The Mount Kaputar Summit walk winds its way up through towering eucalypts to emerge at a lookout with stunning 360° views of the dramatic mountain range. Starting from Dawsons Spring picnic area and following Dawsons Spring Nature trail, the walk to the summit will have your heart racing, but the spectacular view is well worth the journey.
Millions of years in the making, it's definitely worth packing your camera to capture the beauty of the park from a bird's eye view. To make the trip extra special, combine the walk with a stay at Dawsons Spring cabins and walk up before sunrise or sunset and watch the colours flood across the landscape. For an easier journey try driving to the summit and walking back down.
The walk starts near Dawsons Spring picnic area - a good place for a picnic or barbecue if you have time.
It's a good idea to put sunscreen on before you set out and remember to take a hat and plenty of drinking water.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch.
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.
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.
To Dawsons Spring picnic area. Mount Kaputar summit walk starts at Dawsons Spring picnic area in the Kaputar Plateau section of Mount Kaputar National Park.To get there:Drive south along the Old Gunnedah Road from Narrabri for about 4km, then turn left onto Mount Kaputar Road.After approximately 46km you will reach a t-junction, turn right and take the next right into Dawsons Spring.Alternatively, if starting from Mount Kaputar summitDrive south along the Old Gunnedah Road from Narrabri for about 4km, then turn left onto Mount Kaputar Road.After approximately 46km you will reach a t-junction, turn left and follow to the summit. Park entry points Dawsons Spring picnic area See on map Road quality Mount Kaputar Road is not suitable for caravans. Parking Parking is available at Dawsons Spring picnic area and Mount Kaputar summit.
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.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
With camping, cycling, walking, horse riding and bird watching waiting for you on this scenic mountain range, Mount Kaputar is a fantastic wilderness escape in NSW. Be awed by towering forests, breathtaking rock formations and stunning scenery at Mount Kaputar National Park. Roughly 1 hour's drive from Narrabri in northern NSW, Mount Kaputar is an explorer's paradise.
Take in the views from the park's lookouts, have a relaxing picnic or barbecue, or stay overnight in a picturesque campground or cabin accommodation. Bring your binoculars to enjoy bird watching, or to search for possums and greater gliders after dark. Or for a more adventurous trip; walk one of the park's many tracks, or go for a mountain bike or horse ride through the spectacular landscape.
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.
Looking for things to do in Mount Kaputar 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.
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
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.
