Bombala walking track
Glenrock State Conservation Area
Overview
Bombala walking track weaves through bush in Glenrock State Conservation Area, giving glimpses of the ocean, before descending to secluded Dudley Beach.
- Where
- Glenrock State Conservation Area
- Distance
- 1km return
- Time suggested
- 15 - 30min
- Grade
- Grade 3
- Price
- Free
- Opening times
Bombala walking track is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- What to
bring - Hat, drinking water, sunscreen
- Please note
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching or whale watching.
Winding through Bombala walking track in Glenrock State Conservation Area, you can catch scenic Pacific Ocean views. Descending from the ridge you’ll pass open coastal forest. Near Newcastle, it’s a great nature getaway with a refreshing swim at a secluded beach as the reward.
Whales migrate through these waters in winter and spring so you can catch the coastal breezes and look for dolphins from the viewing platform along the way. There’s also a hang-gliding pad off a section of the track, where you can see thrill-seekers launching themselves over the ocean.
Dudley Beach is a great spot for swimming, fishing or surfing. At the southern end of the beach, you can find a fossilised forest in the rock platform at low tide. You can finish your walk here, or continue along the coastline towards Merewether.
Take a virtual tour of Bombala walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
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/bombala-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 Glenrock State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
Glenrock State Conservation Area 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 Bombala walking track .
Track grading
Grade 3
Learn more about the grading system Features of this track-
Time
15 - 30min
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Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
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Gradient
Short steep hills
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Distance
1km return
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Steps
Occasional steps
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Quality of path
Well-formed track
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Experience required
No experience required
Getting there and parking
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
Park entry points
- Bombala Street access See on map
Parking
Parking is available at the beginning of Bombala walking track. 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
Maps and downloads
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.
Nearby towns
Cessnock (40 km)
Some of the finest wines in the world are created in the Hunter Valley and its towns, gourmet food is acclaimed and luxury, boutique accommodations are matched by the most beautiful natural scenery.
Charlestown (4 km)
Charlestown lies just 12 km south of Newcastle. It's a key town centre at the northern end of Lake Macquarie.
Newcastle (7 km)
Newcastle is a harbour city surrounded by amazing surf beaches that are linked by a great coastal walk, the Bathers Way. The walk from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Beach takes about three hours and is a great way to explore the city.
Learn more
Bombala walking track is in Glenrock State Conservation Area. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A rich cultural heritage
Glenrock State Conservation Area is the traditional land of the Awabakal people. They favoured the area for the abundance of food, including marine life and bush tucker. The park today contains a number of ancient Aboriginal sites, including campsites, middens and axe grinding grooves. You can find out more about the Aboriginal cultural heritage of this park on an Aboriginal Discovery tour.
- Aboriginal culture Experience Glenrock State Conservation Area through the eyes of an Aboriginal person on this school excursion for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) HSIE students. Through first-hand experiences learn about the culture of the Awabakal People, how they lived, what resources they used and the significance of the land and Dreamtime stories. Learn about the impact of European settlement on the area and why Glenrock is a culturally significant landscape.
- 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.
- WilderQuest WildThings Come on a WilderQuest WildThings excursion to explore Yuelarbah walking track. Designed for Stage 1 (Years 1-2) students and focusing on science and technology, investigate the living world this beautiful part of Glenrock State Conservation Area, home to amazing plants and animals.
- WilderQuest WildTracker Come on a WilderQuest WildTracker 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.
Back to nature
Glenrock boasts a diverse environment from deep gullies to coastal rainforest, beaches and rocky cliffs. A major feature is Glenrock Lagoon, fed by Flaggy and Little Flaggy creeks to the west. The sandstones in these creeks have resisted erosion, resulting in attractive waterfalls and rockpools for which the area has long been renowned. When you've explored the inland, head for the surf at Dudley, Burwood and Glenrock Beaches.
- 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.
Stride, ride, or glide
Glenrock is magnificent for mountain bike riding, with 14km of single track and 20km of management trails in the northern half of the park. The mountain bike tracks wind through open forest and woodlands and provide access to Burwood Beach, Leichhardt's lookout and the waterfalls. If you prefer to travel on foot, there are excellent walks including the Yuelarbah track, part of the Great North walk from Sydney to Newcastle. Horse riding is also permitted on some trails. Experienced hang gliders have a choice of two launching pads within the park and will enjoy stunning views of the Newcastle coastline.
- 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.
Wildflowers and wildlife
Glenrock State Conservation Area boasts a diverse range of plant life, over 70 plant species per hectare. Take advantage of this nature wonderland with a relaxing bushwalk, and catch a glimpse of threatened wildflowers - including pink bells, coastal bush peas, and white-flowered wax plants - dotting the area with vibrant hues. Glenrock State Conservation Area is also home to wildlife such as bandicoots, bats and gliders.
- 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.
- WilderQuest WildThings Come on a WilderQuest WildThings excursion to explore Yuelarbah walking track. Designed for Stage 1 (Years 1-2) students and focusing on science and technology, investigate the living world this beautiful part of Glenrock State Conservation Area, home to amazing plants and animals.
- WilderQuest WildTracker Come on a WilderQuest WildTracker 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.
Plants and animals you may see
Animals
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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.
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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.
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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.
Plants
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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.
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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.
