Bombala walking track
Glenrock State Conservation Area
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Bombala walking track .
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
1km return
Time
15 - 30min
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Short steep hills
Quality of path
Well-formed track: The track is 1.2m wide and hard-packed ground along its length. There's an accessible section of the track that leads to a fenced area that overlooks the ocean; this part of the track is mostly flat and wide, but the ground may be slightly uneven in parts.
After the fenced lookout, the path starts to slope downward. It gets narrower and there are natural obstacles along the track like tree roots and uneven ground.
Steps
Occasional steps: There are 165 steps along the entirety of the walk. There are no steps along the accessible section of the track.
Accessible options
From the carpark at the end of Bombala Street, there's a 250m section of track that goes to a fenced area that overlooks the ocean. This section of track may be accessible for people with reduced mobility. You'll need to take the left-hand path after the fork to stay on this part of the track. The right hand path is not accessible.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Bombala walking track is at the southern end of Glenrock State Conservation Area. To get there from Newcastle:
- Head south along City Road/Pacific Highway to Charlestown
- Turn right onto Dudley Road
- Follow Dudley Road (eventually becomes Ocean Road).
- Turn left onto Bombala Road and follow it to its end
Parking
There's a gravel carpark at the start of the walk. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited then.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Glenrock State Conservation Area. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Enjoy exploring the park's mountain biking trails when the weather becomes cooler.
Spring
The park's birds will be chirping and singing, look out for them in the trees as you hit the tracks and trails.
Summer
The park's beaches are a delight at this time of year – you can surf and swim to your heart's content.
Winter
Walk the Bombala walking track for excellent coastal views – you may even spot a whale or two.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
20°C and 25°C
Highest recorded
42°C
Winter temperature
Average
11°C and 18°C
Lowest recorded
1.8°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
November
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
283.7mm
Facilities
Seats and resting points
There's a sandstone block bench and a bench seat along the walk. The bench seat has a backrest.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
- The track is 1.2m wide and hard-packed ground along its length.
- From the carpark, there's a 250m section of the track that leads to a fenced area that overlooks the ocean. This part of the track may be accessible for people with reduced mobility. The ground along this section is mostly flat but can be slightly uneven in parts.
- You'll need to take the left-hand path after the fork to stay on the accessible part of the track. The right hand path is not accessible.
- After the fenced lookout, the path starts to slope downward. It gets narrower and there are natural obstacles along the track like tree roots and uneven ground.
- There is a bench with a backrest and a sandstone slab bench along the track.
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
Cycling
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Operated by
- Newcastle office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 4946 4100
- npws.lowerhunter@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 1 Wetlands Place, Shortland NSW 2307
Park info
- in Glenrock State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
Glenrock State Conservation Area is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.