Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 1163m
Min elevation: 447m
Total Ascent: 968m
Hike overview
The Mount Exmouth walking track in Warrumbungle National Park offers an unforgettable adventure, leading hikers through some of the park’s most striking landscapes. This 17-kilometre trek is rated as a Grade 4 hike, which typically takes around six hours to complete. As you make your way to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views from Mount Exmouth’s 1,206-metre peak. The scenery along the track is equally impressive, with diverse vegetation and volcanic rock formations that represent the remnants of the ancient volcanic shield that once covered the area.
The journey to the top of Mount Exmouth is not just a walk through nature; it’s a step back in time. The track weaves through a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological activity. Along the way, you'll encounter a variety of plant life, from lush greenery to sparse, rugged vegetation at the summit, where only the hardiest species like mallee eucalyptus can survive. Spring brings a burst of colour to the lower parts of the track, with wildflowers such as pink hyacinth orchids and nodding greenhood orchids adding to the charm of the walk.
Wildlife is abundant along the track, with kangaroos, wallabies, and wallaroos frequently spotted grazing or hopping across your path. If you're fortunate, you may even catch a glimpse of a koala resting in the trees along ‘The Boulevarde,’ a scenic stretch of woodland between Camp Burbie and Danu Gap. Be sure to bring your binoculars as well, as small flocks of turquoise parrots can be spotted flitting through the area, their vivid colours adding a splash of life to the surroundings.
As you reach the summit, the sparse vegetation gives way to panoramic views of the park and beyond. The sheer scale of the surrounding mountain peaks and distant plains is awe-inspiring, making it a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. The peace and tranquillity of the summit provide a serene atmosphere, ideal for reflecting on the beauty of the landscape.
For those looking for even more exploration, the Mount Exmouth walking track connects with the popular Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk at Ogma Gap. If you prefer a different route for your return journey, you can head back via West Spirey Creek, enjoying even more of the park’s diverse beauty along the way.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone looking to experience the natural wonders of Warrumbungle National Park, the Mount Exmouth walking track offers a rewarding and immersive outdoor adventure. It’s a chance to connect with the landscape, observe wildlife, and take in some of the most spectacular views in New South Wales.
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.
Practical information
- It's a good idea to put sunscreen on before you set out and remember to take a hat and drinking water.
- If you're bushwalking in this park, it's a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.
- There is limited mobile reception in this park.
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.
Walk map and GPX file
Mount Exmouth Walking Track (Split Rock Carpark)
Max elevation: 1163 m
Min elevation: 447 m
Total climbing: 968 m
Total descent: -968 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Mount Exmouth Walking Track (Pincham Carpark)
Max elevation: 1163 m
Min elevation: 507 m
Total climbing: 1096 m
Total descent: -1097 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.
To reach the Mount Exmouth walking track, head to Warrumbungle National Park, easily accessible from two key routes. If you’re coming from Coonabarabran, follow the signs to the park from Newell Highway, then continue along John Renshaw Parkway for about 33km into the heart of the park. Turn left at the Split Rock carpark to begin your hike. If you’re coming from Tooraweenah, follow the signs east along John Renshaw Parkway, then turn right into the Split Rock carpark after about 5km.
Alternatively, you can start the hike from the Pincham Carpark. From Coonabarabran, follow John Renshaw Parkway into the park, then turn left onto Pincham Road, about 100m past the Visitor Centre turnoff, and continue to the end of the road for access to the trailhead. Both carparks offer convenient parking for hikers.
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.
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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.





