Bald Rock Summit walk
Bald Rock National Park
Overview
Bald Rock Summit walk is a challenging climb up the largest granite rock in Australia, with scenic views out across Bald Rock National Park, near Tenterfield.
- Where
- Bald Rock National Park in Country NSW
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 2.7km return
- Time suggested
- 2hrs
- Grade
- Grade 5
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, binoculars
A short drive from Tenterfield, Bald Rock Summit walk takes you to the top of the largest exposed granite dome in the southern hemisphere.
The return walk starts from Bald Rock campground and picnic area. The first 340m of the track is bitumen and suitable for visitors with limited mobility. This section of the walk passes through beautiful old-growth forest. Listen out for the calls of local woodland birds and the distinctive superb lyrebird song.
If you’re up for an adventure, the remaining section of Bald Rock Summit walk is for you. This challenging leg of the track climbs sharply up the face of Bald Rock. Follow the white dots that define the best route to the summit. Once you reach the top of the spectacular water-streaked dome, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the landscape below.
Take care as you descend the rockface. If you’re looking for an easier route back to the base of Bald Rock, try Bungoona walk. You can avoid the steep climb down the rockface and see more of granite country on this longer track.
For visitors with young children or limited mobility, the accessible Bald Rock base walk is a great way to experience this awesome landscape.
Also see
-
Bald Rock Trig lookout
Bald Rock Trig lookout is in Bald Rock National Park along Bald Rock Summit walk. This summit point atop a massive exposed granite rock offers wonderful panoramic views.
-
Bald Rock base walk
Get an up-close view of Australia’s largest exposed granite dome on Bald Rock base walk. This short, accessible walking track is an easy way to explore Bald Rock National Park, near Tenterfield.
-
Bungoona walk
Bungoona walk is a moderately challenging hike to the top of Australia’s largest granite dome. From the summit, take in sweeping views of the mighty Bald Rock National Park, near Tenterfield.
Map legend
Map
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/bald-rock-summit-walk/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Bald Rock National Park in the Country NSW region
Bald Rock National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring the correct change.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Bald Rock Summit walk.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
2.7km return
Time
2hrs
Quality of markings
Sign posted
Experience required
Experienced bushwalkers
Gradient
Very steep and difficult
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Bald Rock Summit walk begins from the main visitor area in Bald Rock National Park. To get there:
From Tenterfield:
- Turn right at the northern end of town onto sealed Woodenbong Road
- Continue for 29km, passing Boonoo Boonoo National Park and Boonoo Boonoo River
- Follow the sealed Bald Rock Road for 5km to Bald Rock campground and picnic area.
From Stanthorpe:
- Take the road to Amosfield, then turn south towards Tenterfield along the unsealed section of Woodenbong Road
- Crossing Mursons and Jenner Creek, continue past Bald Rock Bush Retreat for 5km to Bald Rock campground and picnic area.
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Bald Rock can be closed during extreme events such as flooding and bushfires.
Parking
Car and bus parking is available. 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 Bald Rock National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Clear crisp atmosphere at this time of year offers outstanding views from the top of Bald Rock.
Spring
Wildflowers and the mild temperatures make spring a fantastic time of year for long walks and camping out.
Summer
Good camping weather as the temperature rarely exceeds 30 degrees.
Winter
Frosts and rare snow flakes overnight, followed by brilliant blue skies overhead and crisp, fresh sunny days.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
25°C and 28°C
Highest recorded
38.8°C
Winter temperature
Average
15°C and 18°C
Lowest recorded
-10°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
August
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
228.6mm
Facilities
- Drinking water is not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
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.
Learn more
Bald Rock Summit walk is in Bald Rock National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A peaceful trade
Bald Rock also served as neutral ground for three of the Aboriginal nations of the area: the Jukambal, Bundgalung and Kamilleroi. An important trade route for these three nations, meetings and trade occurred without each nation having to journey through the other territories, as Bald Rock was considered a boundary positioned fairly between each Country.
A picture to remember
From the summit, the best views are seen across winter and autumn, when the air is freshest and the light crisp. The colours are most dramatic at dusk, as the rock face hues change beneath your feet from orange to yellow. Be sure to take your camera, a flask of coffee, and wait till the sun sets to capture a photograph worthy of your living room wall.
- Bald Rock base walk Get an up-close view of Australia’s largest exposed granite dome on Bald Rock base walk. This short, accessible walking track is an easy way to explore Bald Rock National Park, near Tenterfield.
Conquer the granite titan
Bald Rock's dome is 500 metres wide and 750 metres in length, and at close to 1300 metres above sea level, it feels like a remote 'top of the world' experience from the summit. Collections of granite archways, scattered boulders, ravines roping their way through the terrain and a pile of enormous smooth granite stones balancing strangely across each other, all await your exploration. The boulders, looming in and out of view as you make your ascent towards the crown, bear the majestic title of 'Granite Titans', and it's easy to see why. Bald Rock's water-streaked dome is the largest granite formation of its kind anywhere in Australia.
- Bald Rock base walk Get an up-close view of Australia’s largest exposed granite dome on Bald Rock base walk. This short, accessible walking track is an easy way to explore Bald Rock National Park, near Tenterfield.
- Bald Rock Summit walk Bald Rock Summit walk is a challenging climb up the largest granite rock in Australia, with scenic views out across Bald Rock National Park, near Tenterfield.
- Border walk The Border walk takes you from the Bald Rock picnic area to the NSW/Queensland border. Heading north, you’ll be rewarded with views from the lookout over Bald Rock.
- Bungoona walk Bungoona walk is a moderately challenging hike to the top of Australia’s largest granite dome. From the summit, take in sweeping views of the mighty Bald Rock National Park, near Tenterfield.
Nature lovers
Following a good rain, the smells and colours of the bush really come alive; golden wattle trees bloom late in July as do wildflowers across spring, and the vibrant colours of the rock lilies, boronia and banksia are a sight to behold. Look out for the rare spotted tailed quoll, as well as possums, grey kangaroos and swamp wallabies on your tour through the park. There are several common species of snakes and lizards which you'll often see around the park's walking tracks in spring and summer.
- Border walk The Border walk takes you from the Bald Rock picnic area to the NSW/Queensland border. Heading north, you’ll be rewarded with views from the lookout over Bald Rock.