Slingsbys trail and Syndicate Ridge track is a 15km, grade 5 hike located in Dorrigo National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 7 hours to complete.
Hike overview
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.
Route and GPX file
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Trail location
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Getting there
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.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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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.