Dawsons Spring nature trail
Mount Kaputar National Park
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
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
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.

Operated by
- Narrabri office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6792 7300
- npws.barwon@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Level 1, 100 Maitland Street, Narrabri NSW 2390. Accessible via Dewhurst Street.
Park info
- in Mount Kaputar National Park in the Country NSW region
Mount Kaputar National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.