Hike at a glance

2,691

Quick overview: Experience a unique blend of history and stunning natural scenery on the Scutts Hut and Kurrawonga Falls walk in Mount Kaputar National Park, New South Wales. Starting and ending at Bark Hut, this challenging 20km hike near Narrabri - about 526km from Sydney - takes you through diverse woodlands and rugged mountain landscapes. Get ready for an 11-hour adventure, grade 5 difficulty, where you can spot local wildlife and enjoy the serene beauty of Kurrawonga Falls. Remember, it's a tough one, so consider camping overnight to rest and recharge.

Hike length

20km

Average duration

11 hrs

Trail Difficulty

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Hike Type

Return

Technical details

Max elevation: 1238m
Min elevation: 618m
Total Ascent: 869m

Start: Bark Hut

End: Bark Hut

Location: Mount Kaputar National Park

State: New South Wales

Nearest town: Narrabri

State capital distance: 526km

Latitude: -30.289453934924925

Longitude: 150.14514148235324

Hike details

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Nearby hikes

Weather

Trail details

Hike summary

The Scutts Hut and Kurrawonga Falls walk is an incredible hiking experience nestled in Mount Kaputar National Park, just outside Narrabri, in Country New South Wales. This 20-kilometre trail is a challenging, grade 5 hike that typically takes around 11 hours to complete. The route offers hikers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, making it a rewarding adventure for those ready to take on a more demanding walk.

The hike begins at Scutts Hut, an early pioneer shelter dating back to the 1930s, offering a glimpse into the past. As you make your way along the 1.7-kilometre marked track, the scenery gradually opens up to showcase the rugged, mountainous landscape that defines the park. From here, the trail becomes more demanding. The final stretch to Kurrawonga Falls involves a 450-metre, steep and unmarked descent. Keep your eyes peeled for the fence that guides you down to Horsearm Creek, just above the falls.

The walk takes you through a diverse woodland environment, with silvertop stringybarks, mountain gums, and rough bark apples creating a natural canopy overhead. If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, this area is rich with opportunities to spot local wildlife. Given the challenging terrain, you might find it beneficial to camp overnight near Scutts Hut, allowing you to rest and recharge before tackling the steep sections. This hike isn’t for the faint of heart, but the reward of reaching Kurrawonga Falls, with its serene atmosphere and surrounding beauty, makes every step worthwhile.

Additional Information:

Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information.

Track difficulty

Grade 5 (difficult) badge

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Remote, unmarked, and high consequence
These are the most challenging walks and are only suited to highly experienced and well-prepared hikers.

Expect very rough, steep, and often unmarked terrain, with limited or no signage. Navigation skills are essential, and you must be self-reliant, including emergency preparedness. Distances may exceed 20km, and conditions can quickly become serious if things go wrong.

Safety note: There is little margin for error. Mistakes in navigation, weather judgement, or preparation can have serious consequences.

Planning essentials

Practical Information:

Always inform someone about your plans before heading out. Complete a trip intention form to share essential details of your hike with your emergency contact.
Be sure to pack a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water to stay protected and hydrated.
For your safety, camping or lighting fires is not permitted within 20 metres of the hut.
The weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable, so come prepared for any conditions.
Be aware that mobile reception is limited in the park, so plan accordingly.
If you're keen on birdwatching, don’t forget to bring binoculars for a closer look.

Map and GPX file

Scutts Hut & Kurrawonga Falls Walk (20km)

Total distance: 20036 m
Max elevation: 1238 m
Min elevation: 618 m
Total climbing: 869 m
Total descent: -869 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Let someone know

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.

Free 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

Mount Kaputar National Park

To reach the trailhead for the Scutts Hut and Kurrawonga Falls walk, start by heading south from Narrabri on Old Gunnedah Road. After approximately 2.5 kilometres, turn left onto Kaputar Road and continue for 27 kilometres until you reach the Mount Kaputar National Park entrance. From there, drive another 14 kilometres, where you'll find the Bark Hut turn-off on the right. The trailhead for Scutts Hut is about 100 metres past the Bark Hut picnic area and campground turn-off. Note that the road from the park entrance is steep and narrow, with no access for caravans. Parking is available at the Bark Hut, which serves as a convenient base for your hike.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

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Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Baan Baa, Baradine, Bellata, Bingara, Bundarra, Coonabarabran, Gunnedah, Manilla, Moree, Narrabri, Walgett, Wee Waa

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About the region

Mount Kaputar National Park offers a captivating escape into nature, nestled in the rugged mountain range of northern New South Wales. About an hour's drive from Narrabri, the park is a haven for those looking to immerse themselves in a diverse landscape of towering forests, striking rock formations, and breathtaking views. Whether you're looking for a relaxing break or an adventurous getaway, Mount Kaputar has something for everyone.

The park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can take in panoramic views from the park’s lookouts, enjoy a quiet picnic or a casual barbecue, or stay overnight in one of the park's charming campgrounds or cabins. For birdwatching lovers, bring your binoculars to spot a wide variety of species, and if you’re there after dark, keep an eye out for possums and greater gliders. If you're after something more active, the park boasts a network of walking trails, cycling routes, and horse riding paths, each offering a unique way to experience the stunning surroundings.

The park’s dramatic landscape tells the story of ancient geological forces. Two long-extinct volcanoes pushed the mountains high above the plains, and millions of years of erosion have shaped narrow valleys and steep ridges. Many of the mountains are remnants of ancient lava terraces, with Lindsay Rock Tops offering a striking example of this unique terrain. For a truly spectacular sight, visit Sawn Rocks to see one of Australia's most impressive rock formations, known as organ-piping. These towering columns of basalt are an awe-inspiring sight, resembling a wall of giant organ pipes.

With so much to explore, Mount Kaputar National Park offers more than just a day trip. For those wanting to stay longer, there are plenty of scenic spots perfect for camping, picnicking, and relaxing. For the more adventurous, test your skills on the mountain bike tracks or hike up Mount Kaputar Road to the Kaputar Plateau. Or, take the challenging Barraba track for a thrilling ride through the park's rugged beauty. Whether you're stopping for a picnic or venturing out on a longer hike, don’t miss the stunning Sawn Rocks formation. With so much to see and do, you might find it worthwhile to book a cabin or set up camp for a few days and fully enjoy everything this remarkable park has to offer.

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Weather on the trail

Mount Kaputar National Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

Acknowledgement of Country

Scutts hut & kurrawonga falls walk (20km) trail hiking australia

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:

March 5, 2025

Hike at a glance

Technical details

Trail details

Hike summary

Track difficulty

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

Discover more

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Euglah Rock Walking Track (650m)

Kaputar Plateau Walk (8km)

Governor Lookout Walking Track (450m)

Governor Summit Walking Track (2km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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