Bluff Mountain & Grand High Tops, Warrumbungle National Park NSW
The must do circuit walk in the Warrumbungles, taking in famous views of the Breadknife from Grand High Tops, and a visit to Bluff Mountain (1200m) where there are more great views.
The Grand High Tops Circuit with an added side trip to Bluff Mountain (1200m) is arguably the best walk in the Warrumbungles, especially for views. From Grand High Tops there are classic views of the pleasingly named rock formation, The Breadknife, which is a tall, thin and sheer slice of rock that you pass on the way up. There are also great views of nearby Crater Bluff, and of Belougery Spire, both prominent and striking hunks of rock.
We added a short side trip to Macha Tor also, which can be visited on Gould’s Circuit, although we didn’t do the full circuit. This is a good way to start the walk (if you do it clockwise), as there are open views of most of the park’s main features viewed from below. Nearby Spirey View lookout is not as good, although that is easily accessible just off the main track.
Track notes at the end. Another good walk in the park is the climb up nearby Mt Exmouth.
Bluff Mountain & Grand High Tops Circuit: The Scenery
Sunrise on the drive in. You can just see the observatory poking out centre right. Early on in the walk. Some of the wildlife, and a kangaroo. A panorama from Macha Tor. Belougery Spire to the left, then the Breadknife, and to the far right, Bluff Mountain. Belougery Spire The Breadknife up close. Crater Bluff, and in the distance, Tonduron Spire. This was first climbed in the 30’s by two people, one of whim, the lead climber, was a lady who preferred to climb in bare feet. The classic view from Grand High Tops. The Breadknife centre. The Breadknife A panorama from Grand High Tops. The Breadknife centre left, and Belougery Spire to the right. The view from Grand High Tops, with a bit of zoom. Sophia waiting patiently for me to take pictures. This taken as we descended from Grand High Tops. Crater Bluff again. I liked the colourful trees in the foreground. Quite a bit of colour in this shot compared to the usual muted hues of the area. Crater Bluff, with Tonduron Spire in the background. On our way down from Grand High Tops. Quite a few grass trees on the way up to Bluff Mountain, although not nearly so many as on Mt Exmouth, which we climbed the day before. A panorama from the upper slopes of Bluff Mountain. Mt Exmouth at the back. Zoomed in on Tonduron Spire. It looks a bit taller from other angles, but a nice profile nevertheless. A panorama from the summit of Bluff Mountain (1200m). Belougery Spire and Crater Bluff to the right. Mt Exmouth from Bluff Mountain. Belougery Spire and Crater Bluff. Grand High Tops is between the two. Bluff Mountain. We didn’t climb it from this angle. Maybe next time 😉 Bluff Mountain (1200m) A panorama from Wilderness Point, a viewpoint on our descent. Possibly the same as one of the flowers I took a picture of on Mt Exmouth, only open. Returning to Pincham Car Park. Named after the leaseholder who relinquished his lease so the national park could be formed.
Track Notes
There’s info on the NPWS website, and below are a couple of signs I took pictures of, detailing information on this and other walks in the park…
The sign at Split Rock car park, (which is not where this walk starts from).
