Monkey Face Cliff Walk

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Time 30 mins
Return 406 m Return
Climb 65 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Car
no_pets
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 aware that people may be above you. Spend some time exploring the base of cliff before returning the same way.

Bangalow camping ground

The Bangalow campsite, beside Bangalow Road is within the Watagans National Park and is a small, quiet spot to camp amongst native bush. The site has a number of picnic tables[1], a barbeque, and a toilet[2].

(0km) Bangalow camping ground → Int at the base of Monkey Face Cliff

distance 200 m time 10 mins climb 65m descent 0m Hard track
From Bangalow Camping Ground[3] (on Bangalow Rd[4]), this walk follows the track up the moderately steep hill[5] (directly opposite the camp ground[6]). The track is followed for about 100m, to find a small flat area with a large rock[7]. The track then continues steeply uphill with timber steps[8] for about 110m, until coming to an indistinct three-way intersection at the base of Monkey Face cliff[9].

Base of Monkey Face Cliff

Base of Monkey Face Cliff
This large and extensive cliff line[10] overlooks the Gap Creek Valley. This sandstone cliff is used by rock climbing and abseiling parties, so be aware that people may be above you. It is possible to explore around the base of this cliff and find attractive rock formations[11], including caves.

Maps for the Monkey Face Cliff Walk 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.

Morisset1:25 000 Map Series91311N MORISSETNSW-91311N
Gosford1:100 000 Map Series9131 GOSFORD9131

Cross sectional view of the Monkey Face Cliff Walk bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Monkey Face Cliff Walk

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Monkey Face Cliff Walk

Altitude analysis for Monkey Face Cliff Walk

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.

Length406 m
Time30 mins
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track
AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackFormed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
SignsMinimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
InfrastructureLimited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

This whole walk, 200m is very steep.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 200m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

This whole walk, 200m has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 200m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 200m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 200m has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Monkey Face Cliff Walk walk.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Monkey Face Cliff Walk walk starts and ends at the Bangalow camping ground (gps: -33.016511, 151.42556)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Watagans National Park

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