Cathedral Rock National Park

 

WHAT'S ON THIS PAGE:

 

INTRODUCTION:

The Cathedral Rock National Park is located about 70km east of Armidale. It is reached by either the Armidale-Grafton Road or the Ebor-Guyra Road. This is a park that is well worth a visit.

This national park protects an area that has a number of impressive landforms, including Cathedral Rock and Woolpack Rocks.

 

CATHEDRAL ROCK:

To visit Cathedral Rock itself, you need to travel on the Armidale-Grafton Road. You turn off this road onto a gravel road that leads to the Barokee Rest Area (a further 8km from the turn off).

The Barokee Rest Area is situated near a heathland swamp on the Oaky River. Kangaroos and Wallabies are known to frequent the area. Both camping and picnic areas can be found at Barokee Rest Area.

 

Cathedral Rock Track:

The Cathedral Rock Track (5.8km - 2-3 hours) begins at the Barokee Rest Area. The walk crosses the swampy area and is then continued in a clockwise direction. A 400m trail leads off the track to the summit of Cathedral Rock. There are great views from the top.

 

WOOLPACK ROCKS:

To visit Woolpack Rocks you travel on the Ebor-Guyra Road before turning off onto the road to Native Dog Creek Rest Area. There are both camping and picnic sites at the rest area. For photos of the area, see the photos of the area from the NSW Expedition.

Gallery 1: NSW Expedition

 

Woolpack Rocks Track:

The Woolpack Rocks track is started at the Native Dog Creek Rest Area. It is an easy 7.5km return walk (2-3 hours). A track leads off from the main track to the summit of Woolpack Rocks. It is well worth exploring the area around the summit (a most interesting place). The main track continues to Barokee Rest Area, so return the way you came.

 

Warrigal Track:

The Warrigal Track is an easy 1km circuit (10-20 minutes) through woodland. It is also reached from Native Dog Creek Rest Area.

 

BAROKEE - NATIVE DOG CREEK TRACK:

The Barokee - Native Dog Creek Track is a 10.5km one way walk from either direction. This walk crosses the range in the center of the national park. The trip is completed by returning the same way, or by arranging a ride from the intended rest area destination (either Barokee or Native Dog Creek).

 

CAMPING:

A reasonable camping fee now applies at Cathedral Rock National Park, but no bookings are needed. The fees are about $3.00 a night (2003).

 

Barokee Rest Area:

This camping area has access to water by way of the small stream that passes nearby. It is always wise to boil water gained in such a way for at least 3 minutes before drinking.

The camping area provides tables, fireplaces and toilets.

 

Native Dog Creek Rest Area:

This campsite also provides water by means of a small stream that runs nearby. It is always wise to boil water gained in such a way for at least 3 minutes before drinking.

 

ACCOMMODATION AND RESOURCE LINKS:

  

 

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31/07/2006