Anvil Rock walking track
Gibraltar Range National Park
Overview
Anvil Rock walking track is a relaxing walk past giant granite outcrops and grass tree-lined swamps in Gibraltar Range National Park, between Glen Innes and Grafton.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 4km return
- Time suggested
- 1 - 2hrs
- Grade
- Grade 3
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Drinking water, sturdy shoes, hat, suitable clothing, snacks, sunscreen
Popular with day-trippers and campers, Anvil Rock walking track is an easy 4km return walk offering access to spectacular environments and jaw-dropping views.
Starting from the Anvil Rock walking track carpark on Mulligans Drive, you'll pass through eucalypt forest, dramatic heathland and mountain swamps surrounded by towering grass trees. The trail leads to the base of Anvil Rock where you'll be rewarded with views of extraordinary granite formations. The huge Old Mans Hat outcrop is particularly striking, thanks to its balancing boulder. This is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading back.
Spring is a perfect time to tackle Anvil Rock walking track as you can take in the area's stunning wildflower displays, including the red Gibraltar Range waratah, pink boronias, white smoke bush and purple match heads.
Animal lovers will also find lots to enjoy in this part of the park. Keep your eyes peeled for sun loving Cunningham's skinks basking on rocky outcrops. And towards twilight you might even spot a tiny parma wallaby emerging from the dense scrub to search for food.
If you want to spend more than a day exploring this incredible setting you can book a stay at nearby Mulligans campground and picnic area or Gibraltar House.
Nearby:
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Mulligans campground and picnic area
A popular starting point for the Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk, Mulligans campground and picnic area has an idyllic creek for swimming and lush picnic spots with barbecues.
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Gibraltar House
This cheap accommodation option, recently refurbished, sleeps 10 and offers an excellent base from which to explore Gibraltar Range and neighbouring national parks.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/anvil-rock-walking-track/local-alerts
Park info
- in Gibraltar Range National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions
Gibraltar Range National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, road damage, or high fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring the correct change and display your receipt.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Anvil Rock walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
4km return
Time
1 - 2hrs
Quality of markings
Sign posted
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Short steep hills
Steps
Many steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Anvil Rock walking track is in the Mulligans precinct of Gibraltar Range National Park. To get there:
- Travel 68km east from Glen Innes or 92km west from Grafton along the Gwydir Highway
- Take Mulligans Drive entrance to Gibraltar Range National Park
- Drive 4km to reach Anvil Rock walking track carpark.
Road quality
- Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at Anvil Rock walking track carpark.
Facilities
- There are no bins so you'll need to take all rubbish away with you.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Not wheelchair-accessible
Prohibited
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.
Learn more
Anvil Rock walking track is in Gibraltar Range National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Lands of plenty
The European heritage of the park may be shorter, but look around and you'll find its traces clearly etched in the natural environment. Living around the range are direct descendants of graziers, lumberers and miners who made their livings here. Bullock teams and horses once struggled through the bush and granite tors, attempting to tame a landscape that today inspires for its wild ruggedness. Evidence of their work can be glimpsed at Mulligans campground and picnic area, where an aborted hydro-electric scheme from the 1900s is memoralised by a remaining hut and several weirs. Hikers on the wide-reaching Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk might also notice relics of pre-WWII tin and gold-mining operations in the Grassy Creek area.
- Dandahra Crags walking track Dandahra Crags walking track, in Gibraltar Range National Park, is a hiking route with scenic views and birdwatching opportunities.
- Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk Keep an eye out for birds and wildflowers on the 45km Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk through eucalypt forests, rainforests, wetlands and granite tors in the rugged Northern Tablelands.
World Heritage Area
Part of the Gondwana Rainforests Reserves of Australia, Gibraltar Range is listed on the World Heritage register for rainforest plants that have existed since Australia was part of the Gondwana super-continent. Gibraltar Range National Park is home to several threatened species of animal: the endangered giant barred frog, which can grow to the size of a small adult's hand; and glossy black cockatoos, under threat from a loss of breeding habitat. Feeding locations are very important to the continuing survival of the cockatoo.
- Dandahra Falls walking track Suitable for fit and experienced bushwalkers only, Dandahra Falls walking track in Gibraltar Range National Park offers impressive waterfall views in stunning World Heritage surrounds.
- Duffer Falls walking track Within easy reach of Glen Innes or Grafton and ideal for a day trip, Duffer Falls walking track offers waterfall views in the beautiful forest setting of Gibraltar Range National Park.
- Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk Keep an eye out for birds and wildflowers on the 45km Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk through eucalypt forests, rainforests, wetlands and granite tors in the rugged Northern Tablelands.
- Junction Spur walking track For experienced bushwalkers only, Junction Spur walking track in Gibraltar Range National Park will suit adventure seekers who want to get off the beaten track and explore the tablelands.
- The Needles walking track The Needles walking track offers jaw-dropping views of granite rock formations in Gibraltar Range National Park, near Glen Innes. Part of the Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk, it’s a great shorter walk option.
Years in the making
Long stewarded through history by Aboriginal people in the area, the Gibraltar Range continues to hold significance for contemporary descendants. The Range is rich in cultural sites and sacred places, with Aboriginal groups having moved regularly between the tablelands and coastal plains, conducting ceremonies and gathering food along the way.
- Dandahra Crags walking track Dandahra Crags walking track, in Gibraltar Range National Park, is a hiking route with scenic views and birdwatching opportunities.