Brokenback Range National Park

Brokenback Range National Park is a rugged, bush-cloaked spine of sandstone and eucalypt that rises dramatically above the Hunter Valley wine country. This is a place for walkers, wildlife-spotters, and anyone craving a dose of wild nature after a morning of cellar-door tastings. The park’s escarpments, gullies, and rocky outcrops offer sweeping views over the vine-checkered plains and, on clear days, all the way to the distant Barrington Tops. It’s a serene counterpoint to the valley’s gourmet indulgences.

Highlights & What to See

• Pulbah Island Nature Reserve – Accessible by boat from Lake Macquarie, this protected island offers tranquil walking trails through spotted gum forest and a chance to spot swamp wallabies and goannas.
• Mount Bright Lookout – A short, steep walk rewards you with a panoramic vista across the Hunter Valley vineyards and the Brokenback Range itself; best at sunrise or late afternoon for golden light.
• Yango Creek Walking Track – A moderate 6 km return hike that follows a fern-lined creek, passes mossy boulders, and ends at a small waterfall that flows after rain.
• Gap Creek Falls – A series of cascades tumbling over sandstone ledges, perfect for a picnic and a cool dip in the plunge pools during warmer months.
• Aboriginal rock art sites – Scattered along the escarpment, these culturally significant engravings and paintings offer a glimpse into the Darkinjung people’s deep connection to this landscape.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors explore the park in a half-day (3–4 hours), combining a walk to a lookout or waterfall with a picnic. If you’re keen on a longer hike, such as the Yango Creek circuit or a full traverse of the range, allocate a full day. The park is compact enough to pair with a morning of wine tasting in Pokolbin, then a late-afternoon walk. Overnight camping is not permitted, so plan to return to accommodation in the Hunter Valley.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Pokolbin – The heart of Hunter Valley wine country, with cellar doors, restaurants, and hot-air balloon rides just a 15-minute drive from the park.
• Cessnock – A historic coal-mining town with a lively main street, markets, and the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre.
• Lake Macquarie – Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake, offering kayaking, sailing, and lakeside walks, about 30 minutes east.
• Broke – A tiny, charming village at the base of the range, known for its wineries, country pub, and the start of the Broke Road wine trail.
• Werakata National Park – A nearby park protecting remnant lowland forest and habitat for the endangered regent honeyeater; good for birdwatching and cycling.

Please check official sources for current details.