Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 1537m
Min elevation: 1380m
Total Ascent: 236m
Hike overview
The Cathedral Rock track, near Barokee campground, offers an exhilarating challenge and breathtaking panoramas across the New England Tablelands. Ascend to the summit and claim your natural throne, perched atop 200 meters of stacked boulders – a true ruler's view.
The track is easily accessed from Barokee campground. Follow the clockwise circuit through sub-alpine woodland until you reach the summit turnoff. Prepare for some serious "rock-hopping" – the next 400 meters involve clambering over boulders and navigating crevices.
On your return journey, the circuit winds through a protected valley teeming with manna gums. For an unforgettable experience, intrepid hikers can tackle the climb at sunrise or sunset, headlamps blazing. Don't forget to pack your camera to capture the stunning views, a raincoat and warm clothes for changing weather, and a celebratory flask of coffee to enjoy at the peak.
Track grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Practical information
- Please be aware that boulders along this walk will be slippery when wet
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1537 m
Min elevation: 1380 m
Total climbing: 236 m
Total descent: -236 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Cathedral Rock National Park.
The adventure to Cathedral Rock kicks off at Barokee Campground, nestled comfortably within the heart of Cathedral Rock National Park. To get there, you’ll start your journey on Waterfall Way. Head west from Ebor for roughly 5 kilometers, keeping your eyes peeled for the turnoff onto Round Mountain Road. After taking this turn, follow the scenic yet narrow gravel road for 8 kilometers. Your destination, Barokee Campground, will be on your right-hand side.
Don’t forget, mountain weather can be unpredictable. It’s always a good idea to check the forecast before you set out. The road leading to Cathedral Rock can become boggy after rainfall, so a quick peek at the weather report can help you plan accordingly and ensure a smooth journey.
Once you arrive at Barokee Campground, you’ll be happy to find that parking is readily available.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Armidale, Dorrigo, Ebor, Glen Innes, Guyra, Wollomombi
About the region
Camp, walk, birdwatch and enjoy scenic views with great picnic spots at Cathedral Rock National Park, just east of Armidale and west of Dorrigo on the New England Tablelands.
Rock-hopping isn’t just for the wallaroos at Cathedral Rock National Park. Hike to the park’s main boulder piles of Woolpack Rocks and Cathedral Rock and scramble to their summits. Then enjoy the superb views across the wilderness landscape of dry eucalypt forest and granite outcrops. The park’s rock formations are particularly photogenic in late-afternoon light or mist.
Take short walks from the campgrounds, or do a long hike between them. For an exhilarating challenge, you can carry your pack for the 10.4km Barokee to Native Dog Creek walk, camp at the other end, and retrace your steps later.
Whether you’re visiting the park for a picnic lunch or camping for a few days, there are plenty of birdwatching opportunities. The screech of the glossy black cockatoo lets you know there’s a flock overhead. You may be fortunate enough to spot the endangered turquoise parrot, and remember to look out for the wedge-tailed eagle silently circling the granite tors.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Cathedral Rock National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Gallery
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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.





