Slingsbys trail and Syndicate Ridge track

Where

Dorrigo National Park in North Coast

Distance

15km one-way

Time suggested

6 - 8hrs

Grade

Grade 5

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.

Personal Locator Beacon

Hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.

What to
bring

Sunscreen, drinking water

Please note

This walk can be undertaken any time of year - but some sections of the track are at 900m above sea level so adequate clothing is required, especially in the cooler months.

Serious adventurers will love Slingsbys trail and Syndicate Ridge track, a challenging pathway across a variety of landscapes – from scenic grassy plains to a breathtaking escarpment and ancient Gondwana rainforest.

The walk begins along Slingsbys trail, stretching 6.5km to Lanes lookout along gently undulating terrain that’s also suitable for mountain biking. You’ll pass through the grasslands of Killungoondie Plain, which the Gunbaynggirr People once kept clear for hunting and camping by using spot fires. Today, it makes a surprising contrast to the surrounding rainforest, thick and atmospheric.

Eventually, you’ll reach high points along the escarpment, including Lanes lookout and Stony Creek lookout, with stunning scenic views on clear days across the surrounding landscape. Bring binoculars for birdwatching, but remember to look down around your feet too as Syndicate Ridge was the site of an innovative logging tramway that operated in the early twentieth century. Remnants of the back-breaking operation can still be seen around the trail.

Syndicate Ridge track from the escarpment is a much steeper and more difficult trail, so hiking experience is recommended. Signage is also limited here, so be sure to carry a compass and map or GPS.

Take a virtual tour of Slingsbys trail and Syndicate Ridge track captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info