Tommys Rock lookout and walking track
Mann River Nature Reserve
Overview
Tommys Rock walking track offers scenic mountain views across the Great Dividing Ranges in Mann River Nature Reserve. You can choose to walk or 4WD along the trail to the summit.
- Where
- Mann River Nature Reserve in Country NSW
- Distance
- 8km return
- Time suggested
- 3hrs 30min - 4hrs 30min
- Grade
- Grade 5
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- If driving the trail, 4WD is essential due to steep rollovers and rugged terrain. Not suitable for trailers
- The weather in the area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit.
- There is limited mobile reception in this park
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching
For unending scenic wilderness views over The Great Dividing Range, head for Tommys Rock lookout and walking track, in beautiful Mann River Nature Reserve, near Glen Innes. The imposing rocky knob is a short drive from Mann River campground and picnic area. Fit bushwalkers will love the challenge of the steep walking track to the summit. Whichever way you get there, the crisp mountain air and panoramic views will take your breath away.
Named after Tommy McPherson, a remarkable Aboriginal man who, legend suggests, was a skilled stockman, bushranger, escaped fugitive and gold digger. If you’re walking the steep track, pause to catch your breath and keep your eyes peeled for signs of Tommy’s secret gold mine.
Brush-tailed rock wallabies, with their distinct cheek stripe, live around the rocks near the lookout. You might also hear the raucous glossy black cockatoos feasting on the nearby she-oaks.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/tommys-rock-lookout-and-walking-track/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Mann River Nature Reserve in the Country NSW region
Mann River Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Tommys Rock lookout and walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
8km return
Time
3hrs 30min - 4hrs 30min
Quality of markings
No directional signage
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Short steep hills
Steps
No steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Tommys Rock lookout and walking track is in Mann River Nature Reserve. To get there:
- Drive west of Grafton along Gwydir Highway for 125km or east from Glen Innes for 37km
- Take the unsealed Old Grafton Road and drive for approximately 2km before descending 14km on sealed road to the base of Big Hill
- Driving past Mann River campground continue along Old Grafton Road for about 6km
- Park at the bottom of the track if you intend to take the steep 9km round trip, alternatively drive 4.5km to the lookout carpark.
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Tommys Rock lookout can become boggy when it rains.
Parking
Parking is available at Tommy’s lookout carpark or along the road near the start of the walking track.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Mann River Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
A great time for bushwalking, birdwatching and photography.
Spring
A great time for birdwatching and bushwalking.
Summer
Enjoy fishing and swimming the majestic Mann River.
Winter
Winter is best for crisp, clear skies and excellent stargazing.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
12°C and 25°C
Highest recorded
34.5°C
Winter temperature
Average
0.7°C and 14°C
Lowest recorded
-8.3°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
December
Driest month
April
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
140mm
Facilities
- Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
- You’re encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
Maps and downloads
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.
Learn more
Tommys Rock lookout and walking track is in Mann River Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal gatherings
Due to its location at the bottom of the range leading to the coast, the reserve would have been a popular place for the Ngarabul People of the northern tablelands as well as the Gumbaynggir People to the south-east. It's believed the Ngarabul People travelled the mountains on a historic route that is known today as Old Grafton Road.
- Tommys Rock lookout and walking track Tommys Rock walking track offers scenic mountain views across the Great Dividing Ranges in Mann River Nature Reserve. You can choose to walk or 4WD along the trail to the summit.
Historic highways and bushranging country
With the discovery of gold and a regular Cobb and Co mail run, the lands of the reserve were once popular hunting grounds of renowned bushrangers such as 'Captain Thunderbolt' and 'Black Tommy' McPherson. Bordering the eastern edge of the reserve, Old Grafton Road was originally a timber getters track used to cart the valuable 'red gold' cedar trees in the 1840s. When the road was widened during the 1860s, Cobb and Co ran a weekly mail service along this road, linking Grafton and Glen Innes.
- Tommys Rock lookout and walking track Tommys Rock walking track offers scenic mountain views across the Great Dividing Ranges in Mann River Nature Reserve. You can choose to walk or 4WD along the trail to the summit.
Roving reptiles and birdlife
This reserve protects a wide range of lizards from the mighty lace monitor, reaching up to 2m in length to the more diminutive blue-tongue lizard. Eastern water dragons are often seen sunning themselves on the riverbanks. With over 50 species of birdlife protected within the reserve, grab your binoculars for sightings of king parrots, yellow-faced honey-eaters and yellow-rumped thornbills. The magnificent raptor birds such as the peregrine falcon can often be seen surfing on mountain thermals. Native mammals you can see include grey kangaroos, wallaroos, pretty-faced wallabies and swamp wallabies.
- Tommys Rock lookout and walking track Tommys Rock walking track offers scenic mountain views across the Great Dividing Ranges in Mann River Nature Reserve. You can choose to walk or 4WD along the trail to the summit.