Be in awe of the striking landscape as you take an easy hike along Mares Forest Creek walking track. After around 1.6km and about 45 minutes, you'll arrive at Tinted Cave, the only cave in Wombeyan you can explore yourself. Bring a picnic and take a break by the creek. You might also want to bring your swimmers, since there are some deep pools of water alongside some shallower areas that are suitable for smaller kids. Don't forget your camera either, because you'll want to remember this remarkable landscape when you get back home. Birdlife is abundant in the kurrajong trees and yellow box gums, so be sure to bring your binoculars too if birdwatching is of interest. During summer, you may see lizards sunning themselves on rocks, and kangaroos, wallabies and wombats are often spotted close to nightfall.
It's a good idea to bring a torch to see Tinted Cave and binoculars if you want to go bird watching.
Take care in the water if you're swimming in the creek, and please supervise children at all times.
Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it's a good idea to bring your own.
There is limited/no mobile reception in this park.
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.
It looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one to share, please email it to me! I’ll verify it against official maps before adding it to help other hikers have a safer, easier experience. Thanks for contributing to a better hiking resource.
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Wombeyan, Mittagong, Bundanoon, Berrima, Bowral
How to get to Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve
To Wombeyan Caves carpark. Mares Forest Creek walking track begins near the visitor centre at Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve. Park entry points Wombeyan Caves carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve Visitor Centre, a short walk away.
Photo gallery
Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!
Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve or nearby? Try these similar graded walks.
Favourite
Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve
Favourite
Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve
Favourite
Favourite
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.
Explore safe
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.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
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.