Weddin Gap to Black Spring loop trail
Weddin Mountains National Park
Overview
Weddin Gap to Black Spring loop trail is a moderately challenging hike offering scenic views. It’s possible to camp overnight along the way.
- Distance
- 23.5km loop
- Time suggested
- 8 - 12hrs
- 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.
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
- Please note
- There is limited mobile reception in this park
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching
Weddin Gap to Black Spring loop trail begins where the state forest meets Weddin Mountains National Park. It’s the longest loop trail in the park and a great route to tackle if you’re looking for a satisfying one-day challenge or an easily achievable two-day hike. There are plenty of places to camp under the stars along the way.
Beginning with a steep trail to get your heart pumping, a second trail leads you to the top of the range for fantastic scenic views across the surrounding plains. As you make your way along the ridgeline, there are views of the rugged eastern escarpment and, on a clear day, you should be able to see the town of Grenfell in the distance.
Keep your binoculars handy for birdwatching, as there are many birds that feed, nest and hunt in the park such as peregrine falcons, wedge-tailed eagles, babblers, warblers and even emus.
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/weddin-gap-to-black-spring-loop-trail/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 Weddin Mountains National Park in the Country NSW region
Weddin Mountains National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Weddin Gap to Black Spring loop trail.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
23.5km loop
Time
8 - 12hrs
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Very steep
Steps
No steps
Quality of path
Formed track
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Weddin Gap to Black Spring loop trail is in the southern section of Weddin Mountains National Park. To get there:
- Drive 30km from Grenfell towards Bimbi along Mary Gilmore Way
- Turn north onto Grimms Lane
- Travel for about 4.5km then turn right to enter Weddin State Forest (close the gate behind you).
- Take the first left and follow this state forest trail to the national park boundary and a clearly marked gate
There's no vehicle access in Weddin Mountains National Park
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the access roads through the state forest can become impassable after rain.
Parking
Limited parking is available at the park boundary where the walking track meets Weddin State Forest. If leaving a vehicle at this entrance, please do not block the gate.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Weddin Mountains National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Cooler days make it an ideal time to undertake some of the longer walks. It's also a good time to wander around Seaton's Farm to investigate and compare machinery used back then to what we have today.
Spring
A great time to see the wildflowers that blanket much of the ground. Venture up to the lookouts to see the sprawling surrounding farming country.
Summer
Enjoy a free barbecue at Ben Hall's campground.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
30°C and 33°C
Highest recorded
43.9°C
Winter temperature
Average
12°C and 15°C
Lowest recorded
-5°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
June
Driest month
February
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
110.7mm
Facilities
- Toilets can be found at Ben Halls campground and Holy Camp
- Drinking water is not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
- You're encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
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
Weddin Gap to Black Spring loop trail is in Weddin Mountains National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Any way you like it
The park offers both relaxing and adventurous recreational opportunities. Picnickers can enjoy a campfire and barbecue at Ben Hall's campground, while more adventurous visitors can walk the mountain range on a variety of walking tracks.
Protected population
The Weddin Mountains harbour 12 threatened plant species and 39 threatened bird species. In spring, many lilies and orchids come into bloom, as do winged peppercress and slender darling pea. The diversity in vegetation from the base of the mountain to the top also accommodates a variety of bird species, from larger emus to smaller robins and thornbills. Raptors such as wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons are often seen swooping and diving from the lookouts.
- Bertha's Gully walking track This medium difficulty walk near Grenfell passes small waterfalls and rock overhangs along Bertha’s Gully. Stop by at the campground for a rest after your 6km walk.
- Eualdrie walking track Eualdrie walking track is a short hiking route that offers scenic views, birdwatching and spring wildflowers.
- Lynchs loop trail Lynchs loop trail is a short hike within Weddin Mountains National Park. The route is scenic and there are birdwatching opportunities.
Rock stars
The Weddin Mountains are a large, crescent-shaped range that rises sharply from the surrounding plains. This prominent feature can be seen from up to 50km away. There are a number of interesting rock formations, cliff lines and small caves, particularly on the northern and eastern side of the mountain. Deep gullies between gentler slopes produce some lovely small waterfalls after a good rain.
- Basin Gully to Eualdrie lookout track Enjoy a challenging walk? Highlights on this fantastic hiking track include ridges, gullies and scenic views that stretch toward Grenfell, as well as great birdwatching.
Where there's a will
In 1936, the Seaton family began developing property on the western side of the Weddin Mountains as a pastoral enterprise. Money and resources were scarce during the Great Depression, so the farm was built using second-hand materials fashioned into solid structures. Seaton's Farm is a testimony to the ingenuity used by the Seatons when times were tough. It provides brilliant insight into how this farming family lived during the mid-1900s. The Weddin Mountains are also well-known as the hideout of bushrangers Ben Hall and John Bow, infamously involved in the Escort Robbery at Eugowra.
- Seaton's Farm historic site An easy scenic walk to a perfect picnic spot against a backdrop of historic agricultural relics. Binoculars are also a must for the enthusiastic birdwatcher.