Back to previous page
Print factsheet

The Needles walking track

Gibraltar Range National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about The Needles walking track.

Track grading

Grade 3

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

6km return

Time

2 - 3hrs

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Gradient

Gentle hills

Steps

Occasional steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Mulligans campground, where The Needles walking track begins, is in Gibraltar Range National Park. To get there:

From Glen Innes:

  • Drive 68km east towards Grafton along the Gwydir Highway
  • Turn right on to unsealed Mulligans Drive and continue 10km to Mulligans campground, where this walk begins.

From Grafton:

  • Drive 92km west towards Glen Innes along the Gwydir Highway
  • Turn left onto unsealed Mulligans Drive and continue 10km to Mulligans campground, where this walk begins.

Road quality

  • Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Mulligans campground’s picnic area.

By bike

Check the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

By public transport

You can travel by bus from Glen Innes or Grafton to Gibraltar Range National Park. To plan your trip, visit the Transport NSW website.

Facilities

  • Toilets, picnic tables, barbecues, showers, and car parking are available at Mulligans campground, near the start of this walk.
  • You’ll need to bring your own drinking water.
  • There are no bins so you’ll need to take all rubbish away with you.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

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.

Cycling safety

Hundreds of cyclists head to our national parks for fun and adventure. If you're riding your bike through a national park, read these mountain biking and cycling safety tips.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Permitted

Cycling

Mountain biking is permitted on public roads, management trails and the World Heritage walk. Cycling is permitted on The Needles walking track between Mulligans Hut picnic area and Pidcocks trail only.

Prohibited

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.

Map of The Needles walking track, Gibraltar Range National Park

Operated by

Park info

  • in Gibraltar Range National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions

  • Gibraltar Range National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, road damage, or high fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day. The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring the correct change and display your receipt.

    Buy annual pass