Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience a breathtaking 3.2km journey along the Mares Forest Creek walking track, boasting a Grade 4 (Hard) rating. Situated near Wombeyan, this return-style trail will lead you to the self-explorable Tinted Cave and offer ample opportunities for birdwatching, swimming, and spotting native wildlife. Don't forget your camera, binoculars, and swimmers to fully enjoy this exceptional Australian bushwalk.

Length:

3.2km

Duration:

1.25 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Jct Ridge Access

End: Jct Ridge Access

Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve

New South Wales

Nearby town: Wombeyan Caves

From state capital: 180km

Latitude: -34.30850245

Longitude: 149.9692505

Overview

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Hike overview

Be in awe of the striking landscape as you take an easy hike along Mares Forest Creek walking track. After around 1.6km and about 45 minutes, you'll arrive at Tinted Cave, the only cave in Wombeyan you can explore yourself. Bring a picnic and take a break by the creek. You might also want to bring your swimmers, since there are some deep pools of water alongside some shallower areas that are suitable for smaller kids. Don't forget your camera either, because you'll want to remember this remarkable landscape when you get back home. Birdlife is abundant in the kurrajong trees and yellow box gums, so be sure to bring your binoculars too if birdwatching is of interest. During summer, you may see lizards sunning themselves on rocks, and kangaroos, wallabies and wombats are often spotted close to nightfall.

Tips

It's a good idea to bring a torch to see Tinted Cave and binoculars if you want to go bird watching.
Take care in the water if you're swimming in the creek, and please supervise children at all times.
Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it's a good idea to bring your own.
There is limited/no mobile reception in this park.

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
Mares Forest Creek Walking Track (3.2km)

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve.

To Wombeyan Caves carpark. Mares Forest Creek walking track begins near the visitor centre at Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve. Park entry points Wombeyan Caves carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve Visitor Centre, a short walk away.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Berrima, Bowral, Bundanoon, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Wombeyan, Wombeyan Caves

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

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
Mares Forest Creek Walking Track (3.2km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Mares forest creek walking track (3. 2km)

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
Mares Forest Creek Walking Track (3.2km)