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Dawsons Spring nature trail

Mount Kaputar National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Dawsons Spring nature trail.

Track grading

Grade 2

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

1.4km loop

Time

30min - 1hr

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Gentle hills

Steps

No steps

Quality of path

Formed track

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

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    Dawsons Spring nature trail is in the Kaputar Plateau area of Mount Kaputar National Park. To get there:

    • From Narrabri, travel southeast on Old Gunnedah Road for 2.5km
    • Turn left onto Kaputar Road and continue around 31km to the park entrance
    • Continue on Kaputar Road for 20km of steep, single-lane road until you reach the T-junction
    • Turn right to stay on Kaputar Road and drive 400m
    • Turn right onto Dawsons Spring Road
    • Dawsons Spring picnic area is on your right, with the campground at the end of the road.

    Road conditions and access

    • Kaputar Road is a steep, narrow road for most of its length in the park. It’s not suitable for caravans or motorhomes.
    • Check weather conditions before setting out. Snow, severe weather or fire danger on Mount Kaputar may close access to the park.

    • Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    Parking is available at Dawsons Spring picnic area and campground.

    Facilities

    • Toilets, picnic and barbecue facilities are available at Dawsons Spring picnic area, near the start of the nature trail.
    • You’ll need to bring your own supply of water for drinking.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    • Please ensure you're well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.
    • Weather can be unpredictable and extreme on the Kaputar plateau. Always check weather conditions before your journey, and never set out if bad weather is approaching.
    • Eastern grey kangaroos live in this area of the park. They’re powerful animals, so please appreciate them from a distance.

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    Fire safety

    During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - medium

    • From Dawsons Spring campground this nature trail follows a sealed pathway and around 300m of raised timber boardwalks, which have railings.
    • The trail is suitable for wheelchairs, prams and visitors with limited mobility, however assistance may be required on sloping sections of the boardwalk.
    • Several seats along the way provide rest stops. There are also picnic tables at the picnic area and campground, where the walk starts and ends.

    Medium access presents some minor difficulties, such as a grassy surface. You may require a little assistance to get around in some areas.

    Prohibited

    Cycling

    Cycling is not permitted on the nature trail. You can mountain bike on public roads and some management trails within the national park.

    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.

    Dawsons Spring nature trail

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