Bluff Mountain walking track

Warrumbungle National Park

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Overview

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.

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
17km loop
Time suggested
7 - 8hrs
Grade
Grade 4
Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

Personal Locator Beacon

Hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at Warrumbungle Visitor Centre.

Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Drinking water, sturdy shoes, topographic map, hat, sunscreen, snacks, suitable clothing
Please note
  • Bluff Mountain walking track is very long with steep sections and some loose rock. You’ll need a high level of fitness.
  • This challenging hike suits walkers with a sense of adventure who like to tackle steep and technical terrain
  • Bring at least 2L of water and some snacks with you on this strenuous hike. Drinking water is not available and water is scarce in this park.
  • To break up the walk you can camp overnight at Balor Hut or Dows campgrounds which are located along this route.
  • Visit Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre before you set out to register your name for the walk, pick up a free trail map and get detailed route information and advice.

A must for adventurous bushwalkers, Bluff Mountain walking track follows the same route as Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk but this hike takes you to the top of Bluff Mountain. It offers unrivalled views of the Warrumbungles’ ancient volcanic landscape as you climb from remnant ancient rainforest to windswept mountain heath.

You’ll start and end at Pincham carpark. From the carpark, walk Pincham trail, which follows Spirey Creek. Once you pass the Spirey View lookout, the steep climbing soon rewards you with views of the spectacular Breadknife and Belougery Spire. Near Balor Hut campground, take Grand High Tops trail to its summit for more outstanding views of the famous Breadknife. Or take Dagda Shortcut if your goal is to reach Bluff Mountain faster.

Pause at Dows Camp to gaze at Bluff Mountain’s imposing cliff face before you head for its summit. Straight at first, the summit trail zig zags and become less distinct as you climb over rocky outcrops, passing stunted trees and groves of big grass trees. Don’t forget to look up to see birds of prey riding air currents above the cliff face.

At the rocky summit of Bluff Mountain, settle down for a well deserved lunch and spectacular views of Mount Exmouth, Tonduron Spire and Mount Naman’s thick lava flows. Enjoy the park’s only views of Bluff Pyramid and the vast western plains.

When you’re ready to leave its lofty heights, climb back down to the main track. Head past Ogma Gap campground then follow West Spirey Creek track back to Pincham carpark.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • View past a rocky ledge to distant peaks, domes and plains at Bluff Mountain lookout in Warrumbungle National Park. Photo: May Fleming © May Fleming

    Bluff Mountain lookout

    Bluff Mountain lookout is in Warrumbungle National Park, at the end of Bluff Mountain walking track. At the summit of Bluff Mountain, this lookout rewards adventurous bushwalkers with remarkable views.

Map


Map


Map legend

Map legend

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

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/bluff-mountain-walking-track/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Bluff Mountain walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

17km loop

Time

7 - 8hrs

Quality of markings

Limited signage

Experience required

Experienced bushwalkers

Gradient

Very steep

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Rough track, many obstacles

Getting there and parking

Bluff Mountain walking track starts from Camp Pincham carpark in the central valley of Warrumbungle National Park—about 35km west of Coonabarabran. To get there from Coonabarabran:

  • Follow John Renshaw Parkway into Warrumbungle National Park
  • Turn left into Pincham Road around 100m past the visitor centre turnoff and continue to the end

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Pincham carpark

Facilities

Non-flush toilets are located at Pincham carpark where this walk starts and ends. There are also toilets at Balor Hut, which you'll pass along the way.

Carpark

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Camping safety

Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Prohibited

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Camping

You can’t camp on the walking track. Camping is available at Camp Pincham, Ogma campground or Balor Hut campground.

Cycling

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.

Gathering firewood

Horses

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

Learn more

Bluff Mountain walking track is in Warrumbungle National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Aboriginal dreamtime

The view across the mountain range, Warrumbungle National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

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

Kangaroos, Warrumbungle National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

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.
  • Walk on the wild side at the Warrumbungles Join an experienced National Parks guide and explore the beauty of Warrumbungle National Park. This tour is designed to bring your senses alive as you explore the sights, sounds and smells of this beautiful area.
  • 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

Rocky pinnacle, Warrumbungle National Park. Photo: Steve Alton

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.
  • Explore the Dark Sky These school holidays, experience the wonders of the night sky at Warrumbungle National Park, near Coonabarabran. It's Australia’s first officially accredited Dark Sky Park.
  • Goulds Circuit walking track Goulds Circuit walking track is a wonderful way for day trippers and overnight campers to capture sweeping views of Warrumbungle National Park’s volcanic features.
  • Warrumbungles 4-day guided adventure Experience the rugged volcanic landscape of the Warrumbungles with Take Shape Adventures. You’ll see iconic rock formations and celestial light shows on this 4-day guided adventure in Warrumbungle National Park.
  • 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.
Show more

Wish upon a star

Whitegum lookout, Warrumbungle National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

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

  • Wedge-tailed eagle. Photo: Kelly Nowak

    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.

  • Superb fairy wren. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

    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.

  • Southern boobook. Photo: David Cook

    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.

  • Tawny frogmouth. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

    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.

  • Closeup of a laughing kookaburra's head and body. Photo: Rosie Nicolai/OEH

    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.

Environments in this park

Education resources (1)