Breadknife and Grand High Tops Circuit
Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi & Wailwan Country

6 h 30 min, 8 h to 2 days

13.1 km
circuit

↑ 716 m
↓ -716 m

Hard track
Starting from the car park at the end of Pincham Road, Warrumbungle, this circuit walk takes you to the Grand High Tops and the Breadknife, visiting many lookouts and stunning rock formations along the way. 90 metres tall but only 4 metres wide, the Breadknife is a truly astonishing sight to see. Almost every single stop on this walk offers panoramic views over the landscape, so try not to spend too much time in just one. Search the skies for wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons (the fastest birds in the world). If you're here in spring, wildflowers such as orange pea flowers and purple hoveas can enhance your experience. Several campsites along the way allow you to make this an overnight walk. The Balor Hut is a historic hut that you can stay in, with toilets and a wood heater (you need to bring your own wood). Remember to take enough water and sunscreen. Let us begin by acknowledging the Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi & Wailwan people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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mm-eos_20091023_065645_. | Photo by admin, 2009.
mm-eos_20091023_065629_. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
mm-eos_20091023_061109_. | Photo by admin, 2009.
mm-eos_20091023_060848_. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
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Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-31.2961514,148.9946129)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom Newell Highway, A39, Tooraweenah.
  • Turn on to John Renshaw Parkway, 1 then drive for 28.3 km
  • Turn right onto John Renshaw Parkway, 1 and drive for another 14.1 km
  • Turn right and drive for another 830 m
  • Turn sharp right and drive for another 80 m
  • Turn left and drive for another 80 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the car park at the end of Pincham Road, pass through the bollard and head for the informational signpost with a little green metal roof on it along the dirt path. Keep moving in the same direction as you pass by the said signpost (to your right) and a memorial (to your left). Follow the signage for “Bluff Mtn.” to continue along Breadknife and Grand High Tops Circuit(clockwise).....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Temporary toilet (about 55 m back from the start).
Pincham Car Park (about 40 m back from the start).
Find the bollard at the start.
After another 15 m veer left, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 30 m pass the sign (on your right).
At the intersection of Grand High Tops Track & Fans Horizon trail continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 180 m cross the ford.
After another 20 m pass the "Camp Pincham" (35 m on your left).
Continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 75 m continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 195 m cross the ford.
After another 210 m continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 60 m cross the Bridge 1 (about 15 m long)
After another 215 m cross the Bridge 2 (about 15 m long)
After another 110 m veer right, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 150 m (at the intersection of West Spirey Creek Track & Grand High Tops Track) continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 315 m cross the Bridge 3 (about 10 m long)
The starting point of an alternate route. This alternate route takes you along the Gould's Circuit, visiting the Febar Tor and Macha Tor along the way. This detour may set you back around 35 minutes. To take the alternate route turn left here. Details below.
After another 30 m continue straight.
After another 320 m cross the Bridge 4 (about 20 m long)
After another 330 m continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
The alternate route finishes here. Turn left to rejoin the main route at the 2.5 km waypoint. Details below.
After another 165 m (at the intersection of Grand High Tops Track & Gould's Circuit) continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 30 m cross the Bridge 5 (about 20 m long)
After another 305 m cross the Bridge 6 (about 25 m long)
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional little side trip taking you to the Spirey View lookout. This viewpoint offers great views of the volcanic mountains around, as well as the well-known Breadknife and Belougery Spire. Eagle Waterfall can be seen as well depending on the weather and water flow. This side trip will take less then 5 minutes out & back. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 190 m continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 8 m cross the Bridge 7 (about 10 m long)
After another 85 m cross the Bridge 8 (about 6 m long)
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to Hurleys camp, a remote and basic campsite along Spirey Creek. You may catch a glimpse of the Eagle Waterfall on your way. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 470 m (at the intersection of Grand High Tops Track & Hurleys Track) continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 235 m pass a "Wilsons Rest" (35 m on your left)., has no backrest.
Veer right, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 380 m pass the "Sreng Boss" (60 m on your left).
After another 105 m head up the surface|wood steps (about 110 m long)
Then pass the "Ruarden Tor" (115 m on your right).
Then pass a seat (on your right)., has a backrest.
The starting point of an alternate route. This alternate route (Dagda Shortcut) skips points of interest like the Breadknife and Lugh's Throne, but will save you around 10 minutes of moving time excluding the time you'll spend looking at those points of interest. A nice option if you're in a rush. To take the alternate route turn right here. Details below.
After another 50 m (at the intersection of Dagda Short Cut & Grand High Tops Track) veer left, to head along Grand High Tops Track (a walking track).
After another 360 m pass the "The Breadknife" (25 m on your right).
After another 80 m come to the "Breadknife Gap" (40 m on your right).
After another 60 m pass the "The Butter Knife" (55 m on your right).
Turn left, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 95 m pass the "Lugh's Wall" (15 m on your right).
After another 110 m pass the "The Fish Knife" (50 m on your right).
After another 110 m come to the "Lugh's Throne".
The alternate route finishes here. Veer right to rejoin the main route at the 5.8 km waypoint. Details below.
After another 620 m (Dagda Gap) continue straight, to head along Dagda Bluff Corner Track.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This challenging switchback track will take you to the top of Bluff Mountain where you'll be welcomed by truly breathtaking views. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 970 m (at the intersection of Nuada Saddle Track & Dagda Bluff Corner Track) turn right, to head along Nuada Saddle Track.
After another 8 m come to the "Dows Camp" (30 m on your left).
After another 590 m come to the "Dow's Lookout" (9 m on your right).
After another 350 m come to the "Middle Spirey View".
After another 125 m come to the "Kurrajong Corner" (15 m on your left).
After another 310 m come to the "Point Wilderness" (10 m on your right).
After another 690 m come to the "Ogma Camp" (10 m on your left).
At the intersection of Grand High Tops Track & West Spirey Creek Track turn sharp right, to head along West Spirey Creek Track.
After another 580 m cross the ford.
After another 85 m cross the ford.
After another 45 m cross the ford.
After another 115 m cross the ford.
After another 340 m cross the ford.
Then cross the ford.
After another 50 m cross the ford.
After another 80 m cross the ford.
After another 325 m cross the ford.
After another 265 m cross the ford.
After another 350 m cross the ford.
After another 610 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
After another 60 m (at the intersection of Grand High Tops Track & West Spirey Creek Track) continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 150 m veer left, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 110 m cross the Bridge 2 (about 15 m long)
After another 215 m cross the Bridge 1 (about 50 m long)
After another 60 m continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 400 m continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 75 m continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 200 m (at the intersection of Grand High Tops Track & Fans Horizon trail) continue straight, to head along Grand High Tops Track.
After another 25 m come to the end.

This challenging switchback track will take you to the top of Bluff Mountain where you'll be welcomed by truly breathtaking views.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Bluff Mountain Track & Grand High Tops Track Start heading along Bluff Mountain Track (a walking track).
Find the Dows Camp at the start.
Find the ford at the start.
After another 1.3 km come to "Bluff Mountain".
Continue another 0 m to find Bluff Mountain at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.3 km to the main route.

This alternate route takes you along the Gould's Circuit, visiting the Febar Tor and Macha Tor along the way. This detour may set you back around 35 minutes.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After 45 m cross the ford.
After another 85 m cross the ford.
After another 570 m cross the ford.
After another 560 m pass the "Febar Tor" (45 m on your right).
Then come to the "Febar Tor" (45 m on your right).
Turn left, to head along Gould's Circuit.
After another 700 m turn left, to head along Gould's Circuit.
After another 45 m pass the "Macha Tor" (35 m on your right).
After another 990 m come to the end.
At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.

This alternate route (Dagda Shortcut) skips points of interest like the Breadknife and Lugh's Throne, but will save you around 10 minutes of moving time excluding the time you'll spend looking at those points of interest. A nice option if you're in a rush.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Grand High Tops Track & Dagda Short Cut Start heading along Dagda Short Cut (a steps).
Then head down the surface|wood steps
After 100 m pass the summit (95 m on your right).
Then come to the "Balor Hut" (7 m on your right).
Then pass the water tap (9 m on your right).
After another 360 m pass the "The Breadknife" (25 m on your left).
After another 15 m come to the "Breadknife Gap" (75 m on your left).
After another 155 m come to the viewpoint.
Continue another 540 m to find Dagda Gap at the end.
At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to Hurleys camp, a remote and basic campsite along Spirey Creek. You may catch a glimpse of the Eagle Waterfall on your way.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Grand High Tops Track & path to Hurleys Camp Start heading along path to Hurleys Camp (a walking track).
After 230 m pass the "Eagle Waterfall" (60 m on your left).
After another 345 m come to "Hurleys Camp".
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 570 m to the main route.

An optional little side trip taking you to the Spirey View lookout. This viewpoint offers great views of the volcanic mountains around, as well as the well-known Breadknife and Belougery Spire. Eagle Waterfall can be seen as well depending on the weather and water flow. This side trip will take less then 5 minutes out & back.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 130 m veer left.
After another 9 m come to "Spirey View Lookout".
Continue another 0 m to find Spirey View Lookout at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 135 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Breadknife and Grand High Tops Circuit


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 13.1 km
Time 6 h 30 min, 8 h to 2 days
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route
Camp site: There are 3 on route, on average they are 3.6 km apart with the largest gap of 4.2 km.

Tourism|alpine_hut: There is one 4.4 km (plus an extra 100 m along side route) from the start.

Shelter: There is one 230 m from the start.

Toilet: There is one -56 m back from the start.

Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 4.4 km apart with the largest gap of 8.7 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
-56 mtemporary toilet
Shelter
230 mCamp Pincham
Camp site
3.6 km + 610 mHurleys Camp
Seat
3.8 kmWilsons Rest
Seat
4.4 km[seat]
Tourism|alpine_hut
4.4 km + 100 mBalor Hut
Camp site
6.8 kmDows Camp
Camp site
8.9 kmOgma Camp
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