Escarpment walk in Guy Fawkes River National Park is a forest walk that takes hikers past Chaelundi Falls and Lucifers Thumb, all the way to Spring Gully picnic area.
Follow the lovely Escarpment walk to Chaelundi Falls for amazing views of the falls tumbling down into the valley. A bit further along the track, you'll come to Lucifer's Thumb, a finger of rock that spreads out into the gorge. Take a seat and enjoy breathtaking 180-degrees views out over the park and Guy Fawkes River.
The walk to the waterfall is a fairly level, easy walk for young children, with a spectacular reward at its end. If you want to walk further, you can head all the way to the Spring Gully picnic area, 8km from the campground.
Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for endangered brush-tailed rock-wallabies and jacky lizards sunning themselves on the rocks, as well as the peregrine falcon, the fastest bird in the world.
From the start of Escarpment walk, Chaelundi Falls is 500m, Lucifers Thumb is 2km, and Spring Gully picnic area is 8km. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch. Guy Fawkes River National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Total distance: 14979 m
Max elevation: 1120 m
Min elevation: 926 m
Total climbing: 447 m
Total descent: -447 m
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Closest towns to this walk: Armidale, Dorrigo, Ebor, Guyra, Wollomombi
Getting to the trailhead in Guy Fawkes River National Park.
Escarpment walk is in the Chaelundi campground precinct of Guy Fawkes River National Park. The walking track starts at Chaelundi campground.
From Dorrigo: Take the Tyringham Road through to the Grafton/Armidale Road. Turn right onto the Grafton/Armidale Road, travel 4km and turn left at Dundurrabin onto Sheepstation Creek Road (gravel road starts). 6km along Sheepstation Creek Road, turn left onto Chaelundi Road. Travel 17km along Chaelundi Road, then turn left onto Misty Creek Road. The campground is 11km down Misty Creek Road.
From Grafton: Take Grafton/Armidale Road, travel 81km and turn right at Dundurrabin onto Sheepstation Creek Road (gravel road starts). 6km along Sheepstation Creek Road, turn left onto Chaelundi Road. Travel 17km along Chaelundi Road, then turn left onto Misty Creek Road. The campground is 11km down Misty Creek Road.
From Ebor: Take Grafton/Armidale Road east for 15km. Turn left at Hernani onto Marengo Road and proceed for 11km (gravel road starts). Turn right onto Hardens Road and proceed for 12km. Turn left onto Chaelundi Road and proceed for 7km. Turn left onto Misty Creek Road. The campground is 11km down Misty Creek Road.
Guy Fawkes River National Park is a wilderness paradise popular for bushwalking and birdwatching. You can also enjoy fishing, swimming and canoeing along the Boyd River. Halfway between Armidale, Grafton and Dorrigo, Guy Fawkes River National Park is a rugged wilderness paradise that's perfect for peaceful camping and hiking away from the crowds.
The park is popular with experienced bushwalkers who want to explore the Guy Fawkes River Valley, but there are lots of great activities to enjoy among the peaceful gorges and slow-flowing rivers. Enjoy a picnic among the spring wildflowers alongside Ebor Falls, where you can watch the river tumbling from the plateau in two dramatic waterfalls. Be sure to pack your binoculars if you're a birdwatcher, as among the many species you might spot are wedge-tailed eagles and glossy black cockatoos.
From Chaelundi campground, Escarpment walk will take you to Chaelundi Falls, with its great lookout down over the valley. From here, you can see Lucifers Thumb, a large rock that offers all those who sit on it incredible 180-degree views out over the gorge and Guy Fawkes River.
The park is a significant conservation site with amazing biodiversity. There are 24 threatened animal species you might encounter here, including the brush-tailed rock-wallabies that can often be seen in the park's rocky areas.
Looking for hikes and trails in Guy Fawkes River National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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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.
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.
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