Where

Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve in Country NSW

Distance

8.5km return

Time suggested

3 - 5hrs

Grade

Grade 3

What to
bring

Drinking water, hat, sunscreen

Please note

• Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
• You'll need to bring your own drinking water
• Sections of this reserve are isolated, so please ensure you’re well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family or friend of your travel plans.
• There is limited mobile reception in this park

Hiking Castle Rocks walk has its rewards. Not only will you be breathing in the fresh air of Munghorn Gap and getting fit, but superb scenic views await you when you reach the end. From the lookout, you’ll see some of the amazing sandstone pagoda features found throughout the park.

As you follow this walking route, you’ll notice that the eucalypt and native pine bushland around you is teeming with birdlife. See how many different types you can spot while birdwatching during your hike. Also, remember to look carefully in the trees and on the ground for signs of nests, which are as varied as the birds themselves. Some even live in tree trunks, in the hole left behind when an old branch drops off.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Maps and downloads

Learn more

Back and forth

After Europeans settled in the region, Munghorn Gap became a route for horse and bullock teams connecting Wollar, Merriwa and Mudgee. Evidence of past blacksmithing, timber-cutting, peat and coal mining, prospecting, and quarrying can still be found in and around the reserve.

Birds of a feather

As far as birdwatchers are concerned, Munghorn Gap is a happening place to go twitching. Over 164 different species of birds inhabit the reserve either permanently or seasonally, and many of these are rare and uncommon. They come in all shapes and sizes, from Australia's tallest bird, the emu, to the country's smallest, the 8-9cm weebill. Many are brightly coloured, such as rare scarlet honeyeaters and flame robins, while others like jackie winters and tree martins are more subdued in appearance. Bowerbirds and lyrebirds can be seen in Munghorn Gap along with national favourites like kookaburras, magpies and galahs. Birds of prey include wedge-tailed eagles, whistling kites, collared sparrowhawks, peregrine falcons and brown goshawks. After dark the boobook and owls - powerful, barking, and barn -take over for the nightly hunt.

Let's get physical

Great Dividing Range stretches the length of Eastern Australia and creates an interface between the western plains and the mountains. Munghorn Gap is one of the lowest points of the range and lies on the extreme western edge of the Sydney-Bowen geological basin. Parts of the reserve drain into Cudgegong River and, in turn, the Macquarie River system.

Trading places

Munghorn Gap has been inhabited by Aboriginal people for over 12,000 years. Once a major trading route between the Blue Mountains and the plains, Munghorn Gap continues to be a significant place to local Wiradjuri people.