The Needles walking track

Where

Gibraltar Range National Park in North Coast, Country NSW

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

6km return

Time suggested

2 - 3hrs

Grade

Grade 3

Entry fees

Park entry fees apply

What to
bring

Drinking water, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, snacks

Please note

Allow an additional 3hrs if you plan to combine The Needles walking track with the Tree Fern Forest walk to loop back to Mulligans campground. Approx 12km combined walk.

Starting near Mulligans campground and picnic area, The Needles walking track is a great family outing and a chance to walk part of the popular Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk. 

Follow signs from the picnic area to the historic Mulligans Hut, about 50m, where the walk begins. Keep an eye out for resident wallabies around the hut, before crossing Little Dandahra Creek near one of the weirs built by Bill Mulligan in the 1920s. 

Immerse yourself in sights and sounds of the open blackbutt forest, with its undergrowth of banksias and grass trees. At the junction with Pidcocks trail follow The Needles walking track to the right. As you climb higher, the landscape changes to dense rainforest.

The lookout at the end of the track is the perfect place to rest and soak up stunning views of The Needles. Here 6 granite columns, each about 80m high, tower over the deep, steep-sided valley below. You may even see wedge-tailed eagles riding the thermals above the ridge.

On your way back down, cool off with a refreshing dip in the creek near the hut. If you’re feeling energetic, why not try Tree Fern Forest walk through majestic fern trees, grass trees and rock formations. 

Visit in spring, when the landscape comes alive with blossoms including the Gibraltar Range waratah, the queen of all NSW wildflowers.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info