Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 717m
Min elevation: 507m
Total Ascent: 230m
Hike overview
The Fans Horizon walking track offers a brief but steep hike in Warrumbungle National Park, just outside Coonabarabran. This 3.6km, grade 3 walk is a perfect option for bushwalkers looking for a rewarding adventure without committing to a full-day trek. Despite its short length, the hike provides a fascinating glimpse into the park’s iconic volcanic landscape, featuring dramatic rock spires and domes that make the Warrumbungles so unique.
Starting at Pincham carpark, which is conveniently located near Camp Pincham and the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre, the track quickly begins its steep ascent. The trail winds to the right and climbs through a forest of eucalypts, gaining elevation as it makes its way up the mountain. After 1.8km and more than 1000 steps, the path opens out to a stunning lookout atop the sandstone cliffs of Balgatan Mountain. The views from here are truly spectacular, offering a panoramic look at some of the park’s most famous landmarks, including the Breadknife, Belougery Spire, and Crater Bluff. It's the perfect spot to pause, catch your breath, and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The return journey follows the same track back to Pincham carpark, passing through more natural bushland and sandstone outcrops. As you make your way down, keep an eye on the ground for lizards darting between rocks, and look up to spot crimson rosellas, yellow robins, or bronzewings flitting through the trees. For those visiting in spring, the track comes alive with wildflowers, including flannel flowers, native indigo, blue trumpets, and orchids, adding an extra touch of colour and life to the hike.
Though short, the Fans Horizon walking track offers an excellent introduction to the beauty of the Warrumbungle National Park. If you find yourself wanting to linger a little longer, consider staying at one of the nearby campsites, such as Camp Pincham, Camp Wambelong, or Camp Blackman, and enjoy a night under the stars.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 717 m
Min elevation: 507 m
Total climbing: 230 m
Total descent: -230 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: Warrumbungle National Park.
The Fans Horizon walk is conveniently located within Warrumbungle National Park, a short drive from the town of Coonabarabran. Accessible by car throughout the year, the well-maintained sealed roads make the journey easy. Simply follow John Renshaw Parkway into the park and look for the turnoff to Pincham Road around 100 meters past the visitor center. Ample parking awaits you at Pincham carpark, where your adventure begins.
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: Baradine, Binnaway, Coolah, Coonabarabran, Dunedoo, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Mendooran
About the region
Millions of years ago, a mighty shield volcano sculpted the jagged peaks of Warrumbungle National Park. Today, these ancient formations rise majestically from eucalyptus-dotted plains, creating a landscape unlike any other in New South Wales.
As Australia's first Dark Sky Park, Warrumbungle boasts pristine skies untouched by light pollution. Here, the Milky Way stretches across the heavens, revealing a dazzling display of stars, planets, and distant galaxies. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a curious beginner, Warrumbungle offers unforgettable stargazing experiences.
Lace up your boots and explore a network of walking tracks. Hike the iconic Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk for breathtaking close-up views of the park's most recognizable rock formations. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for camping, birdwatching, and capturing stunning photographs of the dramatic scenery.
While wildfires impacted the park in 2013, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has meticulously restored walking tracks, campgrounds, and visitor facilities. Start your adventure at the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre, where you can gather park information or purchase a star chart to navigate the night sky.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Warrumbungle National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Gallery
Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
Click to add your photos >>
Suggest an edit
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
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.





