Mount Kaputar

Far from the major tourist route of the east coast, Mount Kaputar is, for most, a place they never knew existed. For those who find this lesser-known region, astounding outback views are the reward — leaving all who get to this majestic region spellbound.

The ranges of Mount Kaputar are the remains of an ancient shield volcano, which once rose to over 2000 metres above sea level. Over millions of years, erosion has washed away much of the uplift — leaving epic escarpments, rocky outcrops and ranges in its place today.

One of the best things about Mount Kaputar is that most of the incredible sights within the national park are highly accessible. From sweeping lookouts to captivating short walks, most designated trails are within reach of all ages and abilities.

There are two campgrounds at the top of Mount Kaputar, and with great facilities, the bush camping here is excellent, with low crowds assured in the off-peak season. Bark Hut and Dawsons Spring are close to all attractions of the mountain and are highly rated by visitors. There are also fantastic cabins adjoining the mountain campgrounds which are run by NSW National Parks, so this is another option to consider.

Unfortunately, caravans are not permitted up the narrow road leading to Mount Kaputar. However, the nearby town of Narrabri is only one hour away, so day-tripping up to the peaks is easily achievable. You’ll also find a range of rented accommodation options within Narrabri. It’s much cooler at night up in the mountains — particularly in winter (with snow on the odd occasion), so sleeping down on the flat plains isn’t so bad.

The following list of free things to see and do within Mount Kaputar National Park is a pleasure to experience. If you have the time and the means to get here, be sure to consider this epic destination as it is highly underrated.

Of all the lookouts at Mount Kaputar, Doug Sky is easily the best bang-for-buck lookout within the park. Situated right by the roadside, getting to this astounding vista couldn’t be simpler, with its viewing platform located moments away from its carpark.

Imagine an island out at sea, surrounded by nothing but a flat expanse of water stretching to the horizon in all directions. Now, replace the ocean with a flat and barren plain; this is essentially how it is at Mount Kaputar. Standing at Doug Sky Lookout, you’ll notice how the range abruptly stops — at which point the vast outback plains stretch as far as the eye can see, which on a clear day can be quite a distance.

Sitting centrally within the view, Euglah Rock is a captivating element that adds a sense of outback grandeur to the experience. With clear skies, you may even be able to spot the Warrumbungles Ranges on the distant horizon, which lie almost 200 kilometres away.

As for the name, Doug Hastings Sky was instrumental in building the road to the summit of Mount Kaputar. Without his contribution, this lookout would have been perhaps at the end of a long hike, rather than an easy drive. Indeed, it’s so easy to get to that it makes this a must-see while in the park.

When the thought of a vantage point perched at the very top of a monumental mountain peak is left to the imagination, most would be thinking hiking boots and a hard slog uphill. Fortunately, the lookout which rests on the summit of Mount Kaputar is but a short walk from a carpark, leaving visitors with nothing to do except enjoy the views — and what a vista it is. With an eagle view of some 1500 meters above sea level, it doesn’t get much better than this epic lookout.

With your car only moments away from the viewing platform, the summit of Mount Kaputar makes for a great sunset experience. As the sun dips towards the horizon, light and shade work their magic, putting on a dazzling display across numerous peaks and valleys. With golden hues both in the sky and across the far-reaching plains, it’s an unforgettable sight. Just be sure to have warm clothes on hand, as it can get cool around dusk in this outback environment — even in the warmer months.

Seeing some 20,000 visitors annually, Sawn Rocks is a popular attraction that needs to be witnessed first-hand to be fully appreciated. It formed long ago when a lava flow cooled slowly and evenly, allowing the crystals within the molten rock to align perfectly with each other. The result is what is known as organ piping — which is characterised by hexagonal shapes that are strikingly beautiful. Hexagons are found throughout nature, with the pylons found at Sawn Rocks some of the most impressive examples of organ piping in the country.

Via a short walking trail, visitors to the site will experience another element which adds to the wonder of Sawn Rocks. Upon reaching the site, you could be forgiven for thinking that an old concrete bridge lay in ruin at the base of Sawn Rocks. These are, in fact, huge pylons of rock that have fallen from the rock face—with their geometric sides looking more like disused steps to an ancient palace than boulders.

Sawn Rocks sits on a dry river — where the keen observer will see the hexagonal shapes once more in the surface of the stone riverbed. These formations are said to continue forty metres below the surface. To be sure, there is much to discover at this special site. Overall, if you’ve never seen the curiosity that is organ piping, you’ll be in for a treat here.

A sensational walk in the upper reaches of Mount Kaputar can be found along The Governor walking trail. One of the best features of this walk is the epic views, as the path leads visitors along a north-facing escarpment.

Aptly named, at the end of this walk the huge bulkhead of rock known as The Governor comes into view, which visitors can subsequently climb. Standing atop The Governor is quite an experience with a vista that is uncompromisingly spectacular. With views in nearly all directions stretching as far as the eye can see, it’s yet another quality vantage point that will leave you feeling on top of the world.

There are two stages to this walk. The first is via an easy trail which leads to The Governor Lookout. Standing at this lookout will reward you with stunning north-facing views, with The Governor and the greater Nandewar Ranges creating a breathtaking panoramic vista. For those with kids or mobility constraints, this is a great option.

Continuing along the trail, the final stage involves a walk out to The Governor itself. The walk can be steep in sections and is a bit of a scramble, so appropriate footwear will come in handy. It’s all worth it though at the top, with 360-degree views to enjoy. The Nandewar Ranges come into their own from this vantage point and are a sight that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.

For those seeking a big adventure, Mount Yulludinida is a challenging hike with views that rival the intensity of the trail. The rocky outcrop of Mount Yulludinida affords views in all directions, with a feeling of being on top of the world from its peaks. Reaching the top of Mount Yulludinida is not easy, but is well worth the effort for those who are confident in their abilities.

Getting to the 1225-metre peak is reserved for those who can scramble rock confidently. Starting from the carpark, the first 1.5-kilometre leg of the walk ascends via a trail through woodland and grass trees, with elongated log-steps in constant supply to assist with the uphill climb. The views at the end of this leg are excellent, and for those who would like to see Mount Yulludinida from below, it is an attractive option.

The final leg is a rocky scramble up the mountain face involving the use of your hands at times, with no defined track. Once again, this is for those who are confident explorers. When at the top, the views will more than make up for the hike, with a very narrow rocky outcrop to stand on. At this point, pictures don’t do justice to the sensation, with views in all directions staggering, to say the least. Simply walk as far along the narrow outcrop as you see fit and return the way you came when done. In short, if epic adventure is your thing, this is a sure-fire winner.