Wollemi Wilderness Trail

This Ride is Hosted byKyell Linc

A huge thanks to Kyle Linc @mynameiskyell & Timmy Doman @timmyd36 for submitting this fantastic bikepacking route to us!
They have also set up a fantastic Facebook page in order to help with any questions and promote the route that they are obviously extremely passionate about sharing. Over to the boys:

We would like to acknowledge and show respect to the Awabakal, Darkinung, Dharug people, the traditional custodians of the area in which this ride takes place, and pay respect to their ongoing presence in the area.

This 423k loop is best completed over 5+ days, as it traverses very remote and potentially challenging terrain. It is crucial to stock up on supplies and prepare accordingly for the journey.

Route: Timmy Doman // Pictures: Nathan North, Timmy Doman, Kyle Linc

For trail notes and a brilliant write up from Kyell, check out the “notes and options tab” or the Facebook page.

Terms of use: Cycle this route at your own risk. Check local weather, conditions and closures before departure. Adhere to land use rules, carry provisions, safety gear and respect the trail. This information is intended to be used as a planning resource; accuracy is not guaranteed. BIKEROUTES.com.au are not liable for any incidents during or following this route.

Starting in Morisset, NSW, this route forms a loop that takes you through the best dirt roads in several stunning natural areas.

The journey begins in Watagan National Park, where you can explore the remarkable engraving sites showcasing over 100 abstract motifs created by the Awabakal and Darkinjung People. The park also boasts remnants of old sawmills and log chutes, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich settlement history. Its lush forests are home to diverse plant life, including majestic gum and blackbutt trees, brush cherry, climbing vines, and vibrant flowering banksias, happy wanderers, and wattle trees.

Make a stop in Laguna, NSW, at the Organic Shop and Trading Post Cafe to treat yourself to outstanding coffee and delectable food. This oasis serves as your final opportunity to resupply with food for the next 165 kilometres of remote and potentially challenging terrain. Stock up and prepare accordingly.

Next, venture into the expansive Yengo National Park, a significant component of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property. Encompassing a staggering one million hectares, this park boasts more than 90 different eucalypt species. Immerse yourself in the park’s deep cultural and spiritual significance, evident in the 640 recorded Aboriginal cultural sites and ancient rock engravings. Encounter a diverse array of wildlife, from wombats and wallaroos to koalas and gliding possums. The park’s rich birdlife, including iconic cockatoos and elusive rock-wallabies, paints a vibrant portrait of nature’s wonders.

Don’t miss the incredible view of Mount Yengo at the Trig before enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep at Finchley Campground. Note that there are toilets but no water tank; the next reliable water source is 35 potentially slow kilometres further on at Howes Valley Fire Station. This spot is 2 km off the route but a lovely spot for lunch.

Continuing your adventure, ride up through Wollemi Flora Reserve, adjacent to Yengo and Wollemi National Parks. This extensive reserve supports a myriad of wildlife species and forms a crucial habitat corridor. From threatened reptiles like Rosenberg’s goanna to yellow-bellied gliders, glossy-black cockatoos, and giant burrowing frogs, the reserve showcases rich biodiversity. Its proximity to the Wollemi Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in NSW, further emphasizes its conservation importance. Camp at the remote Sheepskin Hut campground, deep in the picturesque Putty Valley. While there is a water tank, availability depends on rainfall.

From Sheepskin Hut, ride 70 kilometres to Grey Gum Café, another oasis in Putty. This licensed café offers a range of cold beers or a glass of wine from their Hunter Valley selection. Indulge in a meal and take advantage of the available camping facilities.

Continue your journey for 60 kilometres to reach Heart Break Hill campground, following the Womerah Range trail. This challenging hiking and mountain biking route provide scenic views through the dramatic sandstone landscape of Parr State Conservation Area. The area’s unique mix of plant species adds to its allure, with vegetation ranging from open woodlands to heathlands and sedgelands. Take note of the historical significance as you pass remnants of early European transport routes, showcasing the region’s colonial past. The campground offers toilets and a water tank.

The next resupply point is Wiseman’s Ferry, 25 kilometres from Heart Break Hill Campground.

As you venture further and enter Dharug National Park, home to the awe-inspiring Old Great North Road, this convict-built road stands as a testament to the region’s historical significance and connects Sydney to the Hunter Valley. Marvel at the diverse landscapes, from rugged bushland teeming with unique bird species to glistening waterways and captivating sandstone formations. Dharug National Park holds cultural importance for the Dharug Aboriginal people, with its thriving flora and fauna playing an integral role in their traditional practices and stories.

Finally, your journey culminates in Jilliby State Conservation Area, an enchanting wonderland with a rich diversity of plant species and native vegetation. Encounter towering eucalypt forests, pockets of paperbark palm forests, and sections of rainforest as you explore this area. Reflect on the immense cultural and historical value it holds for the Aboriginal people, evident in the numerous recorded sites and artifacts. Jilliby’s proximity to the Watagan Range facilitated the early colonial timber trade, contributing to the region’s development and growth.

Enjoy the harmonious blend of nature, history, and culture as you complete this captivating loop, immersing yourself in the wonders of the New South Wales wilderness.