Yerong Walking Track is a 6 km, grade 3 walk in The Rock Nature Reserve in southern New South Wales, usually taking around two and a half hours to complete. The track begins at the car park near the information point and offers a welcoming introduction, making it suitable for a wide range of walkers with a moderate level of fitness. Early sections follow gently rising ground, crossing small gravelled slopes framed by mature red gums that give the landscape an open, spacious feel.
As the climb continues, the track wraps its way around recessed cliffs where cooler pockets of shade support woolly ragwort, a threatened plant species native to the area that produces soft yellow flowers when in bloom. Wildlife is a regular companion along this section of the walk. Wallabies often move quietly through the undergrowth, lizards warm themselves on sunlit rocks, and keen-eyed walkers may spot glossy black cockatoos or wedge-tailed eagles riding the thermals above. Birdlife becomes increasingly noticeable the higher you go, rewarding those who take their time.
The final stretch of the track is steeper and more demanding, so sturdy footwear and sufficient water are important, particularly in warmer months. Reaching the top brings a wide-ranging outlook across bushland and surrounding farmland, making the climb well worth the effort. On clear days, Galore Hills can be seen to the west, and during winter it is sometimes possible to pick out the distant, snow-covered peak of Mount Kosciuszko. Located only a short drive from Wagga Wagga, The Rock is one of the standout lookout points in the region.
Near the summit, Yerong Walking Track connects with the steeper Yugay Track, giving experienced walkers the option to descend via a different route rather than returning the same way. Yugay Track is graded 4 and is significantly steeper, with rougher terrain and sections of rock scrambling that require confidence and careful footing. If you are not comfortable with these conditions, it is best to return via Yerong Walking Track for a more straightforward and less demanding descent.
After the walk, the nearby picnic area provides a relaxed spot to rest, rehydrate, and enjoy the setting before heading home.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
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.
- The Rock Nature Reserve – Kengal Aboriginal Place is generally open year-round, but access can be restricted at times due to severe weather, fire danger, or park management requirements. It is worth checking current conditions before you visit.
- Bring binoculars if birdwatching is of interest, as the reserve is home to a wide range of woodland and raptor species that are often best seen from a distance.
- Weather conditions in this area can change quickly and may be more extreme than expected, so come prepared with appropriate clothing, sun protection, sufficient water, and a plan that allows for changing conditions.
Total distance: 6052 m
Max elevation: 516 m
Min elevation: 241 m
Total climbing: 341 m
Total descent: -341 m
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Getting to the trailhead: The Rock Nature Reserve.
Yerong Walking Track begins at The Rock picnic area in The Rock Nature Reserve – Kengal Aboriginal Place. From Wagga Wagga, follow the Sturt Highway west before turning left onto the Olympic Highway. Continue through to the township of The Rock, then turn right onto Urana Street. As you leave town, this road becomes Lockhart–The Rock Road. After approximately 2.5 kilometres, turn left into The Rock Nature Reserve and follow the access road for about 500 metres to reach the picnic area. The track starts near the information shelter. Parking is available at the picnic area, with space suitable for buses as well as standard vehicles.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
The Rock Nature Reserve, also known as Kengal Aboriginal Place, sits at the meeting point of two distinct biophysical regions: the Riverine Plains and the western slopes of the Eastern Highlands. This meeting of landscapes creates a rich mix of terrain and habitats, supporting a wide range of plant and animal life. Rising prominently from the surrounding flats, The Rock is a striking geological feature formed by the uplift of sedimentary layers under pressure. It marks the northern end of a long hogback ridge that runs north to south, with its summit reaching 364 metres above the surrounding plains and offering a clear sense of how dramatically it stands apart from the landscape around it.
The reserve’s dual name, adopted in 2005, recognises the long and ongoing cultural connection of the Wiradjuri People to this place. Known traditionally as Kengal, meaning sloping hill, the site holds deep cultural significance as a Dreaming place, lookout, and ceremonial ground. It was used for important male initiation practices and features prominently in traditional stories. According to Wiradjuri lore, Kengal was created by Baiame, the creator spirit who taught the Wiradjuri People essential skills such as making fire and crafting spears. When Baiame departed, his male and female dingo companions, known as Mirrigan, were left behind to await his return, their forms becoming The Rock itself.
European exploration reached the area in 1829 when Charles Sturt recorded his first sighting of the formation, though permanent settlement did not follow until several decades later. Early settlers referred to the feature as The Hanging Rock due to a large overhang on its eastern face. This collapsed in 1874, after which the name was shortened to The Rock. For much of its recent history, the area remained Crown land, and from the late nineteenth century the lower slopes were quarried for road base and railway ballast used on the Sydney to Melbourne rail line. Today, the reserve offers not only a window into deep geological time but also a layered cultural and historical story that adds depth to every walk through the landscape.
Looking for more walks in or near The Rock Nature Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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