Slippery Rock walking track
Kwiambal National Park
Overview
Slippery Rock walking track in Kwiambal National Park, near Inverell, offers spectacular gorge views as well as fishing, birdwatching and vibrant wildflowers in spring.
- Where
- Kwiambal National Park in Country NSW
- Distance
- 4km return
- Time suggested
- 1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min
- Grade
- Grade 4
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
- Please note
- The weather in the area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit.
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching
For sensational gorge views and fantastic river fishing, Slippery Rock walking track is a great introduction to the dramatic landscape of Kwiambal National Park. About an hour’s drive from Inverell, it offers great birdwatching and abundant wildlife. It’s an ideal nature escape for independent travellers and adventurous walkers who love getting ‘off the beaten track’.
As the name implies, this rough track involves several short steep climbs and some clambering over rocks. However, the effort is well worth it as you gaze across the fast flowing waters of Macintyre River, with its deep granite gorges, thundering waterfalls amid tranquil bush surroundings.
Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos and red-necked wallabies, and an ear out for the raucous chatter of sulphur-crested cockatoos. Head back to Macintyre Falls picnic area and make use of the free barbecues for a well-earned lunch, and be sure to check out the nearby lookout.
Nearby
-
Macintyre Falls picnic area
Macintyre Falls picnic area is in Kwiambal National Park near Macintyre Falls lookout. It’s a great spot to stop for lunch when you’re exploring the park or if you're visiting the village of Ashford.
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/slippery-rock-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 Kwiambal National Park in the Country NSW region
Kwiambal 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 Slippery Rock walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
4km return
Time
1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min
Quality of markings
Limited signage
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Short steep hills
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Rough track, many obstacles
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Slippery Rock walking track is in the north-west precinct of Kwiambal National Park.
To get there from Macintyre Falls picnic area:
- The track starts across the road from the information board at Macintyre Falls
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Macintyre Falls can become boggy when it rains.
Parking
Parking is available at Macintyre Falls picnic area. It can be a busy place on the weekend and during school holidays, so parking might be limited.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Kwiambal National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Spring
Between the warmer months of September and March, spectacular wildflower displays decorate the bush beneath white cypress pines.
Summer
The many swimming opportunities, including rivers, secluded beaches, and even a plunge pool, makes Kwiambal a terrific destination in the height of summer.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
16.9°C and 30.6°C
Highest recorded
41.2°C
Winter temperature
Average
2.7°C and 18°C
Lowest recorded
-6.3°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
June
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
160mm
Facilities
- Drinking water is limited or 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
Permitted
Fishing
Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
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
Slippery Rock walking track is in Kwiambal National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal cultural heritage
Kwiambal takes its name from the aboriginal people of the Ashford district. Rich in food, water and materials, the area provided a year-round living environment for their ancestors, with sacred sites and hunting grounds spread throughout the park.
Animals
There are five rare or threatened plant species in the park: severn wattle, Rodd’s star hair, caustic vine, daisy bush and toadflax. Feel free to look, but please be careful not to damage the plants. In the warmer months of September to March, the wildflowers bloom throughout the bush. Like its flowers, Kwiambal is home to dozens of notable animal species, including 32 types of reptile, 11 frogs, and 30 species of mammal. Some 18 species are threatened or endangered, including koalas, squirrel gliders, and five-clawed worm skinks. There are also an astonishing 101 types of bird, making the park a hot spot for avid birders. Keep an eye out for painted honeyeaters, barking owls, hooded robins, and diamond firetails.
- Dungeon lookout Where Severn River enters a steep gorge, you’ll find The Dungeon, with this lookout offering superb views down into the swell, particularly after rain.
- Limestone Caves walking track Limestone Caves walking track is a short, easy walk in Kwiambal National Park, near Ashford. It’s popular with families keen to explore the caves, spot the local bats and enjoy a picnic.
- Macintyre Falls lookout Adjacent to a well-equipped picnic area, Macintyre Falls lookout offers scenic views over the river, with nearby swimming, hiking and fishing opportunities.
- Slippery Rock walking track Slippery Rock walking track in Kwiambal National Park, near Inverell, offers spectacular gorge views as well as fishing, birdwatching and vibrant wildflowers in spring.
Historic heritage
The flat areas of the park have been subjected to farming of tobacco, giving way to cereal crops and the mining of various minerals and sapphires. Unsurprisingly then, there are a number of historical landmarks within the park, including tobacco-drying sheds, woolsheds, fruit trees, storage sheds, and the remains of a house. History enthusiasts will want to seek these out on a visit.
Native rainforest
Kwiambal contains 15 per cent of the native dry rainforest left in NSW. The vegetation is dominated by white cypress pines, silver-leaved ironbarks, and tumbledown gums. Unfortunately, much of the planning area has been subjected to logging in the past, though considerable regeneration makes it a worthy destination for nature-lovers.
- Dungeon lookout Where Severn River enters a steep gorge, you’ll find The Dungeon, with this lookout offering superb views down into the swell, particularly after rain.
- Junction walk Junction walk offers a stroll through ironbarks and pine trees to the meeting of Severn and Macintyre rivers, with swimming, picnicking, and birdwatching opportunities.
- Limestone Caves walking track Limestone Caves walking track is a short, easy walk in Kwiambal National Park, near Ashford. It’s popular with families keen to explore the caves, spot the local bats and enjoy a picnic.
- Macintyre Falls lookout Adjacent to a well-equipped picnic area, Macintyre Falls lookout offers scenic views over the river, with nearby swimming, hiking and fishing opportunities.
- Slippery Rock walking track Slippery Rock walking track in Kwiambal National Park, near Inverell, offers spectacular gorge views as well as fishing, birdwatching and vibrant wildflowers in spring.