Image: Barbara Webster, NSW Government
Why this Hike
This hike through the beautiful New England National park takes you along the Bellinger River and at times through it! The views are good in clear weather but suffer greatly when it turns for the worst but still provides for some nice sights of the water, if you have the experience then certainly consider giving this walk a go as a long-weekend adventure.
Track Notes & Overview
3 Days, 2 Nights – 34KM
Day One – Robinsons Knob Carpark to Sunday Creek (14.5KM)
Starting at the carpark near Thunutti Campground this hike follows Robinson Knob Firetrail before meeting the junction with Wrights Lookout Trail (a 1KM side trip), continue along the Firetrail as it starts to descend at an ever steeper pace. As this track descends it also becomes more and more unmaintained with plant life slowly overtaking the trail and fallen trees litter the track, avoid turning off onto other side tracks as you head towards Sunday creek only a few kilometres further. Once at the campsite for the night you can pitch your tent and get ready for the following day.
Day Two – Sunday Creek to Woods Creek Camp (11.5KM)
Setting off from Sunday Creek the going will start to get real tough walking through the creek bed with no marked track. It is advised that you walk through the creek over trying to navigate the banks as the foliage is quite dense along the edges of the creek and many stinging plants are sitting there waiting to give you a nasty surprised. After crossing areas that depending on rainfall can be as high as chest height you should reach Bellinger River, carrying on a few hundred metres past this area you should reach a poorly maintained trail which you will follow past Scraggy Creek Campground, past here you will continue along the track for about 6 kilometres until seeing the abandoned farm houses where the nearby beach like riverside camping area can make for a good place to pitch your tent, this can be found near Witch Flat and after the bend in the river.
Day Three – Woods Creek Camp to Darkwood Road (8KM)
On the final day of hiking should be one of the simplest days with an easy to follow track followed by a quite deep river crossing across Dardenelles crossing near the lonesome pier. Past this point it should not be long until you reach the end of your hike at Darkwood road near cool creek where you can drive home if you left a car nearby or wait to be picked up by friends or family. Alternatively you can arrange for a shuttle from Bellingen Canoe Adventures, call to make a booking.
*Please note that this walk is only for experienced walkers, with unmarked trails, little reception and no facilities this walk is by no stretch of the imagination an easy walk.
Food for a Multi-Day Walk
Creating a menu for a hike can seem challenging at first especially if it is an multi-day hike. Your menu should be nutritious, delicious and lightweight which can limit some of the meals you can create.
Our recipe hub includes great suggestions for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and even dessert, covering all the ingredients you will need and how to make them.
