Wrights Lookout Walking Track take you on a steep and scrambling ascend to a rocky plateau covered with heath and with amazing views all around.
The trail is 3.8 Km return, including Robinson Knob. On its own, the trail to the lookout is 1.2km return. The hike is classified as Grade 4 because of the steepness and the scrambling over a rocky and uneven terrain.
Views from Wrights Lookout.
The trail starts at
Thungutti campground which is off Point Lookout Road in New England National Park. Walk on Robinsons Knob and when you arrive at the intersections of the trails take Wrights Lookout. It is possible to reach the starting point of Wrights Lookout by walking on Lyrebird Trail starting north on Point Lookout and Banksia Point.
The sign board with all the information at the beginning of Robinsons Knob.
The trail runs on a rocky section with lots of vegetation.
, commonly known as Fuchsia Heath, Native Fuchsia, Scarlet Epacris or Cigarette Flower, is a member of the heath family.
Epacris longiflora is a shrub with very attractive pendulous flowers which are a tubular shape, fuchsia colour and white near the tip. Flowers make a stunning display when there are masses of them. Leaves are small and acuminate.
The beautiful flowers made this plant very popular since early 19th century when it was also exported to Europe as an ornamental plant.
Epacris longiflora, commonly known as Fuchsia Heath, is a shrub of New South Wales. It adds a note of colour along the trail.
The rocky top is a remaining part of the ancient Ebor Volcano. On a clear day in the east, you can see the towns on the coast and the ocean. Have a break on the top and admire the great views and the rare plants forming the heath.
The breathtaking views from Wrights Lookout.
Enjoying all the 360 degrees views.
The vegetation of Wrights Lookout includes rare and endangered plants. Stay on the trail all the time to avoid walking on the vegetation.
There is just a thin layer of soil and the winds are very strong at the top and trees can't grow in these conditions. Only the heath community with low shrubs can survive in harsh conditions. In spring the shrubs are covered in stunning flowers.
The plateau is made up of ancient rock with a thin layer of soil where shrubs can spread their roots.
On the east side it is possible to see the coast and the ocean.
It is possible to see the side where the Lyrebird trail runs on the side of the mountain.
Wrights Lookout is an excellent place for viewing sunrises and sunsets. Bring a blanket, some food, a hot drink and warm clothes.
A great place for sunrises and sunsets.
Then descend the top from the same trail and when you arrive at the junctions with all the other trails, turn on Robinsons Knob.
The sign at the junctions at the end of Robinson Knob.
With a few members of the group Hiking South East Qld and More I climbed Wrights Lookout in one afternoon at the end of April. It was cloudy but then the sun decided to come out, leaving a trail of spectacular clouds. It was a bit cold and a little bit windy.
We started the hike at Thungutti campground and after walking Robinson Knob we arrived at the junction and start to walk up Wrights Lookout Trail.
We all enjoined the views and learn about the heath community. There were many shrubs at the top but no flowers, probably being autumn. Then we descended from the summit and returned to Thungutti campground.
The sign along Point Lookout Road pointing to the starts of the trails.
Wear long trousers and shirt with long sleeves, very recommended hiking ankle supportive boots.
Bring a medium day backpack with lots of water, especially if it's a hot day, 2.0 litres of water and snacks. During summer you can bring electrolytes to dissolve in water to compensate for the loss through perspiration.
You may consider packing sandwiches, fresh fruit, dry fruit, energy bars and small meals. You can bring a thermos with a hot drink to have it on the top.
For a day hike a backpack should be a 20-25 litres capacity. Only carry with you essential gear, your backpack should be as light as possible.
First Aid Kit must be packed: you can buy one or make one yourself with all the essential items. Pack specific bandages for snakebites elasticised roller bandages that are 10-15cm wide, painkillers, band aids, disinfectants, tweezers, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, Bushman Cream insects repellent, scissors; dressing and blister pack; hydrolytes; tissues; chapstick.
Smartphone and power bank can be a great help when hiking. Phone can be used to dial emergency numbers, download apps useful for hiking. The power bank is useful when your phone runs out of energy.
Raincoat is good just in case of a shower, it can be worn as a windbreaker or for extra warm.
Hat and sunglasses especially if you hike in sunny trails.
Gloves are good when scrambling and for extra protection.
Insect repellent, give preference to cream or roll on that are more environmentally friendly than the spray.
Important.
Practice minimal impact bushwalking taking great care to avoid leaving any rubbish. Remember—pack it in, pack it out. This includes all food scraps, foil and sweet's wrappers.
Take all your rubbish with you, including used tissues, apple cores, egg shells, orange and banana peels. If you see rubbish on the trail please collect it and dispose of it responsibly.
Do not disturb or interfere with wildlife. Do not disturb rocks. Do not remove plants or anything from National Parks or Natural Reserves. Stay on tracks all the time. Do not use shortcuts that could create erosion.
Please follow directions on all safety and legislative signs, this protects you and the numerous threatened and endangered species in the park.
Use toilets when available. Away from toilets, take care with sanitation and hygiene and don't pollute natural water supplies. Ensure all faecal matter and toilet paper is properly buried 15cm deep well away from tracks, camp sites and 100m from all watercourses and drainage channels. Carry with you a small trowel for this purpose. Bag and carry out disposable nappies and sanitary products.
Make sure your boots are always clean, avoid the spread of pathogens, disease producing organisms.
Walk with family, friends or in a group. Never alone!
The days prior to the hike make sure to check the weather and the national park websites.
www.bom.gov.au
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/new-england-national-park
Directions for Thungutti Campground.
Address is Tea Tree Falls Walk, Ebor NSW 2453.
From Coffs Harbour is 2 hours, 134 km west. Follow the scenic Waterfall Way and then turn left into Point Lookout Road.
Reference
www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/trainees-2018/epacris-longiflora.html
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/new-england-national-park
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