Where

Torrington State Conservation Area in Country NSW

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

2.6km loop

Time suggested

1hr - 1hr 30min

Grade

Grade 3

What to
bring

Hat, sunscreen, drinking water

Please note

This park is in a remote location and weather can be unpredictable, please ensure you are thoroughly prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.

The Mystery Face walking track takes you through open woodland and past remarkable granite rock formations. Awaken your imagination and see what shapes and figures you can see along the way.

The Mystery Face itself will be revealed towards the end of the loop track. Worn over time by erosion or created by humans, we’re not sure, but it serves as a fascinating reminder of the ancient Aboriginal heritage of this area.

As you admire the rock formations, keep a look out for small geckos and lizards which are often found in and around the rocky areas during the summer. In spring and summer, you’ll be treated to colourful wildflowers of purples and yellows which are scattered throughout the bush.

For those interested in birdwatching there is also plenty of birdlife to see along the way. You might be lucky to spot the brown treecreeper or the bright red-breasted flame robin dotted amongst the trees.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Maps and downloads

Learn more

Bush experiences

Take in the dramatic views, magnificent rock formations and stunning wildflowers on the many walking tracks. Set up camp at Blatherarm campground or just spend an afternoon relaxing and picnicking at the various picnic areas. And if you are an experienced bushwalker looking for adventure, why not go exploring by foot into the remote corners in the north.

Fabulous flowers and wonderful wildlife

This area is home to over 750 plant species, including 45 rare or threatened species like the rare Beadle’s grevillia and Torrington wattle. In fact, some plant communities thrive in the sedge-heath swamps and mole granite outcrops and can’t be found anywhere else in the world. From September to March the bush is ablaze with colour for the spectacular wildflower display. The unique climatic conditions make Torrington a haven for Australian wildlife. It’s home to 20 mammal, 135 bird, 29 reptile and 13 frog species, including threatened species like the powerful owl and the tiger quoll. You’ll probably see grey kangaroos and wallabies in the distance, and kookaburras and currawongs in the trees overhead. But if you’re lucky, you might also spot rare birds like the striking turquoise parrot and rare regent honeyeater.

Land of Dreaming

Torrington State Conservation Area is a significant place for the Ngarrabul, Marbul, Bigambul and Jucumbul people. The land and waterways of Torrington, and the plants and animals that live in them, feature in all facets of Aboriginal culture and are associated with dreaming stories told to this day.

Mining heritage

Go back in time to the by-gone era of mining on the Mole Tableland when hopefuls came from as far as England and China to explore the deposits of tin and other minerals. At its peak in the 1920s, Torrington and nearby villages swelled to accommodate around 600 miners, but sharply declined in 1946 when mining virtually stopped. Try your luck fossicking for semi-precious gemstones like beryl, emerald, topaz and quartz.