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 feeling up 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 OK! 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.
When you make your way along the Bungoona Walk, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the bird songs being broadcast by some of the park’s feathered residents. Some of them are very tiny, so you might have to sit and listen for a while if you want to spot them. If you’re lucky enough, you might even spot some local wallabies hopping by.
There are so many giant boulders throughout the walk (whichever route you choose) to marvel at, adding to the excitement of your adventure.
If you want to extend your adventure, you might consider staying overnight at the campground. If so, you’ll need to book online in advance. You’ll find all of the information and booking link here.
So if you’re looking for a memorable adventure on your next visit to Tenterfield – put this place at the top of your list. We promise you it won’t disappoint!
Remember to take drinking water and some snacks (chances are you’ll feel a bit peckish afterwards) and to make sure you wear sunscreen and a hat. On a really sunny day, sunglasses also come in handy, particularly when you’re casting your eyes out to the horizon from the top.
After your Bald Rock visit, drop into the Tenterfield Visitor Information Centre and ask us for a Bald Rock Climbing Certificate as a keepsake of your experience.
Social butterflies: We always love to see and hear about your experiences in our wonderful region so please be sure to tag us on Facebook or Instagram @VisitTenterfield and use #TenterfieldTrue to help us find and share your content.
Interested in reading more about Tenterfield’s National Parks? Click here.
