Shepherds Peak walking track
Coolah Tops National Park
Overview
For experienced bushwalkers, Shepherds Peak walking track in Coolah Tops National Park is a great way to explore sub-alpine forest. Come prepared for a steep scramble up the peak’s volcanic dome.
- 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.
Nearby
-
Breeza lookout
Breeza lookout is in the far south-east of Coolah Tops National Park at the end of The Forest Road. Break out a snack at the small picnic area as you soak up views of the Liverpool and Breeza plains.
Map
Map legend
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/shepherds-peak-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 Coolah Tops National Park in the Country NSW region
Coolah Tops National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, fire danger or management operations. The eastern end of the park is regularly closed during wet weather due to slippery road conditions.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Shepherds Peak walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
3km return
Time
1hr - 1hr 30min
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
Experienced bushwalkers
Gradient
Very steep
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Rough track, many obstacles
Getting there and parking
Shepherds Peak walking track is in Coolah Tops National Park.
To get there from Coolah:
- Drive east on sealed Coolah Creek Road for almost 19km.
- Turn right onto unsealed State Forest Road and drive almost 11km to the park entrance.
- Continue straight onto The Forest Road and drive for about 26km.
- Breeza lookout is on your left. Park here.
- Shepherds Peak walking track starts at Breeza lookout.
Note: The Forest Road east of the Hildegard Road intersection is closed to vehicles during winter, from June to August.
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- Most roads suitable for 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- Dry weather only
Parking
Parking is available at Breeza lookout.
Bike access
You can cycle from campgrounds in Coolah Tops National Park to Breeza lookout along The Forest Road.
Facilities
There are no bins so you’ll need to take all rubbish away with you.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Prohibited
Camping
Camping is not permitted on Shepherds Peak walking track.
Generators
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.
Learn more
Shepherds Peak walking track is in Coolah Tops National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Get active in the bush
Pack your hiking boots and your mountain bike and be ready to get active in the bush at Coolah Tops. There are plenty of great walking tracks and trails to experience the bush on your bike. Make your way to lookouts like Shepherd's Peak or Breeza lookout for spectacular views to the north over the Liverpool Plains and the sheer escarpment. You'll also find several waterfalls along the escarpment where the creeks plunge over the plateau edge.
Wildlife haven
Looking out across the beautiful landscape of Coolah Tops National Park, it's obvious why you'll find so much wildlife here. Wander quietly along one of the walking tracks and you'll probably have a close encounter with red-necked wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos. You might also find a wombat waddling through the campground. Coolah Tops has some of the highest population densities of greater gliders in Australia. At night, keep your torch handy to see greater gliders, ring-tailed possums and possibly feather-tailed gliders or a sugar glider in the nearby trees.
- Grass Tree walking track Grass Tree walking track is a great way to explore a magical landscape of ancient grass trees in Coolah Tops National Park. A must-do for visitors, this easy walk starts at The Barracks campground.
- Shepherds Peak walking track For experienced bushwalkers, Shepherds Peak walking track in Coolah Tops National Park is a great way to explore sub-alpine forest. Come prepared for a steep scramble up the peak’s volcanic dome.
- Snow Gum walking track Snow Gum walking track in Coolah Tops National Park is an easy way to experience some of the largest known snow gum trees in a beautiful old-growth forest setting, near Coolah.