Trail Fast Facts
Mount Imlay Summit walking track is a 6km, grade 5 hike in Mount Imlay National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 3.5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Starting at Burrawang picnic area, this challenging walk takes you through dry eucalypt forests and grassy woodlands to the summit of Mount Imlay. The track climbs steeply, rising 600m, but there's plenty to distract you from the effort along the way.
In spring, stop to admire the delicate beauty and bright colours of wildflowers like mountain speedwell. Once you reach the summit, enjoy a rest and take in the views to the coast while you enjoy your picnic lunch. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mallacoota in Victoria, and Narooma to the north.
It's also a great spot for birdwatching. Watch for yellow-tailed black cockatoos flying overhead and listen closely for lyrebirds as you're walking up the mountain.
Tips
Please clean your boots using the hygiene cleaning stations along Mount Imlay Summit walking track.
The weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you're well-prepared for your visit.
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.
Map and GPX file
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Getting there
To Burrawang picnic area carpark. On entering Mount Imlay National Park:Continue driving through East Boyd State Forest until you reach Mount Imlay carpark and Burrawang picnic area. Park entry points Burrawang picnic area carpark See on map Road quality Check the weather before you set out as the road to Mount Imlay National Park can become slippery when it rains. Parking Parking is available at Mount Imlay Summit walking track.
Photo gallery
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 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
About the region
Just 30km south of Eden, Mount Imlay National Park is great for a day trip. Go for its picnicking, birdwatching, walking, wildflowers and coastal views. Mount Imlay National Park is a peaceful pocket of remote bushland, narrow rocky ridges and deep gullies, just 30km south of Eden on NSW's far south coast. It's a perfect place for those who want to get back to nature and bask in the peace and quiet of the bush.
The park is part of a system of national parks and reserves that protect the coastline and ranges between Moruya and the East Gippsland region of Victoria, along with nearby parks like South East Forests National Park and Nadgee Nature Reserve. As a symbol of this, its skyline is dominated by Mount Imlay, or €˜Balawan', as it's known to local Aboriginal people.
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.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Mount Imlay National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Weather
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.