Flat Rock to Congewai Valley East Track Head

Download & Print Map and Notes

5 hrs

13.8 km One way

336 m

Hard track

Starting from the grand views of Flat Rock Lookout high on the range, you will walk down into the Congewai Valley below. On the first section of this walk, you will explore a little used dirt road to the Congewai Communication Tower. From here you follow a series of tracks that wind down, steeply in places, through the tall open forest with a scattering of grass trees to the bottom of the range. Now the walk guides you through open farmland before following Congewai Road along main valley to the trackhead near Brown Muir Farm.

GNW signage near the communication tower

Congewai Communications Tower Watagan State Forest

Steps in track east of communications tower

Ancient grass trees in Watagan State Forest

Some dense forest in Watagan State Forest

Sign on track between Congewai Tower and Valley

Walking along the ridge on the western side of Congewai Valley

GNW sign post in Open forest on western side of Congewai Valley

Edge of farm land on the western side of Congewai Valley

Great North Walk sign post in tall wooded forest

Remember to shut the gates as you walk across the farms

Walking across the farm on a sunny morning

Walking through farm land in Congewai Valley

Rainbow from Congewai Valley East trackhead

Looking over the lagoon from Congewai Valley East trackhead

Flat Rock Lookout

Flat Rock Lookout is a natural rock platform that offers magnificent views across the Congewai Valley to the east and north. There are, however, no fences or safety railings at the lookout, so walkers will need to exercise extra caution.

(0km) Flat Rock Lookout → Congewai Communications Tower

4 km

1 hr 25 mins climb

182m

-142m Moderate track

From 'Flat Rock Lookout'[1], this walk follows the trail north west, initially keeping the lookout[2] on your right. The walk continues, undulating gently for about 800m, to find a three-way intersection[3] with 'Langans Road'[4] (on the left). Here, this walk turns right and continues for about 3km (ignoring many side trails) to find a significant and wide intersection[5] with 'Cedar Ridge Road'[6]. The walk veers right to walk along the dirt road for about 40m to find a large 'The Great North Walk' sign pointing back to 'Sydney Cove'[7].

(4km) Congewai Communications Tower Management Trail → Paddock Gate

3 km

1 hr 11 mins climb

71m

-373m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Congewai Valley' arrow on the large 'Great North Walk' sign up hill along the trail, following the ridge line for about 100m to the end of the trail, beisde the Congewai Communication Tower[8]. This walk now follows the track and GNW arrow marker[9], keeping the tower and metal fence on your left. Near the end of the fence, this walk follows the GNW arrow right and steeply downhill[10]. Then the walk continues steeply downhill (rocky[11] and eroded[12] in places) for about 900m, to find a level section[13] of track (where the track[14] bends right). The walk then continues undulating moderately steeply (mostley downhill) for about 1.5km, to find an intersection[15] with a GNW arrow post[16]. The walk then continues, gently uphill for about 150m, across the open farm land to a paddock gate[17] (with a fence[18] on your right).

(7km) Paddock Gate → Int of GNW track AND sealed rd

690 m

13 mins

-48m Hard track

Continue straight: From here, walk through the paddock gate[19], this walk follows the trail gently uphill, while following the fence on your right. The walk continues, undulating gently for about 450m, then crosses a small creek[20]. Then the walk continues for about 60m and crosses a stile[21] at a closed gate[22]. The walk then continues for about 200m until coming to an intersection[23] with a sealed road.

(8km) Int of GNW AND Eglinford La → Lonely Goat Olives

930 m

22 mins

76m

-18m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads steeply uphill following the sealed Eglinford La to the west. The road leads steeply uphill[24] for about 180m to the top of the rise, where the road becomes dirt[25]. Over the next 500m, this walk stays on the dirt road as it leads down across a gully[26] beside farmland to head uphill again to the timber fence[27] and signposted entrance to 'Ffynnon Garw' AND 'Lonely Goat Olives'[28]. Turn left here and follow the driveway[29] for almost 300m to find the large workshop building[30]. There is a bell to attract your hosts' attention. The accommodation is over the small rise on the left. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Lonely Goat Olives

Lonely Goat Olives is a tranquil country cottage in Congewai Valley, about 900m from the GNW. The cottage has two separate bedrooms[31][32], both with en-suites[33]. The bedrooms open on to a veranda[34] with views over the gorgeous valley and the Tuscan style olive groves[35]. The cottage has an outdoor BBQ kitchen[36] and both rooms have a satellite TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, bar fridge[37], toaster and kettle. Rooms are from $202 a night including breakfast, meal packs are also available. A two night min. stay is normal, but chat with Keith about mid-week and other options. Your friendly host is also happy to pick you up or drop you off at Watagan Creek Rd for about $75. Ph 02 4998 1693

(8km) Int of GNW track & sealed road → Congewai Valley west trackhead

930 m

16 mins

-30m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection[38], follows the GNW arrow marker[39] gently downhill along the sealed road[40]. The road becomes unsealed after about 50m as the dirt road then undulates gently through farmland[41] for about 900m to a T-intersection[42] with Congewai Valley Road[43] at the Congewai Valley west trackhead[44], just past the cattle grate.

(9km) Congewai Valley west trackhead → Congewai Valley east trackhead

5.2 km

1 hr 28 mins climb

71m

-60m Easy track

Turn right: From the Congewai Valley west trackhead[45], this walk follows 'Barraba Trig' sign south along the unsealed road[46]. The walk continues (undulating gently) for about 4.4km (part of the road is sealed[47]), to cross a timber bridge[48]. Here the walk continues through farmland[49] for about 500m, to a signposted intersection[50], at the Congewai Valley east trackhead, where a sign points back to 'Congewai Valley'[51] and where there is a stile[52] (on the left) (and some wetlands on the right).

Maps for the Flat Rock to Congewai Valley East Track Head walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Wollombi	1:25 000 Map Series	91323S WOLLOMBI	NSW-91323S
Quorrobolong	1:25 000 Map Series	91322S QUORROBOLONG	NSW-91322S
Murrays Run	1:25 000 Map Series	91314N MURRAYS RUN	NSW-91314N
Morisset	1:25 000 Map Series	91311N MORISSET	NSW-91311N
Wollombi	1:50 000 Map Series	91323 WOLLOMBI	CW-91323
Cessnock	1:50 000 Map Series	91322 CESSNOCK	CW-91322
Cessnock	1:100 000 Map Series	9132 CESSNOCK	9132
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Flat Rock to Congewai Valley East Track Head bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Flat Rock to Congewai Valley East Track Head

Altitude analysis for Flat Rock to Congewai Valley East Track Head

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	13.8 km
		Time	5 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 4.9km has short steep hills. The remaining (3.7km) is very steep.

Quality of track

6km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 4km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (3.7km) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 9km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 10km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.7km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 14km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 10km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 4km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Flat Rock to Congewai Valley East Track Head walk.

Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley Track Head (West)

12.6 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Watagan Creek Road and winds north across the valley and up into the Watagan State Forest, following the ridge lines around the Flatrock Lookout and down into the Congewai Valley before finishing at the track head at Congewai Valley Road. There ar

Total climbing: 649m

Hard track

Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley East Track Head

17.8 km One way, 7 hrs

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Watagan Creek Road and heads north, up the side of the valley then along the dirt roads to the Congewai communications tower. From the tower, you follow a bush track and wind down into the valley, through some farmland and along to the Congewai west

Total climbing: 720m

Hard track

The Basin Campsite to Heaton Gap

60.5 km One way, 4 Days

This four day walk starts at the Basin Campsite, in the Olney State Forest, and follows the Great North Walk, heading north. The walk passes through to the Watagan State Forest and into the Congewai Valley, continuing east into the Watagan National Park and all the way through to Heaton Gap. The thr

Total climbing: 3206m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Flat Rock to Congewai Valley East Track Head walk.

Congewai East Track Head to Watagan Forest Motel via Forestry HQ Campsite

29.7 km One way, 2 Days

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Congewai Valley east track head and heads north up into the Watagan National Park, climbing up to the ridgeline and following the management trails and bush tracks heading east all the way to the Forestry HQ campsite. On day two, the walk continue

Total climbing: 1702m

Hard track

Congewai Track Head (East) to Watagan Headquarters

17.2 km One way, 7 hrs

This full day walk starts from the Congewai valley trackhead (east) and follows the Great North Walk up into the Watagan National Park. Winding east along Georges road for the most part, this walk also passes many great lookouts and gives the option of a side trip down to the 125r lookout, which pro

Total climbing: 973m

Hard track

Watagan Creek Road to Flat Rock

4.1 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk starts on Watagan Creek Road and soon crosses the lovely Watagan Creek. From this point, the walk leaves the Watagan valley and climbs steeply up the bush track through forest. The walk then travels on dirt road, passing a campsite and rest area, before arriving soon afterwards at the un

Total climbing: 384m

Hard track

Georges Road Rest Area to 125r Lookout

4.4 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This return walk starts from a nice rest area on Georges Road and follows the road along the ridge, passing several great lookout points across the valley, to the quiet little 125r lookout, which provides a nice open clearing that just screams lunch time. Please note that Watagan and Georges Roads a

Total climbing: 209m

Moderate track

Boarding House Dam Circuit

718 m Circuit, 30 mins

This a cool walk on a on a hot day. Take your time exploring the rock formations along the creek, before finding the moss wall. Walk alongside the moss wall to its end, and then follow a track through moist rainforest back to the dam. A pleasant relaxed walk starting and finishing from the Boardi

Total climbing: 36m

Moderate track

Moss Wall Walk

516 m Return, 15 mins

A gentle walk past the Boarding House dam and through moist rainforest to a long straight moss covered wall. Spend some time exploring the creek and pools beside the moss wall before retracing your steps back to the Boarding House dam picnic area and car park. A cool sheltered spot to relax, parti

Total climbing: 22m

Moderate track

Gap Creek Falls Walk

1.5 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk leads to one of the best waterfalls in the Hunter area and is highly recommended. The walk travels through dense rainforest, before descending to an inspiring amphitheatre of rock with the dramatic Gap Creek Falls. Spend some time looking around the base of the falls, particularly behind

Total climbing: 162m

Moderate track

Gap Creek Rainforest Walk

1.7 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk takes you deep into moist rainforest and is well worthwhile. The walk is mostly flat and travels through a varied and healthy rainforest, with strangler fig vines, large older trees and lots of wildlife. If you are lucky, you could find the protected yabbies in the creek at the end of the

Total climbing: 111m

Hard track

Monkey Face Cliff Walk

406 m Return, 30 mins

This short but steep walk to the base of an attractive cliff is worthwhile. The walk travels through open forest with gum trees and Xanthorhoea trees to eventually follow timber steps steeply to the base of the Monkey Face cliff. This cliff is used by rock climbers and abseiling parties, so be awa

Total climbing: 65m

Hard track

Abbotts Falls Walking Track

7.3 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This circuit takes you through both dry and moist forest, using a combination of walking trails and wider tracks. The side trip to the dammed pool is recommended, to see the deep Aboriginal carved grooves by the pool. This walk travels through open forest with wild flowers (in season) to descend i

Total climbing: 329m

Hard track

Pines Circuit Walk

1.7 km Circuit, 45 mins

This short walk takes you into the moist forest around Dora Creek and is recommended. The walk visits a small waterfall and dammed pool then travels through forest, visiting the large open Pines picnic area before returning to the starting point. The section of this walk near Dora Creek is particu

Total climbing: 56m

Moderate track

Monkey Face Circuit

1.3 km Circuit, 45 mins

This short and scenic walk offers two lookouts and a forest walk. Gap Creek viewpoint gives views of dense forest, while the Monkey Face viewpoint gives views of forested farmland in the Gap Creek valley. The short forest walk between these two viewpoints is amongst large rocks and offers views of

Total climbing: 74m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Flat Rock to Congewai Valley East Track Head walk starts at the Flat Rock Lookout (gps: -33.003019, 151.27147)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

The Flat Rock to Congewai Valley East Track Head ends at the Congewai Valley east trackhead (gps: -32.995224, 151.30046)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Watagan State Forest

Watagan State Forest is a large section of mostly native bushland west of Lake Macquarie.

Corrabare State Forest

Corrabare State Forest is a large section of mostly native bushland west of Lake Macquarie.

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