Why this Hike

This beautiful walk near the far north corner of New South Wales retraces the steps of European explorers looking for Australia’s ‘lost’ inland sea and shows off native wildlife such as kangaroos and Grey Falcons. The lake is often dry allowing you to spend part of the walk trekking along the dry base of water before arriving at Sturts Tree, named after these explorers.

Track Notes & Overview

Starting at Fort Grey Campground’s east end, the track starts by following Wells Loop out towards Old Fort Grey Homestead before passing by the red dunes and local wildlife that are a cornerstone of this area. Continuing along the track as you get closer to lake Pinaroo you should reach the turn off along the 3 kilometre dry lake return walk to Sturts Tree where the European explorers once went searching for Australia’s lost inland sea. Once you are done at the tree, return to Wells Loop and keep following the track until arriving back at the Campground.

*Please note that on rare occasions the lake can fill to the point where the return walk to Sturts Tree is not possible, make sure that you only complete the 4KM Wells Loop if this rare event has happened.

Packing for a Day Hike

Food for a Day Hike

Leave No Trace

A Hikers Friend fully endorses the 7 principles of ‘leave no trace’ hiking which aim to protect our natural spaces and encourages you to apply them on your next adventure.

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