Trail Fast Facts
Wallingat Forest drive is a 25km, grade 4 hike in Wallingat National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 7 hours to complete.
Warning
This hike is classified as Grade 4 (Hard) primarily due to its distance exceeding 20km. The terrain itself is relatively easy and suitable for most abilities. However, the long distance requires a good level of fitness and preparation. Feel free to turn back at any point for a shorter adventure.
Hike Overview
Prepare to see all Wallingat National Park has to offer in one easy drive. The 25km loop that is Wallingat Forest drive takes you through the thick forest, the snow-white trunks of gum trees towering over you, and underneath the vast leaves of the cabbage palm shading the road. The route takes in all the major sites of the park, including Wallingat River picnic area, where you can stop for a swim. Be sure to bring an esky full of sandwiches and barbecue essentials so you can relax at Sugar Creek picnic area.
You'll see birds swooping low throughout the drive, wallabies bounding across your path, and maybe even a goanna basking in the sun - so be sure to drive with care. This is an unsealed road, so plan your trip well - wet weather makes it unsuitable for 2WD vehicles. If you're feeling energetic, you can go mountain biking or horse riding along the circuit. Any way you enjoy this route, take your time, relax and enjoy.
Track Grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Tips
This is a narrow road, two-way, and shared by cars, bikes, hikers and horse-riders, so caution is urged on this route.
The road network contains a number of timber bridges, some of which have limited load carrying capacity. The main bridge over Boggy Creek on Sugar Creek Road has a load limit of 3 tonnes.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Map and GPX file
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Trailhead
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Getting there
To Sugar Creek Road. On entering Wallingat National Park, start at either Sugar Creek Road or Thomas Road. Park entry points Sugar Creek Road See on map Thomas Road See on map Parking Parking is available at the picnic areas and campgrounds on the drive. Parking on campgrounds is for campers only.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Wallingat National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Weather
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.