Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is a 14.5km, grade 4 hike located in the Warrumbungle National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 5.5 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
This iconic Warrumbungle National Park walk is famous for its wildlife and vistas of rugged volcanic landscape. Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is the jewel in the glistening crown and is must do for bush walkers who love a challenge with their scenery. The track follows Spirey Creek before climbing steeply to give close encounters with iconic formations such as Belougery Spire, Bress Peak and Crater Bluff.
Passing Balor Hut campground on your way up, stop for a picnic and take in one of the best panoramas in NSW. After the breathtaking Grand High Tops summit, continue on towards Western High Tops and Ogma Gap campground, you'll pass Dows Camp on the way for a look at the impressive Bluff Mountain. To complete the 14.5km loop, follow West Spirey track back to Pincham carpark.
Alternatively, you can take a shorter 12.5km return to Pincham carpark via Dagda Shortcut.
In spring, walkers will be treated to a wildflower display of purple hoveas, white daisy bushes, yellow wattles and orange pea flowers. A haven for birdwatchers, be sure to look for wedge-tailed eagles soaring high above the cliffs and listen out for the screech of peregrine falcons.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 982 m
Min elevation: 496 m
Total climbing: 765 m
Total descent: -801 m
Trail location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Getting there
Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is in the Pincham carpark precinct of Warrumbungle National Park. To get there from Coonabarabran, follow John Renshaw Parkway into Warrumbungle National ParkTurn left into Pincham Road approximately 100m past the Visitor Centre turnoff and continue to the end. Park entry points Camp Pincham carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Camp Pincham carpark.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran in NSW is Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, making it the perfect spot for stargazing, amateur astronomy and camping under the starriest of skies.
The Breadknife, easily the most recognisable feature within the park, towers 90m above the valley floor and is a symbol of the park’s enduring importance and resilience. The Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is recognised as one of the best walks in NSW, with close up views of the park's iconic rock formations.
Whether you’re into camping, walking, birdwatching or astronomy, the park's big sky, amazing light and dramatic rock formations make it an outstanding place for amateur and professional photographers.
Wildfires in 2013 marked yet another chapter in this great park’s history. NPWS has worked hard to rebuild its facilities for generations to come. Walking tracks, campgrounds and other visitor sites have been rebuilt with new modern facilities. Drop into the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre for park information or buy a star chart to enjoy our starry nights.
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
Gear to consider

My 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. Everyone, and every hike, is different, so customise your outdoor kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
The HiiKER app helps you to find 1,000’s of the best bushwalking and hiking adventures, with reviews, photos, and great places to stay. I’m excited to have partnered with HiiKER to offer members of Trail hiking Australia Community an exclusive deal to help you get outdoors with extra confidence with premium mapping, planning and tracking features. Claim your offer here.
Let someone know
Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Fill in an online trip intentions form to privately send important details about your adventure to your emergency contact. They can then inform emergency services if you don’t return on time.
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.