Serious adventurers will love Slingsbys trail and Syndicate Ridge track, a challenging pathway across a variety of landscapes - from scenic grassy plains to a breathtaking escarpment and ancient Gondwana rainforest.
The walk begins along Slingsbys trail, stretching 6.5km to Lanes lookout along gently undulating terrain that's also suitable for mountain biking. You'll pass through the grasslands of Killungoondie Plain, which the Gunbaynggirr People once kept clear for hunting and camping by using spot fires. Today, it makes a surprising contrast to the surrounding rainforest, thick and atmospheric.
Eventually, you'll reach high points along the escarpment, including Lanes lookout and Stony Creek lookout, with stunning scenic views on clear days across the surrounding landscape. Bring binoculars for birdwatching, but remember to look down around your feet too as Syndicate Ridge was the site of an innovative logging tramway that operated in the early twentieth century. Remnants of the back-breaking operation can still be seen around the trail.
Syndicate Ridge track from the escarpment is a much steeper and more difficult trail, so hiking experience is recommended. Signage is also limited here, so be sure to carry a compass and map or GPS.
Take a virtual tour of Slingsbys trail and Syndicate Ridge track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
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.
Do you have a GPX file for this hike? Feel free to email it to me so I can add it to this hikes info.
Click to add your file >>
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Gallery
Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
Click to add your photos >>
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Dorrigo National Park.
To Adams Road. To start the walk along Slingsby trail:Drive 10km north of Dorrigo along Megan RoadTurn onto Slingsby RoadThe trail begins at the end, and finishes at the northern end of Adams Lane, Glennifer. Park entry points Adams Road See on map Slingsbys Road See on map Parking Parking is available at the end of Slingsbys Road and at the end of Adams Lane, Gleniffer. Please do not block any farm gates with your vehicle at either of these locations.
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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
About the region
Dorrigo National Park in the North Coast region
Dorrigo National Park is open daily (except Christmas Day) 9am to 4.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
Find a place to stay
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: Armidale, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Coramba, Dorrigo, Ebor, Glenreagh, Guyra, Thora, Urunga, Woolgoolga
Let someone know
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Dorrigo National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Favourite
New England National Park
Favourite
Cathedral Rock National Park
Favourite
Suggest an edit
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
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.