Starlights trail is an 11km, grade 4 hike located in Nattai National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 4.5 hours to complete.
Warning
This park is in a remote location, so please ensure you're well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.
Hike overview
Starlights trail is a scenic bushwalk, suited to experienced hikers, which forms part the Greater Blue Mountains trail network between Mittagong and Katoomba.
Starlights trail is part of the greater trail network between Mittagong and Katoomba, where you can walk for up to seven days in complete, untouched wilderness.
A favourite bushwalker's hike, this walk runs through Nattai National Park and into Nattai Wilderness, with astonishing views of Nattai River and its surrounding cliffs.
Along the way, you'll enjoy majestic views from Ahearn lookout of cliffs and bluffs. Walkers travelling south of Emmetts Flat can also see glimpses of the towering Russell's needle sandstone spur and Mount Jellore.
Many eucalyptus trees will line your path, as well as pockets of blue-leaved stringybark forest and, on Nattai River, majestic stands of Nattai Sandstone River peppermint forest.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 659 m
Min elevation: 235 m
Total climbing: 616 m
Total descent: -616 m
Tips
You'll need to bring your own drinking and cooking water
You're encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
Trail location
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Getting there
Start from the end of Wattle Ridge Road west of the township of Hilltop. A visitor carpark with visitor information is located at the start of the walk at Wattle Ridge carpark. Walkers then access the Nattai Road fire trail then deviate onto the Starlight's trail, dropping into the Nattai Valley. Parking is available at Wattle Ridge carpark.
Gallery
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About the region
Nattai National Park has plenty of astonishing beauty on offer, including Nattai River, the dominant Hawkesbury sandstone cliffs, and the inspiring views out over the park from Mount Jellore.
Throughout the park, you'll spot a large variety of animals, like wallaroos, emus, wallabies, grey kangaroos, wombats, and dingos. There are also over 160 species of birds in the area, including some truly magnificent owls and birds of prey. Keep your eyes open for platypus in the river, squirrel gliders and koalas in the trees, and rock wallabies on the ground.
You can enjoy rugged hiking in an amazing setting of giant, craggy sandstone cliffs and unspoilt bushland nestled amidst the peace and tranquillity of the valley. Try Starlight's trail or Couridjah Corridor walk. There's also a remote campground by the Nattai River known as Emitts Flat, which can be found at the end of Starlight's trail.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.