Walk among giant boulders on this glorious walk, surrounded by superb vegetation and an abundance of birds.
Image from NSW National Parks website
There are a few walk options from the Barokee campground achievable with moderate fitness levels and taking just a few hours.
Cathedral Rock National Park
The Cathedral Rock Loop Walk is a gentle Grade 4 walk through the subalpine woodland taking in giant marble like rocks. You may have to step over fallen trees after a storm, but this adds to the experience and connection with nature. Allow up to 3 hours for the whole loop and more time for the 500m rock climb to the summit. This is a Grade 5 climb, scrambling over boulders and straddling crevices before a chain takes you to the summit. There you can survey a wonderful vista across the New England Tablelands, including nearby Round Mountain.
Giant boulders
From the Barokee campground, take a 9km walk to the Native Dog Creek Camping area with the added option of the Warrigal Track. These an easy 1km walk, taking you through woodland and gigantic boulders. The park can also be accessed from the Native Dog Creek Camping Area.
The park is a real natural experience with the road access, meaning it unlikely to attracting bus groups or hordes of trekkers. I had the whole park to myself on my Saturday excursion in mid-March.
Barokee Camping area
Barokee Camping area is a compact site with the basics of a bush toilet, picnic tables and a fire pit.
Cathedral Rock National Park is a short drive from Armidale along the Waterfall Way. The main starting point is Barokee campground that is reached by a track off the main road. It is suitable for most vehicles, although there will be some muddy patches after rain, so a 4WD is needed or take a slow drive.
For more information go to the
NSW National Parks website.
