Get driving 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.

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.

Seats and resting points

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

• Bombala walking track factsheet
• Bombala walking track map (2.3MB pdf)

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.

• Breakfast with the whales at Glenrock Bring your own breakfast to enjoy, while taking in the stunning scenery at Hickson Street lookout as the sun rises to start a new day.
• Glenrock discovery walking tour Unlock the secrets of Glenrock State Conservation Area on this exciting 3-hour guided walk with Geotrail and Nature Tours.
• Leggy Point loop walking track Take in the views of the ocean and coastline all the way to Newcastle from Leggy Point loop walking track, a popular walk for the whole family in Glenrock State Conservation Area.
• Mountain bike coaching for all ages Ride your mountain bike through Glenrock State Conservation Area on a tour with Bike and Fitness. There are experiences to suit all ages and skill-levels.
• Women’s guided walk along Yuelarbah walking track Join Women Embrace Adventure for a guided walk along Yuelarbah walking track in Glenrock State Conservation Area. See rainforest, waterfalls and stunning coastal views just 15 minutes from Newcastle.

• Aboriginal culture Experience Glenrock State Conservation Area through the eyes of an Aboriginal person on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Aboriginal culture Geography excursion.
• Breakfast with the whales at Glenrock Bring your own breakfast to enjoy, while taking in the stunning scenery at Hickson Street lookout as the sun rises to start a new day.
• Leggy Point loop walking track Take in the views of the ocean and coastline all the way to Newcastle from Leggy Point loop walking track, a popular walk for the whole family in Glenrock State Conservation Area.
• WildThings Explore Yuelarbah walking track on this excursion designed for Stage 1 (Years 1-2) students and focusing on Science and Technology. Investigate the living world this in beautiful part of Glenrock State Conservation Area, home to amazing plants and animals.

• Burwood trail Burwood trail has a tranquil forest setting filled with spotted gum, ironbark and white mahogany trees. Situated in Glenrock State Conservation Area, near Newcastle, it’s the perfect walk for families, birdwatchers and history buffs.

• Bombala walking track Bombala walking track weaves through bush in Glenrock State Conservation Area, giving glimpses of the ocean, before descending to secluded Dudley Beach.
• Glenrock mountain biking trails Spend the day riding your mountain bike on the trails in Glenrock State Conservation Area near Newcastle. There are rides to suit all levels, and even the kids can ride.
• Mountain bike skills instruction at Glenrock Take your mountain biking to the next level with skills instruction by Momentum Is Your Friend. Held at Glenrock State Conservation Area, these helpful sessions are coached by friendly and professional instructors.
• Yuelarbah walking track Yuelarbah walking track is a great day walk within Glenrock State Conservation Area, near Newcastle. It features a lookout with scenic views, waterfalls and places to picnic.

• Bombala walking track Bombala walking track weaves through bush in Glenrock State Conservation Area, giving glimpses of the ocean, before descending to secluded Dudley Beach.
• Breakfast with the whales at Glenrock Bring your own breakfast to enjoy, while taking in the stunning scenery at Hickson Street lookout as the sun rises to start a new day.
• Glenrock discovery walking tour Unlock the secrets of Glenrock State Conservation Area on this exciting 3-hour guided walk with Geotrail and Nature Tours.
• WildThings Explore Yuelarbah walking track on this excursion designed for Stage 1 (Years 1-2) students and focusing on Science and Technology. Investigate the living world this in beautiful part of Glenrock State Conservation Area, home to amazing plants and animals.
• WildTracker Come on a WildTracker school excursion for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) students focusing on science and technology. Carry out investigations to explore the living world in this beautiful part of Glenrock State Conservation Area.

Animals

• 

  Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

  The humpback whale has the longest migratory path of any mammal, travelling over 5000km from its summer feeding grounds in Antarctica to its breeding grounds in the subtropics. Its playful antics, such as body-rolling, breaching and pectoral slapping, are a spectacular sight for whale watchers in NSW national parks.

• 

  Superb fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus)

  The striking blue and black plumage of the adult male superb fairy wren makes for colourful bird watching across south-eastern Australia. The sociable superb fairy wrens, or blue wrens, are Australian birds living in groups consisting of a dominant male, mouse-brown female ‘jenny wrens’ and several tawny-brown juveniles.

• 

  Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

  One of only 2 egg-laying mammals in the world, the short-beaked echidna is one of the most widespread of Australian native animals. Covered in spines, or quills, they’re equipped with a keen sense of smell and a tube-like snout which they use to break apart termite mounds in search of ants.

• 

  Eastern bentwing-bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis)

  Eastern bentwing-bats congregate in caves across the east and north-west coasts of Australia, in colonies of up to 150,000. These small Australian animals weigh around 13-17g and can reach speeds of up to 50km per hour. Eastern bentwing-bats use both sight and echolocation to catch small insects mid-air.

• 

  Yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)

  The yellow-tailed black cockatoo is one of the largest species of parrot. With dusty-black plumage, they have a yellow tail and cheek patch. They’re easily spotted while bird watching, as they feed on seeds in native forests and pine plantations.

• 

  Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

  One of the most widespread of Australian tree-dwelling marsupials, the common brushtail possum is found across most of NSW in woodlands, rainforests and urban areas. With strong claws, a prehensile tail and opposable digits, these native Australian animals are well-adapted for life amongst the trees.

• 

  Common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus)

  Commonly found in forests, woodlands and leafy gardens across eastern NSW, the Australian ringtail possum is a tree-dwelling marsupial. With a powerful tail perfectly adapted to grasp objects, it forages in trees for eucalypt leaves, flowers and fruit.

• 

  Australian brush turkey (Alectura lathami)

  The Australian brush turkey, also known as bush or scrub turkey, can be found in rainforests along eastern NSW. With a striking red head, blue-black plumage and booming call, these distinctive Australian birds are easy to spot while bird watching in several NSW national parks.

• 

  Eastern blue-tongue lizard (Tiliqua scinciodes)

  The eastern blue-tongue lizard, one of the largest skinks in Australia, is found throughout most of NSW. When threatened, the eastern blue-tongue lizard displays its blue tongue in a wide-mouthed intimidating show. Not an agile animal, they feed on slow-moving beetles and snails.

• 

  Eastern water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii)

  The eastern water dragon is a subaquatic lizard found in healthy waterways along eastern NSW, from Nowra to halfway up the Cape York Pensinsula. It’s believed to be one of the oldest of Australian reptiles, remaining virtually unchanged for over 20 million years.

• 

  Grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)

  The grey-headed flying fox is Australia's largest native bat, with a wingspan up to 1m. This threatened species travels up and down south-eastern Australia and plays a vital role in pollinating plants and spreading seeds in our native forests.

• 

  Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)

  Of the 2 species of kookaburra found in Australia, the laughing kookaburra is the best-known and the largest of the native kingfishers. With its distinctive riotous call, the laughing kookaburra is commonly heard in open woodlands and forests throughout NSW national parks, making these ideal spots for bird watching.

• 

  Lace monitor (Varanus varius)

  One of Australia’s largest lizards, the carnivorous tree-dwelling lace monitor, or tree goanna, can grow to 2m in length and is found in forests and coastal tablelands across eastern Australia. These Australian animals are typically dark blue in colour with whitish spots or blotches.

• 

  Long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta)

  A nocturnal marsupial and one of the smaller Australian native animals, the long-nosed bandicoot is found across eastern Australia. Populations in the Sydney region have dwindled since European settlement, leaving only endangered colonies in inner western Sydney and at North Head, near Manly. The long-nosed bandicoot has grey-brown fur and a pointed snout which it uses to forage for worms and insects.

• 

  Peron's tree frog (Litoria peroni)

  Peron’s tree frog is found right across NSW. These tree-climbing and ground-dwelling Australian animals can quickly change colour, ranging from pale green-grey by day, to a reddish brown with emerald green flecks at night. The male frog has a drill-like call, which has been described as a 'maniacal cackle’.

• 

  Satin bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus)

  With vibrant blue-violet eyes and curious antics, the satin bowerbird is a favourite for bird watching and easy to spot as it forages for food in open forest. Relatively common across eastern Australia, in NSW they’re found in coastal rainforests and adjacent woodlands and mountain ranges.

• 

  Tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)

  Found throughout Australia, the tawny frogmouth is often mistaken for an owl due to its wide, powerful beak, large head and nocturnal hunting habits. The ‘oom oom oom’ call of this native bird can be heard echoing throughout a range of habitats including heath, woodlands and urban areas.

• 

  White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

  White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.

Plants

• 

  Wonga wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana)

  The wonga wonga vine is a widespread vigorous climber usually found along eastern Australia. A variation of the plant occurs in the central desert, where it resembles a sprawling shrub. One of the more common Australian native plants, the wonga wonga vine produces bell-shaped white or yellow flowers in the spring, followed by a large oblong-shaped seed pod.

• 

  Smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata)

  Smooth-barked apple gums, also known as Sydney red gum or rusty gum trees, are Australian native plants found along the NSW coast, and in the Sydney basin and parts of Queensland. Growing to heights of 15-30m, the russet-coloured angophoras shed their bark in spring to reveal spectacular new salmon-coloured bark.

• 

  Black sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis)

  The black sheoak is one of a number of casuarina species found across the east coast of Australia and nearby tablelands. Growing to a height of 5-15m, these hardy Australian native plants can survive in poor or sandy soils. The barrel-shaped cone of the black sheoak grows to 10-30mm long.

• 

  Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)

  The blueberry ash is a rainforest shrub which produces blue olive-shaped berries and spectacular bell-shaped flowers, which often appear on the plant together. It is a tall slender shrub or small tree found in rainforest, tall eucalypt forest and coastal bushland in eastern NSW, south-east Queensland and Victoria.

• 

  Cabbage palm (Livistona australis)

  With glossy green leaves spanning 3-4m in length and a trunk reaching a height of up to 30m, the cabbage tree palm, or fan palm, is one of the tallest Australian native plants. Thriving in rainforest margins along the east coast of NSW, in summer this giant palm produces striking spikes of cream flowers which resemble cabbages.

• 

  Coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum)

  Coachwood trees are Australian native plants that grow in warm temperate rainforests along coastal NSW. Also known as scented satinwood, the mottled grey bark of the coachwood has horizontal markings and a delicate fragrance.

• 

  Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)

  An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.