Where

Torrington State Conservation Area in Country NSW

Distance

3km return

Time suggested

1 - 2hrs

Grade

Grade 4

What to
bring

Hat, sunscreen, drinking water

Please note

• The weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable, please ensure you are well prepared for your visit.
• Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.

Meandering through the bush and along the creek, this walk is a fantastic way to get back to nature and experience unique plants and animals of Torrington State Conservation Area.

You’ll begin your walk on the old fire trail to the Oaky Creek. After a bit of rock hopping and a creek crossing the well-defined track takes you through wooded bush scattered with grass trees – strange looking stumpy trees with long blades of grass growing out the top. In spring and summer, look out for rare wildflower species like Beadle’s grevillia with its red and black toothbrush flowers and Torrington wattle.

After approximately 1.5km you’ll arrive at Ugly Corner Falls. Best viewed after rain, they provide a tranquil spot to take in the scenery and peaceful surroundings before you head back the same way.

If you’re ready for a rest after your walk, why not head to the nearby Blatherarm campground and picnic area to enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the creek.

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.