Grade 1

Great North Walk: Watagans Hike (10km)

Watagans National Park

New South Wales

10km

3 hrs

Grade 5

One Way

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Hike at a glance

Quick overview: Experience a classic Aussie bushwalk with the 10km Great North trail, a Grade 5 difficulty hike nestled in the stunning Watagans National Park. This iconic trail, part of a historic route from Sydney to Newcastle, offers breath-taking views from Narrow Place lookout, an abundance of birdlife, and a unique overnight option at Barraba Trig campsite. Ideal for experienced hikers, this trail promises a memorable adventure in Australia's great outdoors.

Hike length

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Technical details

Max elevation: 0m
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Total Ascent: 0m

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Grade 5 (difficult) badge

Remote, unmarked, and high consequence
These are the most challenging walks and are only suited to highly experienced and well-prepared hikers.

Expect very rough, steep, and often unmarked terrain, with limited or no signage. Navigation skills are essential, and you must be self-reliant, including emergency preparedness. Distances may exceed 20km, and conditions can quickly become serious if things go wrong.

Safety note: There is little margin for error. Mistakes in navigation, weather judgement, or preparation can have serious consequences.

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Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

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.

Register your plans here →

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.

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Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Find Accommodation

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Aberdare, Cessnock, Cooranbong, Greta, Kurri Kurri, Laguna, Lake Munmorah, Morisset, Mount View, Mount Vincent, Mulbring, Stonebrook, Westlake, Wollombi, Wyee, Wyong

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Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.

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The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

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Great north walk: watagans hike (10km) trail hiking australia

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.

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