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Bombala walking track

Glenrock State Conservation Area

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Bombala walking track .

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

1km return

Time

15 - 30min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Short steep hills

Quality of path

Well-formed track: The track is 1.2m wide and hard-packed ground along its length. There's an accessible section of the track that leads to a fenced area that overlooks the ocean; this part of the track is mostly flat and wide, but the ground may be slightly uneven in parts.

After the fenced lookout, the path starts to slope downward. It gets narrower and there are natural obstacles along the track like tree roots and uneven ground.

Steps

Occasional steps: There are 165 steps along the entirety of the walk. There are no steps along the accessible section of the track.

Accessible options

From the carpark at the end of Bombala Street, there's a 250m section of track that goes to a fenced area that overlooks the ocean. This section of track may be accessible for people with reduced mobility. You'll need to take the left-hand path after the fork to stay on this part of the track. The right hand path is not accessible.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Bombala walking track is at the southern end of Glenrock State Conservation Area. To get there from Newcastle:

    • Head south along City Road/Pacific Highway to Charlestown
    • Turn right onto Dudley Road
    • Follow Dudley Road (eventually becomes Ocean Road).
    • Turn left onto Bombala Road and follow it to its end

    Parking

    There's a gravel carpark at the start of the walk. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited then.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Glenrock State Conservation Area. Here are some of the highlights.

    Autumn

    Enjoy exploring the park's mountain biking trails when the weather becomes cooler.

    Spring

    The park's birds will be chirping and singing, look out for them in the trees as you hit the tracks and trails.

    Summer

    The park's beaches are a delight at this time of year – you can surf and swim to your heart's content.

    Winter

    Walk the Bombala walking track for excellent coastal views – you may even spot a whale or two.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    20°C and 25°C

    Highest recorded

    42°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    11°C and 18°C

    Lowest recorded

    1.8°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    Driest month

    November

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    283.7mm

    Facilities

    Seats and resting points

    There's a sandstone block bench and a bench seat along the walk. The bench seat has a backrest.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Beach safety

    Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - hard

    • The track is 1.2m wide and hard-packed ground along its length.
    • From the carpark, there's a 250m section of the track that leads to a fenced area that overlooks the ocean. This part of the track may be accessible for people with reduced mobility. The ground along this section is mostly flat but can be slightly uneven in parts.
    • You'll need to take the left-hand path after the fork to stay on the accessible part of the track. The right hand path is not accessible.
    • After the fenced lookout, the path starts to slope downward. It gets narrower and there are natural obstacles along the track like tree roots and uneven ground.
    • There is a bench with a backrest and a sandstone slab bench along the track.

    Permitted

    Fishing

    A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    Prohibited

    Cycling

    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.

    Bombala walking track

    Operated by

    Park info