A trip to Tenterfield isn’t quite complete without a visit to Bald Rock National Park!
And if you’re feeling up for a vertically inclined challenge, the Bald Rock Summit Walk up the rockface of the largest granite monolith in the southern hemisphere will get your heart pumping and leave you feeling on top of the world.
The park is easily accessible via Mt Lindesay Road, about 30km north of Tenterfield. Upon arrival, you’ll find a carpark area, picnic tables and toilets – all close by to the start of the walking tracks.
Bushfire tore through Bald Rock National Park in 2019 and destroyed most of the vegetation, but it’s a particularly beautiful time to visit the park during its regeneration. It also means you can now see parts of the park and granite outcrops that you previously wouldn’t have been able to.
There are two ways you can reach the summit – either straight up the rockface or via the picturesque Bungoona Walk.
If you’re in the mood for a good leg stretch, we recommend walking straight up the rockface (follow the white dots on the ground). Depending on your fitness level, you may need to have a breather along the way and that’s totally okay! Take your time, as what awaits you is completely worth it. The mighty Bald Rock rises dramatically from the horizon at almost 1300 metres above sea level.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent 360° views (fingers crossed for a blue-sky day) and endless photo opportunities.
It’s important to note that for many thousands of years Bald Rock served as neutral ground for the three Aboriginal nations of the region: the Jukembal, Bundjalung and Kamilaroi. Bald Rock was considered a boundary by the nations, so meetings and trade could occur on the site without each nation having to journey through the other territories.
Trail notes:
The return walk covers 2.7km, starting from Bald Rock campground and picnic area. While the first 340m of the track is bitumen and suitable for those with limited mobility the majority of the trail is a scramble up rockface. You will find white dots marking the best route to the summit.
Please exercise caution when you’re descending the rockface. Bungoona walk, which also ends at the summit of Bald Rock can be accessed at as a longer but less demanding way back to the start.
Trailhead