Wells and Sturt’s tree walking track

Where

Sturt National Park in Outback NSW

Distance

7km loop

Time suggested

3 - 4hrs

Grade

Grade 3

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.

Entry fees

Park entry fees apply

What to
bring

Hat, sunscreen, drinking water

Please note

• Wells walk is a 4km loop, and the optional return walk across Lake Pinaroo about 3km.
• Check the weather before you set out. Roads within Sturt National Park may close in wet weather.
• The landscape around Lake Pinaroo changes with the seasons. On the rare occasions that Lake Pinaroo is full, you can’t access Sturt's tree walk.
• Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch and don’t forget your camera.
• This park is remote. Please ensure you are thoroughly prepared and bring appropriate clothing and equipment.

Allow about 3hrs for this fascinating 7km walk in Sturt National Park, taking in the loop of Wells walk and the return leg of Sturt’s tree walk across Lake Pinaroo’s dry surface. 

From the east end of Fort Grey campground set out along Wells walk. Before long before you'll glimpse the remnants of this area’s farming past, including the ruins of Old Fort Grey homestead, well worth a stop. As you explore this landscape of red sand dunes and woodland, keep an eye out for kangaroos in the brush, and grey falcons and black breasted buzzards overhead.

Closer to the shores of Lake Pinaroo you'll find river red gums, and on the lakebed itself just past an old well, the start of Sturt’s tree walk. If the lake is dry, you can follow this optional route to retrace the path of explorer Captain Charles Sturt on his quest for the inland sea he believed lay at Australia’s heart. After taking in Sturt's tree, a blazed coolabah, it's time to turn back and complete the loop of Wells walk. 

Lake Pinaroo fills very infrequently, but when it does you can’t do Sturt’s tree walk. During these rare floods, it's still well worth a trip to see the abundance and variety of birds flocking to this internationally recognised wetland.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info