Bald Rock National Park
CLOSURE NOTIFICATION: Bald Rock will be closed from 6pm Tuesday 23 May through to Thursday 25 May 6am.
With unparalleled views, undulating and ever-changing terrains, grounding nature walks, and rock formations that will transport you back to the Triassic period, Bald Rock National Park is a natural wonder like no other.
Located 30km from Tenterfield on the New South Wales and Queensland border, Bald Rock National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife (including the rare spotted tailed quoll), native plants and wildflowers. Its most famous resident, however, is the mighty Bald Rock, which rises above the horizon at almost 1300 metres above sea level.
As the largest granite monolith in the Southern Hemisphere, Bald Rock towers 260m above the surrounding bushland, providing a 750m long by 500m wide space to explore. Here, climbers will feel like they’re on top of the world!
Wildflowers and wattle trees bloom from July and the vibrant colours of the rock lilies (appearing late Spring), boronia and banksia are a sight to behold against the deep greens of the native trees and greys and oranges of Bald Rock.
While away the hours at the picnic spot at the base of the rock, where you can enjoy a BBQ, a bite to eat, and a quiet moment to centre yourself and take in the surrounds. There are plenty of shaded spots to escape the summer sun and bush camping is available for those who simply cannot just spend one day in this magical location.
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.
ACCESSING BALD ROCK NATIONAL PARK
The entrance to the park, and access to all walking tracks, is via Mount Lindesay Road, 29km north east of Tenterfield. A sealed access road of 5km runs from the Mt Lindesay Road to the picnic and camping areas north of the rock. Tables, cooking galley, pit toilets, fire pits, gas BBQs and tank water are located on site.
BALD ROCK NATIONAL PARK WALKING TRAILS
Bald Rock National Park offers a range of walking and cycling trails that will take you through the park, and past the wattles and wildflowers, and the towering eucalyptus, mountain gum and New England blackbutt trees.
Bald Rock Summit Walking Track
Distance: 3.2 km loop
Time suggested: 1 to 2 hours
Bald Rock Summit walking track takes bushwalkers to the top of Bald Rock, traversing tranquil bushland to reach the summit. Starting from Bald Rock picnic area, this walking track offer two routes – Bungoona walk and Rockface walk. Bungoona walk is a medium difficulty gravel track that gradually climbs through granite boulders and tors to the summit of Bald Rock. The Rockface walk is more difficult, and as the name suggests, steeply climbs the rockface of Bald Rock. Follow white dots defining the best route to the summit. At the top, you will be greeted by a collection of granite archways, scattered boulders, ravines, and a group of enormous smooth granite stones, known as the Granite Titans, which balance across one another in the most magical way. Enjoy 360 degree views of the granite studded landscape and, to the north east, the volcanic plugs of the McPherson Range and the Upper Clarence.
The best views from the summit are seen in autumn and winter, when the air is fresh and the light crisp. At dusk, the water-stained rock face changes hue from orange to yellow beneath your feet as the sun sets.
Little Bald Rock Walking Track
Distance: 6.5km return
Time suggested: 3 to 4 hours
The Little Bald Rock walking track rewards you with scenic views across New South Wales and Queensland. This 6.5km return walk climbs to the top of the granite dome, where you will witness superb scenic views and can look across to Queensland’s Girraween National Park. The walking track heads along the base of Bald Rock, taking in forests of mountain gum and granite swellings. Boronias and banksias sprinkle the trail as you pass geckos and skinks quietly sunning themselves in various rock crevices. You may even find yourself being accompanied on your walk by families of curious kangaroos!
Border Walk
Distance: 13km loop
Time suggested: 5 to 6 hours
Beginning at the northern end of the Bald Rock picnic area and heading north, you’ll be rewarded with views from the lookout over Bald Rock. The walk passes through creeks and swampland, rising above striking woodlands. When you reach the northern extent of the walk, take time to rest at the viewing site that offers a majestic profile of Bald Rock. If you walk quietly at dawn or dusk you may see grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and swamp wallabies.
Visit the National Parks page for more walking, hiking and cycling trails available in Tenterfield Shire.
PARK ENTRY FEE
$8 per vehicle per day. The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring the correct change and fill in the envelope when you arrive in the park.
