Bluff Mountain walking track

Where

Warrumbungle National Park in Country NSW

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

17km loop

Time suggested

7 - 8hrs

Grade

Grade 4

Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

Personal Locator Beacon

Hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at Warrumbungle Visitor Centre.

Entry fees

Park entry fees apply

What to
bring

Drinking water, sturdy shoes, topographic map, hat, sunscreen, snacks, suitable clothing

Please note

• Bluff Mountain walking track is very long with steep sections and some loose rock. You’ll need a high level of fitness.
• This challenging hike suits walkers with a sense of adventure who like to tackle steep and technical terrain
• Bring at least 2L of water and some snacks with you on this strenuous hike. Drinking water is not available and water is scarce in this park.
• To break up the walk you can camp overnight at Balor Hut or Dows campgrounds which are located along this route.
• Visit Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre before you set out to register your name for the walk, pick up a free trail map and get detailed route information and advice.

A must for adventurous bushwalkers, Bluff Mountain walking track follows the same route as Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk but this hike takes you to the top of Bluff Mountain. It offers unrivalled views of the Warrumbungles’ ancient volcanic landscape as you climb from remnant ancient rainforest to windswept mountain heath.

You’ll start and end at Pincham carpark. From the carpark, walk Pincham trail, which follows Spirey Creek. Once you pass the Spirey View lookout, the steep climbing soon rewards you with views of the spectacular Breadknife and Belougery Spire. Near Balor Hut campground, take Grand High Tops trail to its summit for more outstanding views of the famous Breadknife. Or take Dagda Shortcut if your goal is to reach Bluff Mountain faster.

Pause at Dows Camp to gaze at Bluff Mountain’s imposing cliff face before you head for its summit. Straight at first, the summit trail zig zags and become less distinct as you climb over rocky outcrops, passing stunted trees and groves of big grass trees. Don’t forget to look up to see birds of prey riding air currents above the cliff face.

At the rocky summit of Bluff Mountain, settle down for a well deserved lunch and spectacular views of Mount Exmouth, Tonduron Spire and Mount Naman’s thick lava flows. Enjoy the park’s only views of Bluff Pyramid and the vast western plains.

When you’re ready to leave its lofty heights, climb back down to the main track. Head past Ogma Gap campground then follow West Spirey Creek track back to Pincham carpark.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info