Bush Walking in Bathurst - Bathurst Region Tourism

Bush Walking in the Bathurst Region

There are plenty of opportunities to get out and active bush walking in the Bathurst region. Whether you are looking for a short walk near the city centre or a long trek out in the bush, you will find something for you in the Bathurst region.

Bushwalking in Bathurst

Boundary Road Reserve

Boundary Road Reserve is Bathurst’s most important area of remnant native bush. Under restoration and revegetation by the Boundary Road Reserve Landcare Group, the 80 hectare reserve has seen amazing progress and revegetation over the years, providing important ecosystems for the 120 bird species in the area. There are also several mobs of kangaroos living in the vicinity of the reserve.

John Cousins Walking Track

Take a leisurely walk through boundary road reserve.
This is a great spot for bird watching and wildlife photography.

Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve

Closed until further notice

Toilets, water and picnic areas available at the Abercrombie Caves Campground.

Known for its extensive cave system Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve, also has some fantastic bushwalking opportunities with two signed trails.

Grove Creek Falls Walking Track

This walking track takes you through bushland alongside the picturesque Grove Creek, and finishes with dramatic views of the Grove Creek Falls 70 meters high.

Mount Gray Walking Track

Take a journey back in time on the Mount Gray walking track, where hopeful gold miners braved the remote bush conditions in their quest for fortune. The machinery and buildings have long-since gone, but the remaining earthworks are a reminder of the past. After exploring this historic site, the walk leads down the road to the magnificent 70 meter Grove Creek Falls.

Evans Crown Nature Reserve

Overlooking the village of Tarana, Evans Crown Reserve is an area of 425 hectares of open bushland with a number of spectacular granite formations. It was a sacred area of the local indigenous people and walkers are asked to respect this. The reserve is relatively flat on top and it is possible to walk through open bushland from one group of granite boulders to the next, although there are no maintained walking tracks. It is suitable for bushwalkers who are confident of exploring open bushland without designated tracks.

Walk roughly 30 minutes to the top, from which several unmaintained trails branch off the Evans Crown summit.

Hill End Township

Toilets and water can be found in town.

The town of Hill End dates back to the gold rush days of the 1860s and is set in a semi bush setting. The whole town is classified by the National Trust, as many buildings and houses date from its boom years of the early 1870s. For those who enjoy walking, it is easy to spend a day wandering around the township.

Bald Hil Walking Track

The Bald Hill walking track starts and finishes at the Post Office. Follow this circular bushwalk past the site of the largest stamper battery on the field, up to the dam site that provided essential water for the battery’s operation to the old diggings on the edge of the town.

Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve

Closed until further notice

Toilets and water available at Jenolan Caves House.

The Jenolan Karst conservation reserve is home to the world famous Jenolan cave system. With guided and self guided tours through several caves it’s easy to spend a day out. However for those who don’t like underground activities, there are plenty of bushwalks available.

Carlotta Arch Walking Track

This track starts opposite the historic Jenolan Caves House and climbs steeply uphill behind the ticket office. Rising along the valley and providing spectacular views of the Caves House below, this track is a great way to see the Carlotta Arch, Blue Lake, and Grand Arch entrance to the Jenolan Caves.

Jenolan River Walking Track

Starting at the eastern side of the Grand Arch, this track traces along the edge of Blue Lake, continuing on along the Jenolan River downstream to the bottom of the small waterfall and swimming hole. While you cant swim in the Blue Lake you can enjoy a swim at the swimming hole downstream. Birdwatchers be sure to bring your cameras as bellbirds, rock warblers and lyrebirds are often spotted in this area.

KcKeown’s Valley Walking Track

If you are looking for a unique walk in the Jenolan Caves area, the McKeown’s Valley Walking Track traverses several different environments. From shady woodland, to cave interior, with wildlife spotting opportunities. McKeown’s Valley Walking Track sets out along the road from Jenolan Caves House. Following signs through the Devil’s Coach House open cave, and into McKeown’s Valley. For those looking to explore more, a visit to Nettle Cave inside the Devil’s Coach House is available, as a self-guided tour (Charges apply).

Kanangra-Boyd National Park

Toilets and picnic areas can be found at the Boyd River campground. Drinking water not available.

Kanangra-Boyd National Park is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. With sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, lookouts, 2 cycling tracks and 1 bushwalk.

Kanangra Walls Lookout

A short walk from the carpark the Kanangra Walls lookout is a sight to behold. This walk can be done by itself or completed along with the Waterfall Walk.

Kalang Falls Walk

Starting from the Kanangra Walls carpark, you can start this walk by diverting from the lookout walk. The Kanangra Waterfall Walk is a great way to see the highlights of the park with great views of Kanangra Deep, Kanangra Walls and Thurat Spires. Steep stairs and chain guided down hill slope sections are in this track. Birdwatchers look out for lyrebirds.

Mount Canobolas Sate Conservation Area

Just south of Orange, Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area hosts 6 stunning walking tracks with options for all levels of fitness and experience. BBQ facilities can be found at the entrance to the Federal Falls walking track, bathrooms can be found at the Federal Falls campground, bring drinking water.

Federal Falls Walk

Starting and finishing at the Federal Falls campground this track passes through snow gum forest and past gigantic rock faces on the way to the falls. Doing the loop clockwise is recommended as this will lead downhill for the steepest sections. Birdwatchers lookout for the Grey Currawong as you make your way to the falls.

Nature Walking Track

The nature walking track is a great way to experience the diversity of animals and plants in the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area. Starting at The Walls Picnic Area this short loop passes scenic views, snowgum forest and candlebark trees. If you are lucky you may see wildflower blooms which only occur in two weeks of the year between October-November. Birdwatchers be sure to bring your binoculars as there are plenty of opportunities to stop and observe the wildlife of Mount Canobolas.

Spring Glade Walking Track

The Spring Glade Walking Track offers’ a relatively easy walk to the summit of Mount Canobolas, connecting with several other trails throughout the conservation area. On this trail you will pass grassy woodland forest, leading to the scenic views at the summit. Keep an eye out for the flocks of Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos as you walk.

Mount Towac Walk

This walk starts on the Gum Ridge Fire Trail, and is a short trek to the Towac Peak where you will be greeted by panoramic views of the Mount Canobolas state conservation area and surrounding countryside.

Snowgum Walking Track

This track can be started from either the summit of Mount Canobolas or the Federal Falls campground. This walk is fairly easy and can be done in conjunction with the Spring Glade Walking Track, suitable for children however it does become a little steeper in the approach to the Federal Falls campground.

Summits Walking Track

The Summit walking track connects the two park summits. If you are looking for a longer walk this track can be done with the Spring Glade, Snowgum and Nature Walking tracks as they connect to the Mount Canobolas summit.

Wattle Flat Heritage Lands

The Wattle Flat Heritage Lands are a great spot to stop off for a bushwalk, bike ride or some time out camping in nature. The Heritage Lands are spread across three areas, the Heritage Lands Northern Reserve, Heritage Lands Southern Reserve and Thomson Street Reserve

Buurree Walking Trail

Named after the Wiradjuri word for wattle the Buurree Walking Trail is situated in the Wattle Flat Heritage Lands North. This is an area of open woodland bush close to the gold mining township of Wattle Flat.

Following yellow triangles from tree to tree the circular track goes uphill to a ridgeline with lovely views towards Sofala and the Turon Valley. Leisurely walking the track will take approximately 2 hours but can be completed quicker. This walk can appeal to children as they enjoy the challenge of spotting the yellow markers and kangaroos throughout the track. The walk can be combined with a wander around the Wattle Flat township where some of the buildings date back to the 1860s.

Wambool Nature Reserve

Wambool Nature Reserve hosts 2 management trails, The Wambool Trail and Geebung Trail. Both of these trails are easily completed by most people. Taking 30 minutes each way or can be looped together via the Link Trail. This loop will take approximately 1 hour.

Opportunities for birdwatching can be found in the reserve with 16 native species documented including the Crimson Rosella and Striated Pardalote.

Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve

Drinking water and toilets can be found at the Kui Kiosk. Another area known for its extensive cave system, the Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve is actually the first site in Australia that was reserved for the protection of caves in 1865. Visitors to the reserve can find cave tours, birdwatching and of course bushwalking, with 3 signed walking tracks for visitors to explore. Birdwatchers keep an eye out as there are over 70 species of birds recorded in the reserve including the Glossy Black Cockatoo.

Mares Forest Creek Walking Track

This walk is an easy walk along the Mares Forest Creek with a steep decent at the end taking visitors to the Tinted Cave, the only cave that you can explore on your own. Visitors planning on exploring Tinted Cave are advised to bring a torch. Additionally there are several opportunities for swimming along the creek with deep pools along its length.

Victoria Arch Walking Track

The Victoria Arch track starts at Kui Kiosk and follows the banks of the usually dry Wombeyan Creek leading up to the spectacular Victoria Arch.

Wombeyan Waterfall Walking Track

Wander along under the shade of tall gum trees, alongside vibrant green ferns and witness the majestic beauty of this stunning waterfall, just near Wombeyan Caves.

Topographic Maps For Further Research

If you are having some trouble finding a map for an area or are looking for detailed topographic information for you'r next adventure. NSW Spatial Services run a great website where you can access dozens of Topographic area maps for free, read more below for detailed instructions about how to access this great resource.