Trail summary

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Quick overview: Experience the breathtaking Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk, a 45km, Grade 4 hiking trail nestled in Australia's Northern Tablelands. This circuit-style track offers an adventure through dry eucalypt forests, sub-alpine swamps, and the world's largest tract of coachwood trees. Discover remnants of 1880s tin mining, O'Hara's Rock, and historical Wades Mill. Perfect for multi-day hikes, with options to extend the journey to 100km. Steeped in natural and historical wonders, it's a must for avid bushwalkers.

Length: 45km

Duration: 3-4 days

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Circuit

Start: Coachwood Dr

End: Coachwood Dr

Location: Gibraltar Range National Park

State: New South Wales

Nearby town: Gibraltar Range

From state capital: 643km

Latitude: -29.48842833

Longitude: 152.330885

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Reviews

Hike overview

Within the mountainous Northern Tablelands, high above Clarence River Valley, a very special track links Gibraltar Range and Washpool National Parks. Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk passes through dramatic and ever-changing natural environments with numerous side track options for further exploration.

Dry eucalypt forests, set amidst ridges and granite tors, are surrounded by sub-alpine swamp. Lush rainforests hold the largest tract of coachwood trees in the world. Waterfalls plummet from a lacework of streams and wild rivers.

In the 1880s, tin mining took place around Grassy Creek and remains of an ore crusher can still be seen along the eastern side of this waterway. O'Hara's Rock marks the spot where, in 1873, a grazier by that name camped and tried to figure out a faster stock route over Gibraltar Range. Wades Mill, at Boundary Falls campground, dates back to historic logging days.

You can add any or all of the 13 adjoining walks and routes along the way and increase your walking adventure to up to 100km.

Map and GPX file

Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage Walk (45km)

Total distance: 49560 m
Max elevation: 1152 m
Min elevation: 806 m
Total climbing: 1626 m
Total descent: -1625 m

Download file: Gibraltar-Washpool%20World%20Heritage%20Walk.gpx

Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.

The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.

Getting there

Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage Walk (45km)

Closest towns to this walk: Glen Innes, Emmaville, Deepwater, Guyra, Inverell

To Anvil Rock carpark. There are three places at which to begin the walk:To reach Mulligans Campground, drive 94km west from Grafton or 68km east from Glen Innes along the Gwydir Highway.To reach Boundary Falls Campground, drive 102km west from Grafton or 60 km east from Glen Innes along the Gwydir Highway.To reach Bellbird Campground, drive 89km west from Grafton or 73 km east from Glen Innes along the Gwydir Highway. Park entry points Anvil Rock carpark See on map Washpool National Park access See on map Parking Parking is available at Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk at Mulligans picnic area, Boundary Falls picnic area (Gibraltar National Park) and Coombadjha campground (Washpool National Park).

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If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

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.

About the region

Gibraltar Range National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions
Gibraltar Range National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, road damage, or high fire danger.

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Gibraltar Range National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage Walk (45km)

1 Review on “Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage Walk (45km)”

Overall rating

Matt Mallard

I walked this 45km circuit in an anti-clockwise direction, starting from Mulligans Campground. Glad I did because the last day 3, 19km leg from Boundary Falls back to Mulligans CG was the trip highlight. Also, quite a level section following two different creeks. The first 2 days of hiking going in that anti-clockwise direction from Mulligans CG is a bit of a foot slog on NP fire trails. Bellbird CG is a pleasant area to stay. Boundary Falls CG is more suitable to caravans than pitching a tent as the campsites are as hard as the clay at Roland Garros.

20/06/2022, 19:48

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Margaret Gill

Gina Scott Gary Scott

24/03/2022, 05:14

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1. William Rennes
  
  im keen
  
  04/03/2019, 15:39
  
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2. William Rennes
  
  its one hour west of grafton
  
  04/03/2019, 15:40
  
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3. Beth Rennes
  
  Yeh – not too far
  
  04/03/2019, 15:42
  
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4. Dean Herman
  
  My favorites parks.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:14
  
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5. Beth Rennes
  
  This looks good William Rennes
  
  24/03/2022, 05:14
  
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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

Acknowledgement of Country

Gibraltar-washpool world heritage walk (45km)

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.

Trail summary

Hike overview

Map and GPX file

Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage Walk (45km)