Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the mesmerising beauty of Wallingat National Park on a 25km circuit hike. This Grade 4 trail takes you through lush forests, past towering gum trees, and offers plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. Take a refreshing dip at Wallingat River picnic area and savour a barbecue at Sugar Creek picnic area. Located near the town, the trail is best suited for adventurous hikers and bushwalkers. Remember to pack your essentials and drive carefully on unsealed roads, especially during wet weather.

Length:

25km

Duration:

7 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: 2851 The Lakes Way

End: Wamwarra Creek

Wallingat National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Bungwahl

From state capital: 269km

Latitude: -32.374425227887926

Longitude: 152.4594748020172

Overview

Map

Gallery

Similar

Region

Weather

4,773 views

Important info

This hike is classified as Grade 4 (Hard) primarily due to its distance exceeding 20km. The terrain itself is relatively easy and suitable for most abilities. However, the long distance requires a good level of fitness and preparation. Feel free to turn back at any point for a shorter adventure.

Hike overview

Prepare to see all Wallingat National Park has to offer in one easy drive. The 25km loop that is Wallingat Forest drive takes you through the thick forest, the snow-white trunks of gum trees towering over you, and underneath the vast leaves of the cabbage palm shading the road. The route takes in all the major sites of the park, including Wallingat River picnic area, where you can stop for a swim. Be sure to bring an esky full of sandwiches and barbecue essentials so you can relax at Sugar Creek picnic area.
You'll see birds swooping low throughout the drive, wallabies bounding across your path, and maybe even a goanna basking in the sun - so be sure to drive with care. This is an unsealed road, so plan your trip well - wet weather makes it unsuitable for 2WD vehicles. If you're feeling energetic, you can go mountain biking or horse riding along the circuit. Any way you enjoy this route, take your time, relax and enjoy.

Tips

This is a narrow road, two-way, and shared by cars, bikes, hikers and horse-riders, so caution is urged on this route.
The road network contains a number of timber bridges, some of which have limited load carrying capacity. The main bridge over Boggy Creek on Sugar Creek Road has a load limit of 3 tonnes.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch

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.

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Wallingat Forest Drive Hike (25km)

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 >>

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: Wallingat National Park.

To Sugar Creek Road. On entering Wallingat National Park, start at either Sugar Creek Road or Thomas Road. Park entry points Sugar Creek Road See on map Thomas Road See on map Parking Parking is available at the picnic areas and campgrounds on the drive. Parking on campgrounds is for campers only.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

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: Forster, Gloucester, Hallidays Point, Nabiac, Old Bar, Pacific Palms, Seal Rocks, Smiths Lake, Taree, Tuncurry, Wingham

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 Wallingat National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

Reviews
Wallingat Forest Drive Hike (25km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

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: