Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the moderate 2km Mount Kaputar Summit walk for an exhilarating experience that takes you through towering eucalypts to a stunning 360° mountain range view. Beginning from Dawsons Spring picnic area, this trail rewards you with breathtaking views worth capturing, especially at sunrise or sunset. This trail is perfect for bushwalkers seeking a heart-racing adventure, and you can soften the journey by driving to the summit and walking back down.

Length:

2km

Duration:

1.25 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Dawsons Spring Nature Trail

End: Dawsons Spring Nature Trail

Mount Kaputar National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Kaputar

From state capital: 558km

Latitude: -30.28009

Longitude: 150.1664572

Overview

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Hike overview

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.

Tips

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.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Mount Kaputar Summit Walk (2km)

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Mount Kaputar National Park.

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.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Baan Baa, Baradine, Bellata, Bingara, Bundarra, Coonabarabran, Gunnedah, Manilla, Moree, Narrabri, Walgett, Wee Waa

About the region

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.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Mount Kaputar National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

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.

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

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Mount Kaputar Summit Walk (2km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Mount Kaputar Summit Walk (2km)