Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 1075m
Min elevation: 853m
Total Ascent: 500m
Essential information
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
Challenge yourself with the Deep Pass Trail, a rewarding 17km adventure through Newnes State Forest and into the heart of Wollemi National Park. Calling all experienced hikers, this trail is a challenging loop journey that will take you approximately 8 hours to complete. If you prefer to take your time, you can break it into an overnight adventure with a stop at the Deep Pass walk-in campsite (remember to book your spot in advance).
Prepare to be awestruck by the dramatic Deep Pass Canyon. Towering fern-covered walls and refreshing rock pools line this slot canyon, with some sections requiring scrambling skills to navigate. Along the way, you'll encounter the natural wonder Split Rock, a massive sandstone formation cleaved in two. Keep an eye out for diverse native flora as you follow Nayook Creek through lush rainforest vegetation. The creek winds its way through the landscape, offering glimpses of waterfalls and inviting swimming holes for a refreshing dip.
If 17km feels too ambitious, consider the Deep Pass Circuit variation. This route offers a shorter option by bypassing the return sections through the canyon and down to the river, trimming about 3km off the total distance.
Remember, the Deep Pass Trail is rated as grade 4, so be prepared for a challenging hike. Before you set off, make sure to check the latest weather conditions. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential. Pack plenty of water and snacks to keep you fueled throughout your adventure. Downloading a map of the trail or getting a detailed guide is highly recommended. Finally, let someone know your planned route and estimated return time for added safety.
The Deep Pass Trail promises a challenging yet rewarding experience for seasoned hikers.
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.
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.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1075 m
Min elevation: 853 m
Total climbing: 500 m
Total descent: -496 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: Wollemi National Park.
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: 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.
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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.





