by Janelle (
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I like to participate in life rather than be a spectator. Music, dancing, theatre, travelling, food, cycling and walking are some of my passions. Writing is an enjoyable pastime that allows me to share my experiences.
Information at the carpark (image JW)
Travel about 34 kilometres north of Tenterfield, near the NSW/QLD border to
Bald Rock National Park, where you can conquer the summit of the largest granite monolith in Australia. Bald Rock is almost 1300 metres above sea level and on a clear day, you are rewarded with panoramic views.
Ascend the rock face (image JW)
The
Bald Rock summit walking track is a 3.2km loop that will take 1-2 hrs to complete and is for the most part well marked and easy to follow.
Decision time (image JW)
The summit can be reached via the easier and longer (3.9km) Bungoona track or via the hard, steep but shorter Rockface climb or as we did up one way back the other.
The hard way up but quick way down (image JW)
If you choose to ascend the rockface, a sturdy stick is a good aid for balance when you stop for a breather to take in the views. Make sure you follow the path of the white dots and avoid the mossy, slippery sections that abound after rain.
A picturesque walk (image JW)
The scenery is amazing, so make sure you take your time to enjoy it and take plenty of photographs. Although open all year round, it is best to avoid the heat of the day and clearer skies abound in winter and autumn. Make sure you take some snacks and more water than you think you will need and wear sunscreen, a hat and sturdy shoes. Sunglasses, binoculars and a camera would also be handy.
The colourful face of Bald Rock (image JW)
The prominent boundary position of Bald Rock, between the lands of the Jukambal, Bundjalung and Kamilaroi peoples, made it a perfect neutral meeting and trading ground of the local Aboriginal nations.
A natural archway (image JW)
It is definitely worthwhile going one way and back the other to see the different landscapes as you wander past huge boulders and tors and through natural arches and bushland.
Fire damage (image JW)
The devastating bushfires of 2019/2020 had a great impact on the area with some areas of the National Park still inaccessible but it is heartening to see new growth on the trees and greenery amongst the blackened stumps of rock lilies.
The bush is recovering (image JW)
