7
Challenging
Activities
Accommodation
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts
THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: SOG8096

Trip highlights

  • Indigenous cultural awareness program in Gunguddy with the Wiradjuri people's
  • Undertake a multitude of walks that explore the Warrumbungle National Park's iconic scenery and unique flora and fauna
  • Enjoy stargazing and camping under the stars in Australia's only Dark Sky National Park
  • Summits of Mt Bluff, Mt Exmouth and Belougery Split Rock
  • Join a local indigenous NSW parks ranger to hike into the exquisite Pilliga National park

The name ‘Warrumbungle’ is a Gamilaroi word meaning crooked mountains. Created over millions of years from an extinct shield volcano, the jagged volcanic silhouette of the Warrumbungles rises sharply from eucalypt-dotted ridges amid surrounding plains. Free from artificial light, the Warrumbungle National Park, is Australia's first Dark Sky Park and on clear nights you will encounter the starriest of skies. This is the backdrop of our exclusive summits trek for the students at St Kevin's. On this trip we take in all the Park has to offer including hikes to the summit of Mt Bluff, Mt Exmouth, Belougery Split Rock and famous Breadknife Gap which offer close up views of the park's iconic rock formations. We combine this with indigenous cultural awareness programs in Gunguddy with the Wiradjuri people’s and joining an Indigenous Park Ranger to explore Pilliga National Park.

Activities:

Itinerary

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After all the planning and preparation the wait is finally over. We are met on arrival and transfer straight to Katoomba and our headquarters at the Blue Mountains. We will have a full trip and safety briefing as we have lunch. We will then have time to g to the supermarket to shop for provisions for our trek. We then head West towards Kandos-Rylstone and Ganguddy on the fringes of the Wollemi National Park. Tonight we set up camp near the river for a night under canvas in preperation for our indigenous immersion program tomorrow. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  D

Today we join a local elder and learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. We will learn about the areas enduring and significant indigenous history and the Wiradjuri people’s connection to the land as we embark on a walk through this stunning area on a unique cultural immersion program. We then drive to Warrumbungle National Park and set up our camp at Camp Walaay. Tonight we can join our guide for a star gazing program. Warrumbungle National Park is Australia's only dark sky reserve and one of the best stargazing spots in Australia. Here, the pristine night sky above the volcanic landscape is unimpeded by artificial light, providing jaw-dropping views of the Milky Way, constellations and planets.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we pack up camp and load up our packs as we head to start our trek on the Belougery Split Rock Circuit where we will complete the circuit with day packs. Once complete we wll make our way to Burbie and with our full packs we trek on the Burbie Canyon Track to Burbie campsite where we will set up camp and prepare dinner. Overnight camp

Meals:  B,L

We have great day in store today with our aim to summit Mt Exmouth via Cathedral Arch. This long trek is also an extremely rewarding one and the 360-degree views from Mount Exmouth (1206m) are simply outstanding. Along the way to the summit, you’ll encounter a varied vegetation community, and basalt rock formations that comprise some of the few remaining pieces of the original volcanic shield. Following Mount Exmouth walking track is to walk back in time, experiencing the best that Warrumbungle National Park has to offer. We continue to Ogma Gap Camp to set up our camp for the night. Overnight Camp.

Meals:  Nil

Today we embark on a challenging trek to the rocky summit of Bluff Mountain (1200m). The track is long and steep in parts with some loose rock and rocky scrambles. Once on the summit of Bluff Mountain you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Exmouth, Tonduron Spire and Mount Naman’s thick lava flows. It is the only point in the park where you can enjoy views of Bluff Pyramid and the vast western plains. We descend Bluff Mountain and continue to Grand High Tops ad the Breadknife. Tonight we will stay at Balor Hut campsite. Overnight camp

Meals:  Nil

This morning we wake for breakfast and pack down camp. We depart camp for Macha Tor via the Goulds Circuit. Today''s walk affords us spectacular views of the park. The climb on Macha Tor is up a steep rocky outcrop and offers panoramic views of the Grand High Tops in what must be the very best vantage point in the whole of the Warrumbungles. Today we will have our lunch on the trail. After we complete the trek walking into Pincham car pack we will meet our vehicle for the transfer to Camp Walaay. Overnight camp

Meals:  D

We have breakfast and pack up camp early this morning and depart for Pilliga National Park (approx 1 hour) On arrival we visit Sculptures in the Scrub and meet up with an Indigenous NSW Parks Discovery Ranger for the 3km walking track. Deep in vast Pilliga Forest lies exquisite Dandry Gorge and the magnificent Sculptures in the Scrub. This once secret location of the Aboriginal Gamilaraay People is now an extraordinary place for all to share and view the five unique art pieces which reveal the cultural history of Pilliga. We return to Camp Walaay and trek to Tara Cave (3.4km) to view evidence of Aboriginal occupation with our local Indigenous NSW Parks Discovery Ranger Overnight camp

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we pack up our camp and tailor and head out on the long drive to the Blue Mountains. We stop en-route for lunch before arriving at Katoomba to freshen up and to enjoy our last dinner before departing tomorrow. Overnight YHA Katoomba

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we rise for breakfast before heading to Sydney Airport for your flight to Melbourne

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • Flights ex Melbourne to Sydney return
  • Professional wilderness guide/s
  • All transfers by vehicle through out
  • 8 nights camping
  • Meals as per the itinerary
  • National Park fees
  • Group camping equipment including all cooking and eating equipment
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • Transfers to/from the start of walks within the Warrumbungle National Park

  • Travel insurance
  • Sleeping bag
  • Meals on remote trek days

Suitability

Challenging

7

We believe our walking adventures are heaps of fun, and we want to ensure you have the best experience possible. It’s important to us that you have the fitness and skills to enjoy your time with us so please read on. For our full day bush walking experiences, participants require a good level of fitness and must be willing and able to walk over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. In order to complete this walk you should already have a good level of fitness and ideally undertake regular exercise three or fours times a week. Experience hill walking with a day pack is recommended. Participants will get the most out of their walk if they feel comfortable walking up and down stairs and on uneven ground.

Departure dates


Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed St Kevin's College Warrumbungle Summits Challlenge trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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You may experience a great range of temperatures on any day in the park. In summer it is generally hot in the daytime and temperatures often exceed 30C. In contrast, winter can be very cold and the temperature can drop below freezing at night. Springtime is a lovely time to be in the Park with more moderate weather. In early spring, the wildflowers are in bloom, including a huge variety of golden wattle flowers. Rainfall is also highly variable, ranging from drought to prolonged wet periods. Less rain falls on the western side of the park than on the eastern side. December to February are generally the wettest months and thunderstorms are common in mid to late summer.

Our trips run from April through to October to avoid the heat and rain of summer.

Day time temperatures range as follows throughout the year:

April: 16-23 degrees Celsius

May: 8-18 degrees Celsius

June: 6-14 degrees Celsius

July: 5-13 degrees Celsius

August: 5-16 degrees Celsius

September: 9-20 degrees Celsius

October: 12-24 degrees Celsius

Yes, you will have coverage for most of the trip.

Yes, the kitchen area near the campsite has electricity so you can charge your devices.

Trip reviews

Videos

Stargazing in Warrumbungle National Park

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.