Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the exciting 14km Deep Pass Circuit, a Grade 4 hike in the scenic Newnes State Forest and Wollemi National Park. This rewarding loop trail, beginning and ending on Glow Worm Tunnel Road, offers breathtaking views of Split Rock and the rich native flora of Nayook Creek. Ideal for experienced bushwalkers, this full-day adventure can also be transformed into an overnight camping experience at the Deep Pass walk-in campsite.

Length:

14km

Duration:

6-7 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 1075m

Min elevation: 853m

Total Ascent: 336m

Start: Glow Worm Tunnel Road

End: Glow Worm Tunnel Road

Wollemi National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Wallerawang

From state capital: 157km

Latitude: -33.34883101892244

Longitude: 150.2553105321009

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

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Region

4,726 views

Important info

Many of the walks in this area require rock scrambling and abseiling skills. You should be certain of your capabilities, and always walk in a group.

Hike overview

Enjoy a rewarding challenge with the Deep Pass Circuit, a 14km loop trail through Newnes State Forest and Wollemi National Park. This route, starting and ending on Glow Worm Tunnel Road, offers a taste of both landscapes and avoids some sections of the more demanding Deep Pass Canyon Walk.

Prepare for a full day of adventure (approximately 6 hours) or extend your exploration into an overnight adventure by booking a spot at the Deep Pass walk-in campsite (remember, tent camping only!).

Along the way, marvel at natural wonders like Split Rock, a massive sandstone formation cleaved in two. Follow Nayook Creek, a waterway teeming with native flora, and enjoy the refreshing escape offered by the canyon sections. The Deep Pass Circuit promises a scenic adventure for experienced hikers seeking a challenge that's a step below the full 17km Deep Pass Trail.

Deep Pass walk-in campsite

Set up camp at remote Deep Pass campground in World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park. With unmarked sites suitable for tents only, this walk-in campground is near scenic walks, rockpools and canyons.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Deep Pass Circuit (14km)

Total distance: 13789 m
Max elevation: 1075 m
Min elevation: 853 m
Total climbing: 336 m
Total descent: -344 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Wollemi National Park.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Bells Line of Road, Bilpin, Broke, Bulga, Bylong, Capertee, Cessnock, Colo, Colo Heights, Denman, Kandos, Kurrajong, Kurrajong Heights, Lithgow, Mount Tomah, Mount Wilson, Putty, Rylstone, Sandy Hollow, Singleton

About the region

Deep Pass, a saddle located on the western end of Railmotor Ridge near Mount Norris, beckons exploration. Accessible via Glowworm Tunnel Road, Eastern Boundary Road, and the Deep Pass Trail, this historical landmark was designated a Rural Place in 1997. You can even spot it on the 1882 map of the Parish of Rock Hill. A small creek named Deep Pass Creek, stemming from the south side of the saddle, flows for 2.1km before meeting Dingo Creek.

Just a few hours northwest of Sydney lies Wollemi National Park, a World Heritage site that will leave you breathless. Immerse yourself in the vast Wollemi Wilderness, the largest declared Wilderness Area in New South Wales. Towering cliffs, wild rivers, canyons, and serene forests provide endless opportunities for scenic walks, drives, wildlife spotting, canoeing, and camping.

Wollemi National Park offers diverse experiences across different regions. Near Windsor, discover the beauty of the Colo River and its gorges, perfect for hiking, picnics, riverside camping, and canoeing. Explore historic mining ruins and the magical Glow Worm Tunnel near Newnes campground in the Wolgan Valley. Hike or rock climb the magnificent escarpments that rise from the valley floor.

Seeking tranquility? Escape to Gunguddy (Dunns Swamp) in the Mudgee Region. Here, you can camp, swim, and canoe while marveling at the remarkable pagoda rock formations on easy walking tracks. The park's northeast region, bordering the Upper Hunter Valley, is best explored on a scenic drive or 4WD adventure. Discover remote camping options near Sheepskin Hut and historical remnants from the area's mining and pastoral past.

Whether you're seeking a challenging hike through Deep Pass or a relaxing escape within a specific region of Wollemi National Park, there's something for everyone. Remember to check park regulations and plan your trip accordingly. T

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Wollemi National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Deep Pass Circuit (14km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Important info