Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the rugged beauty of Mount Kaputar National Park in New South Wales with the challenging Waa Gorge walking track. This 2.5km return hike, graded Difficult (Grade 5), starts and ends at Waa Gorge Access near the charming town of Berrigal. Traverse through the captivating Grattai Wilderness Area, admire the gorge's vibrant walls, and enjoy a picnic in the cool shelter overlooking the breathtaking NSW Western Plains. Come spring, the area bursts with wildflowers and birdwatching opportunities. An adventure not to be missed for seasoned bushwalkers!

Length:

2.5km

Duration:

1.25 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Waa Gorge Access

End: Waa Gorge Access

Mount Kaputar National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Berrigal

From state capital: 587km

Latitude: -30.06438333

Longitude: 150.101805

Overview

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Hike overview

Following on from Mill-bullah walking track, the Waa Gorge walking track is a picturesque scramble for more intrepid hikers through the Grattai Wilderness Area. This track is unformed, so be prepared for a bit of a challenge as you climb a small hill on the left side of the Mill-bullah waterholes and down the other side to follow the creek into the gorge.
The walls of the gorge are spectacularly colourful, and the cool shelter offers a nice picnic spot amid the dramatic setting of the NSW Western Plains. In spring, you'll find a myriad of wildflowers here, and the gorge is also studded with fig trees. Don't forget your camera and binoculars for some great birdwatching.

Tips

The weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you're well-prepared for your visit.
There is limited mobile reception in this park
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching

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
Waa Gorge Walking Track (2.5km)

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Mount Kaputar National Park.

Waa Gorge walking track is in the Waa Gorge precinct of Mount Kaputar National Park. Allambie Road is dry weather access only. To get there: From Narrabri:Travel north along Newell Highway towards Moree for 3kmTurn right onto Killarney Gap Road (Bingara Road).After about 21km, turn left onto Melburra Road (SR3 to Terry Hie Hie).After approximately 30km, you’ll reach a T-junction. Turn right on Allambie Road to Waa Gorge.Travel 6.5km to the park entrance. Waa Gorge carpark and picnic area is a further 1.5km.From Moree:Travel east on Gwydir Highway towards WarialdaAfter 6.2km, turn right to Terry Hie Hie.Travel about 35km through Terry Hie Hie and take the left fork through the Berrygil portion of Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area. Travel 14km and turn left onto Allambie Road.Travel 6.5km to the park entrance. Waa Gorge carpark and picnic area is a further 1.5km. Road quality Check the weather before you set out as the road to Waa Gorge can become boggy when it rains. Allambie Road is dry weather access only and passes through private property, so please respect landholders by leaving gates as you find them and staying off wet roads. Parking Parking is available at Waa Gorge picnic area.

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 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.

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

Reviews
Waa Gorge Walking Track (2.5km)

6 Reviews on “Waa Gorge Walking Track (2.5km)”

Overall rating

Robyn McLean

Love Waa Gorge!

04/12/2020, 12:15

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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.

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
Waa Gorge Walking Track (2.5km)