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Dawsons Spring nature trail

Mount Kaputar National Park

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Overview

Dawsons Spring nature trail is an easy walk from Dawsons Spring campground in Mount Kaputar National Park, near Narrabri. Great for families, you'll enjoy seasonal waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife spotting.

Accessibility
Medium
Distance
1.4km loop
Time suggested
30min - 1hr
Grade
Grade 2
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water, clothes for all weather conditions
Please note
  • Weather can be unpredictable and extreme on the high Kaputar Plateau. Always check weather conditions before your journey, and never set out if bad weather is approaching.
  • For a longer or more challenging walk, Dawsons Spring nature trail connects with Mount Kaputar summit walk and Bundabulla Circuit walking track.

This easy walking track starts and ends at Dawsons Spring campground and picnic area. A marked track and raised timber boardwalks loop through sub-alpine snow gum woodland and heath, over the headwaters of Horsearm Creek and a seasonal waterfall.

Signs along the way will help you spot the many plants and animals that call the alpine plateau home. Passionate birdwatchers can see some of the 185 bird species here, including peregrine falcons. Keep an eye out on rocks and trees for Mount Kaputar’s famous giant pink slug, which comes out after rain. In spring, there’s an abundance of wildflowers, including the nodding chocolate lily.

After your walk, enjoy a barbecue lunch back at the picnic area. If you’re camping or staying at Dawsons Spring cabins, why not try a torchlight walk along the nature trail? You might spot possums and greater gliders.

If you’re after a longer walk, the nature trail is easily combined with Mount Kaputar summit walk for a bird’s eye view of the dramatic mountain range. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. In winter there may even be a dusting of snow at this high altitude. You can also connect with Bundabulla Circuit walking track for more of a challenge.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

 

Google Street View Trekker

Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.

Google Trekker at Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: J Spencer/OEH.

Camping:

Dawsons Spring campground

Dawsons Spring campground is a fully equipped accommodation area with a variety of barbecue options and several good walking tracks, including one to the summit lookout.

Dawsons Spring campground, Mount Kaputar National Park. Photo: Simone Cottrell/OEH

General enquiries

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Park info

See more visitor info