Shepherds Peak walking track

Where

Coolah Tops National Park in Country NSW

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

3km return

Time suggested

1hr - 1hr 30min

Grade

Grade 4

What to
bring

Drinking water, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing

Please note

• When you visit or stay in Coolah Tops National Park come fully equipped with food, water and shelter. There’s no drinking water available in the park and facilities are limited.
• The Forest Road east of the Hildegard Road intersection is closed to vehicles during winter, from June to August.

About an hour from Coolah, this 3km return walk will suit adventurers enjoying a scenic drive through the area or camping overnight in the park. It’s a good idea to allow about 1.5 hours to do Shepherds Peak walking track, to give yourself enough time to soak up stunning views at the summit.

Starting at Breeza lookout, the trail climbs gently at first. You’ll pass through a beautiful old growth forest of snow gums, mountain ribbon gums and silvertop stringybark, with a shimmering groundcover of snow grass and tussock grass.

Keep an eye out for bearded dragons and skinks warming themselves on basalt rocks or hiding amongst the many cracks or crevices. This trail is also a great place to see woodland birds, including threatened speckled warblers, varied sittellas and dusky woodswallows. 

To complete the climb, you’ll need to make a short but challenging scramble up the steep basalt dome of Shepherds Peak. Your reward is amazing views to the east over the Liverpool Ranges toward the town of Merriwa.

If you're still feeling energetic after this challenging walk, try nearby Snow Gum walking track (1.2km return) combined with a visit to rustic Cattle Creek Hut.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info