be all downhill from now) it’s definitely an extra effort. But the panoramic views from the top are excellent, and they’re also different from the Grand High Tops. It gives you another perspective over the surrounding formations, and I’m very glad I added it.

If you’re already exhausted, it’s completely reasonable to skip it. You’ll still enjoy some lovely views of Bluff Mountain on the rest of the descent. But if you still have something left in your legs, I think it’s one of the best optional detours to still keep this a day hike.

My tip: Treat Bluff Mountain as a bonus, not a requirement. Decide at Dows Camp based on how everyone is feeling.

How long does the Grand High Tops Walk take?

Allow a full day if you can, but at least 5-6 hours.

The exact time depends on your pace, how many breaks you take, whether you add Bluff Mountain, and whether you’re hiking with children. Strong hikers may move through it more quickly, but I still wouldn’t rush it. Give yourself enough daylight and enough margin for rest stops, photos and slower sections.

Best time to hike Grand High Tops

kangaroos are not typical on the Grand High Tops loop, but they like the bushlands around Camp Blackman

The best time to hike the Grand High Tops Walk is in early spring or late autumn. These seasons offer the most comfortable temperatures for a hard, exposed trail like this one. We did it in mid-September on a clear day, and it already felt too hot in the middle of the day as we were conquering the steps.

Summer can be brutally hot for this walk. There is limited shade, and the climb is exposed. Honestly, maybe it’s doable if you’re well-prepared, but it won’t be enjoyable.

Winter can work on a clear day, too, but mornings are often very cold, so you’ll want to be prepared for a chilly start.

For more on seasons, camping and park conditions, my full Warrumbungle National Park guide covers more details.

Can you do Grand High Tops with kids?

Yes, but I wouldn’t describe it as a family-friendly hike. It’s a demanding full-day hike, and distance, stairs and elevation gain make it a big day even for experienced hikers.

That said, it might work with kids, depending on their age, stamina and hiking experience. We completed the full loop with our actively hiking 5-year-old. We started with no fixed expectation of finishing and were fully prepared to turn back if needed. This wasn’t the general difficulty of the hikes we did as a family back then. It was a big challenge.

There were quite a lot of complaints about the endless stairs, and it took us beyond 8 hours to complete the loop. But we did complete it — with enough water, snacks, encouragement and curiosity to keep going. And once it was done, the complaints faded and the sense of achievement remained.

So yes, some confident young hikers can do it. But that should be encouragement, not expectation.

I’d say this trail is best suited to:

• older kids used to longer hikes
• very confident younger hikers with experienced parents
• families willing to turn back if needed

If you want easier family-friendly options, start with Wambelong Nature Trail, Whitegum Lookout or Belougery Flats instead. I compare those in my guide to the best walks and hikes in Warrumbungle National Park.

Safety tips for Grand High Tops

• start early
• carry all the water you need for the day
• pack plenty of snacks — if you’re building your hiking food list, this detailed snack guide is a good place to start
• wear proper hiking shoes with good grip — hiking sandals might be tempting, but closed hiking shoes will protect your feet better on the generally rocky and dusty terrain
• don’t forget about sun protection — a wide-brim hat and a high SPF sunscreen is essential
• avoid hiking in very hot weather if possible
• don’t rely on phone reception, and have a downloaded trail map or offline navigation

The track is well-known, but it is still a serious day walk in inland NSW.

Where to stay for the Grand High Tops Walk

If this hike is one of your main reasons for visiting Warrumbungle National Park, I really recommend staying as close to the trailhead as possible.

Best campground for Grand High Tops: Camp Blackman

Best for: families, first-time campers and anyone who wants the most convenient base

This is where we stayed, and I think it’s the best base overall. For Grand High Tops, Camp Blackman works so well because it makes an early start easy, and after a full day on the trail, you’re not facing a long drive before you can finally sit down and eat properly. It also gives direct access to easy walks like Gurianawa Track, Belougery Flats circuit and Wambelong Nature Trail.

And it delivers one of the best kangaroo experiences in New South Wales. These adorable marsupials graze around the campsite in big groups every morning and evening. If you find this a tempting setting, I can show you my favorite NSW campgrounds where kangaroos regularly roam free.

So overall, Camp Blackman is a great choice for families and first-time campers, with good facilities (like hot shower, drinking water, BBQ, dishwashing sinks or picnic shelter) and an easy national park base. It is busier than the smaller campgrounds, but I’d happily stay there again for the convenience alone.

👉 You can check campsite availability on the NPWS website.

If you’re road-tripping to the Warrumbungles, a campervan can be a very convenient option, especially if you want to stay inside the park.

Coonabarabran stays

Best for: travellers who want a proper bed, private bathroom and easier cold-weather comfort

If you’d rather sleep in a proper bed than camp, Coonabarabran is the most practical town base near the park. It’s about a 30 minute drive from the main visitor area of the park.

It’s a sleepy small town, and you won’t find a huge variety of accommodation, but there are a few good, simple options. Staying in Coonabarabran makes the most sense on a winter visit, or if you prefer not to camp, anyway.

Grand High Tops vs Mount Exmouth: which is better?

If I could choose only one, I’d pick Grand High Tops.

view from the Mount Exmouth summit

We completed both, and I’m really glad we did, because they offer quite different experiences. Mount Exmouth delivers on the upper section and with the summit views. But Grand High Tops is the more scenic and more iconic trail overall, with more variety. And it gave me a stronger sense that I’m actually moving through the heart of the Warrumbungles.

And if you add Bluff Mountain, you also get another excellent summit panorama.

So if you only have time for one major hike, I think Grand High Tops is the better choice. But if you’re staying longer, the ideal option is not choosing at all — just do both on a 2- or 3-day visit. I mapped that out in my Warrumbungle National Park itinerary guide.

Final thoughts on Grand High Tops

The Grand High Tops Walk is the hike that defines Warrumbungle National Park. It’s hard, yes. There are lots of stairs, plenty of climbing, and it needs a proper day. But if you enjoy rewarding hikes, you’ll love it. For us, it was one of the standout hikes not just in the Warrumbungles, but in inland NSW generally.

So if you’re fit enough for it, and the weather is on your side, I really do think this is the walk to do.

And if you’re turning this into a bigger inland NSW trip, my Mount Kaputar National Park guide is a great next read. In case hiking is your focus, I’ve also compared the top walking trails in Mount Kaputar.

FAQ: Grand High Tops Walk, Warrumbungle National Park