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Shepherds Peak walking track

Coolah Tops National Park

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Overview

For experienced bushwalkers, Shepherds Peak walking track in Coolah Tops National Park is a great way to explore sub-alpine forest. Come prepared for a steep scramble up the peak’s volcanic dome.

Where
Coolah Tops National Park in Country NSW
Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
3km return
Time suggested
1hr - 1hr 30min
Grade
Grade 4
What to
bring
Drinking water, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing
Please note
  • When you visit or stay in Coolah Tops National Park come fully equipped with food, water and shelter. There’s no drinking water available in the park and facilities are limited.
  • The Forest Road east of the Hildegard Road intersection is closed to vehicles during winter, from June to August.

About an hour from Coolah, this 3km return walk will suit adventurers enjoying a scenic drive through the area or camping overnight in the park. It’s a good idea to allow about 1.5 hours to do Shepherds Peak walking track, to give yourself enough time to soak up stunning views at the summit.

Starting at Breeza lookout, the trail climbs gently at first. You’ll pass through a beautiful old growth forest of snow gums, mountain ribbon gums and silvertop stringybark, with a shimmering groundcover of snow grass and tussock grass.

Keep an eye out for bearded dragons and skinks warming themselves on basalt rocks or hiding amongst the many cracks or crevices. This trail is also a great place to see woodland birds, including threatened speckled warblers, varied sittellas and dusky woodswallows. 

To complete the climb, you’ll need to make a short but challenging scramble up the steep basalt dome of Shepherds Peak. Your reward is amazing views to the east over the Liverpool Ranges toward the town of Merriwa.

If you're still feeling energetic after this challenging walk, try nearby Snow Gum walking track (1.2km return) combined with a visit to rustic Cattle Creek Hut.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • The view of Liverpool and Breeza plains from Breeza lookout in Coolah Tops National Park. Photo: Kristy Sawtell © DPIE

    Breeza lookout

    Breeza lookout is in the far south-east of Coolah Tops National Park at the end of The Forest Road. Break out a snack at the small picnic area as you soak up views of the Liverpool and Breeza plains.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

  • in Coolah Tops National Park in the Country NSW region

  • Coolah Tops National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, fire danger or management operations. The eastern end of the park is regularly closed during wet weather due to slippery road conditions.

See more visitor info

What's nearby:

Things to do (17)

Tours (1)

Camping and accommodation (6)