Belougery Split Rock walking track
Warrumbungle National Park
Overview
Best approached by experienced bushwalkers and visitors with moderate fitness, Belougery Split Rock walking track leads to stunning views and some terrific birdwatching.
- Where
- Warrumbungle National Park in Country NSW
- Distance
- 4.6km loop
- Time suggested
- 2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min
- Grade
- Grade 4
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- Please note
- If you’re bushwalking, it’s a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.
- This walk is suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking
- There is limited/no mobile reception in this park
- It’s a good idea to put sunscreen on before you set out and remember to take a hat and drinking water
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching
One for experienced bushwalkers and the older kids, Belougery Split Rock walking track is a moderate challenge with a big reward at the end. Climbing up and around one of Warrumbungle National Park’s most distinctive peaks, an ancient lava dome, the rough path threads around many obstacles along the way. The final stretch to the summit, for example, involves a scramble up steps carved into the side of a rocky knoll. Be sure to bring plenty of water.
Nevertheless, once you reach the top of Split Rock, all thoughts of exertion fall away. The 360-degree views are spectacular here, showing off Warrumbungle mountain and the seemingly infinite Western Plains stretching off into the distance over an ancient volcanic landscape.
Pack a camera, and maybe a small picnic, so you can settle down and soak up the ambience. You might like to carry some binoculars too, as wedge-tailed eagles live in the area, making this a popular haunt for birdwatching. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a shy red-necked wallaby or wallaroo, lazing in the many wildflowers during spring.
Take a virtual tour of Belougery Split Rock walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
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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/belougery-split-rock-walking-track/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 Warrumbungle National Park in the Country NSW region
Warrumbungle National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Belougery Split Rock walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
4.6km loop
Time
2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min
Quality of markings
Sign posted
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Very steep
Steps
No steps
Quality of path
Rough track, many obstacles
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Belougery Split Rock walking track is in Warrumbungle National Park. To get there:
From Coonabarabran:
- Follow the signs to Warrumbungle National Park from Newell Highway, along John Renshaw Parkway, for approximately 33km into the centre of the park.
- Travel past the signs indicating campgrounds and the visitor centre, continuing west along John Renshaw Parkway for approximately 2km.
- Turn left off John Renshaw Parkway into Split Rock carpark
From Tooraweenah:
- Follow the signs east to Warrumbungle National Park, following John Renshaw Parkway.
- Upon entry into the park, continue along John Renshaw Parkway for approximately 5km.
- Split Rock carpark is on the right
Parking
Parking is available at Split Rock carpark.
Best times to visit
You may experience a great range of temperatures on any day in the park. In summer it's generally hot in the daytime and temperatures often exceed 30C. In contrast, winter can be very cold and the temperature drops below freezing at night. Rainfall is also highly variable, ranging from drought to prolonged wet periods. Less rain falls on the western side of the park than on the eastern side. It rains most from December to February and the annual average rainfall is 720mm. Thunderstorms are common in mid to late summer.
Spring
During early spring wildflowers are in bloom, including a huge variety of golden wattle flowers With a more moderate climate, spring is a great time to get out and camp under the stars .
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
15°C and 30°C
Highest recorded
42.6°C
Winter temperature
Average
0°C and 15°C
Lowest recorded
-9°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
176.3mm
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Drones
Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.
This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.
Commercial filming and photography
Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.
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.
Visitor centre
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Warrumbungle Visitor Centre
4261 John Renshaw Parkway, Warrumbungle NSW 2828 - 9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6825 4364
Learn more
Belougery Split Rock walking track is in Warrumbungle National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal dreamtime
Warrumbungle is a Gamilaraay word meaning crooked mountain, and for many thousands of years it has been a spiritual place for the custodians of this land, the Gamilaraay, the Wiradjuri and the Weilwan. The landscape, plants and animals of the park are a constant reminder of its sacred significance to Aboriginal people today. Take an Aboriginal Discovery guided tour to find out more about the Aboriginal cultural heritage.
- Tara Cave walking track Tara Cave walking track is a gentle 3.4km return bushwalk through Warrumbungle National Park, near Coonabarabran. Learn about local Aboriginal culture and experience remarkable views.
Diversity of wildlife
Warrumbungle National Park has a rich diversity of landforms and microclimates, and provides a habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species. Flourishing with wildflowers and unique plants, such as Warrumbungle Range wattle, Warrumbungle star flower, golden cassinia and grey ray flower, the area also has an abundance of rich birdlife, including emus, wedge-tailed eagles and turquoise parrots - just a few of over 190 bird species recorded in the park. If you're lucky, you may also spot wildlife such as the koala, squirrel glider and brush-tailed rock wallaby. Be sure to also keep an eye out for Warrumbungle black rock skink high on the mountains, and lace monitors rustling through the bush.
- Burbie Canyon walking track Burbie Canyon walking track in Warrumbungle National Park offers a gentle 2km stroll through a sandstone gorge, and is particularly popular for birdwatching.
- Whitegum lookout walking track Whitegum lookout walking track is a short, wheelchair-accessible walk in Warrumbungle National Park. Suitable for all ages, it offers remarkable views.
Landscape and geology
The landscape of Warrumbungle National Park has been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion; spend some time looking at Crater Bluff and Belougery Spire and imagine the vents of magma that once erupted to create these formations. Layers of lava and volcanic rock created Mount Exmouth and Mount Woorut just outside the boundary of the park, and Belougery Split Rock and Bluff Mountain are great examples of igneous lava domes. One of the most iconic features in the park, The Breadknife, is a volcanic dyke which stands a massive 90m tall. You can learn more about the park's fascinating geological history, or take a self-guided geology tour, through the NSW GeoTours app.
- Bluff Mountain walking track Bluff Mountain walking track rewards experienced, fit bushwalkers with Warrumbungle National Park’s best views. This very long and challenging steep hike climbs past spectacular rock spires and domes—up to the summit of Bluff Mountain.
- Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk in Warrumbungle National Park, regarded as one of the best walks in NSW, offers close up views of the park’s iconic rock formations.
- Burbie Canyon walking track Burbie Canyon walking track in Warrumbungle National Park offers a gentle 2km stroll through a sandstone gorge, and is particularly popular for birdwatching.
- Coonabarabran - Baradine - Warrumbungle drive Explore the spectacular landscapes, historic towns, picnic spots and walks of the Warrumbungles and Pilliga, near Coonabarabran and Baradine, in NSW.
- Coonabarabran - Warrumbungle - Tooraweenah drive Coonabarabran – Warrumbungle – Tooraweenah drive offers car touring through scenic mountain views with picnicking, walking, and wheelchair accessible facilities in Warrumbungle National Park.
Wish upon a star
Warrumbungle National Park is Australia’s first Dark Sky Park. Nearby Coonabarabran is known as the 'Astronomy Capital of Australia'. Stargaze from your campsite, or if you want to see right up to the heavens, visit a local observatory. The dramatic mix of volcanic spires and domes, plateaus, forested ridges and tall volcanic dykes are bound to make even the youngest of photographers look good, so whatever you do ‐ don't forget your camera.
- Canyon picnic area Canyon picnic area is a fully accessible, family friendly picnic area in Warrumbungle National Park. Not far from the visitor centre, it features barbecues and tables.
- Warrumbungle Visitor Centre Visitor information is available at the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre, which is now back in its original location. Get great suggestions and tips for walking and camping in Warrumbungle National Park.
- Whitegum lookout Whitegum lookout in Warrumbungle National Park features spectacular views of the landscape and picnic tables. It is wheelchair accessible and an easy walk for children.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)
With a wingspan of up to 2.5m, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey. These Australian animals are found in woodlands across NSW, and have the ability to soar to heights of over 2km. If you’re bird watching, look out for the distinctive diamond-shaped tail of the eagle.
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Superb fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus)
The striking blue and black plumage of the adult male superb fairy wren makes for colourful bird watching across south-eastern Australia. The sociable superb fairy wrens, or blue wrens, are Australian birds living in groups consisting of a dominant male, mouse-brown female ‘jenny wrens’ and several tawny-brown juveniles.
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Southern boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae)
The southern boobook, also known as the mopoke, is the smallest and most common native owl in Australia. With a musical 'boo-book' call that echoes through forests and woodlands, the southern boobook is a great one to look out for while bird watching.
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Tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)
Found throughout Australia, the tawny frogmouth is often mistaken for an owl due to its wide, powerful beak, large head and nocturnal hunting habits. The ‘oom oom oom’ call of this native bird can be heard echoing throughout a range of habitats including heath, woodlands and urban areas.
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Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
Of the 2 species of kookaburra found in Australia, the laughing kookaburra is the best-known and the largest of the native kingfishers. With its distinctive riotous call, the laughing kookaburra is commonly heard in open woodlands and forests throughout NSW national parks, making these ideal spots for bird watching.