Goulds Circuit walking track

Warrumbungle National Park

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Overview

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.

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
8km loop
Time suggested
3hrs
Grade
Grade 3
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Drinking water, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, raincoat, snacks
Please note
  • The Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre is a great place to pick up maps and get advice about walking tracks.
  • Take care if you make the near-vertical rock scramble to the summit of Macha Tor. Macha Tor is only recommended for experienced hikers and climbers.

Start at Pincham carpark and follow Spirey Creek as you immerse yourself in the peaceful sights and sounds of dry woodland. Keep an eye out for colourful king parrots and crimson rosellas flying between the trees.

After about 1.8km, take the Goulds Circuit track turnoff. The trail is rougher and hillier from here, but soon rewards you with fabulous views. You may see red-necked wallabies and swamp wallabies along this track, especially during the early morning and late afternoon.

Scramble up the Febar Tor rocky outcrop for sweeping views of Belougery Spire, the Breadknife and Bluff Mountain. Save some energy to tackle the second viewpoint, Macha Tor. This near-vertical scramble offers some of the Grand High Tops’ best views. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch as you gaze out over the Breadknife and Crater Bluff.

When you’re ready to come down, continue along the track to link back up with the main trail. From here it’s just 2.8km back to the carpark.

Keen to pack in another Warrumbungles walk that’s short on distance but long on views? Try Fans Horizon walking track. Fit, experienced hikers with more time on their hands will enjoy the iconic Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk, with optional Bluff Mountain summit.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Along this track

  • Panorama of rugged mountain peaks and domes in Warrumbungle National Park. Photo: May Fleming © May Fleming

    Macha Tor

    Macha Tor is in Warrumbungle National Park, on Goulds Circuit walking track. For experienced hikers and climbers only, the climb up this steep rocky outcrop offers panoramic views of the Grand High Tops.

  • View past flowering shrubs to volcanic ridges and peaks in Warrumbungle National Park. Photo: Leah Pippos © DPIE

    Febar Tor

    Febar Tor is in Warrumbungle National Park, along Goulds Circuit walking track. Scramble up this rocky outcrop for panoramic views of Grand High Tops spires, peaks and outcrops.

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/goulds-circuit-walking-track/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Goulds Circuit walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

8km loop

Time

3hrs

Quality of markings

Clearly 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

Goulds Circuit is in the southern area of Warrumbungle National Park. To get there from Coonabarabran:

  • Follow John Renshaw Drive into Warrumbungle National Park
  • Turn left into Pincham Road around 100m past the visitor centre turnoff 
  • Continue to Pincham carpark

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Pincham carpark.

Facilities

There are no bins so you’ll need to take all rubbish with you.

Toilets

Toilets are located at Pincham carpark, at the start of this walk.

  • Non-flush toilets

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.

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.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Prohibited

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Camping

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

Generators

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

Goulds Circuit 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.
  • 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.
  • 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)