Dharug National Park: Rich in history and heritage

Situated between the wonderous world of the lower Hawkesbury and Wiseman’s Ferry region and the Upper mangrove region that calls the Central Coast home, Dharug National Park is park filled with history and heritage. From its world-heritage listed Old Great North Road to hidden picnic grounds and challenging walking trails, there’s so much to discover. Here’s a guide on how to make the most out of your next visit to Dharug National Park and explore its depths:

Old Great North Road

Hidden within Dharug National Park and extending into the surrounding Yengo National Park is the UNESCO World Heritage listed walk called the Old Great North Road. This 43km walking track is part of the 264km long Great North Road and holds centuries of history to uncover. The Old Great North Road was built by convict labour between the years of 1826 and 1836, and approximately 7 kilometres of the walk is World Heritage listed. Here, you can either walk or cycle throughout the trail, or if you choose to take on the 264km of the Great North Road, we’d suggest packing your swag and camping at the nearby campgrounds.
Find out how to explore the Old Great North Road here.

Devines Hill Loop

As part of the Old Great North Road, take on Devines Hill Loop that borders both Dharug National Park and Yengo National Park. This 28km trail is perfect for avid hikers or experienced mountain bikers. As you walk along this trail, you’ll find interpretation signs outlining the rich and interesting tales of convict history. Along Devines Hill Loop, visit Hangmans Rock. This sandstone overhanging rock formation is a naturally formed cave with a hole in the roof. The hole in the cave has caused speculation for decades, with many presuming that convicts were hanged through the hole in the roof. 

Grass tree circuit

Out of all the walking trails within Dharug National Park, this is the easiest trail and suitable for families looking for a unique outing together. Grass tree circuit is a 1.6km loop estimated to take 1 hour to complete. Wander through dense, lush rainforest and discover hundreds of grass trees, where this easy walking track got its name! Pack a picnic with you and visit Mill Creek picnic area while you’re exploring.

Mill Creek campground and picnic area

If you’re an avid hiker who is planning on taking on all 43km of the Old Great North Road, consider a night’s stay at Mill Creek campground. This campground has 30 unpowered sites, fit for tents, camper trailers and the option to camp beside your vehicle. Within the grounds, there are free barbecues to use and available toilets, however facilities are limited, so make sure to pack drinking water, cooking water and firewood for those cooler nights.  Campground booking fees apply. To stay up to date on booking Mill Creek campground, visit the NSW National Park’s website.

Dubbo Gully Loop

Dubbo Gully Loop is another challenging walking track that is also suitable for mountain bike riding, stretching 18km from Mangrove Mountain to the top end of Dharug National Park. Starting at Waratah Road in Mangrove Mountain, park your car at the start of Dubbo Gully Road and begin exploring. This walking trail is challenging and takes around 7 hours to complete if walking, so make sure to bring plenty of drinking water, a hat, and the right hiking gear.

Ten Mile Hollow campground

If you’re completing Dubbo Gully loop or a multi-day hike through Dharug National Park, visit Ten Mile Hollow campground for a picnic stop or a place to rest your head for the night. This campground is only accessible by walking or cycling and has six unpowered sites. Like Mill Creek campground, this campground only has barbecue facilities and toilet, so make sure to pack the essentials. There are no camping fees at this campground, but booking fees apply. To stay up to date on booking Ten Mile Hollow campground, visit the NSW National Park’s website.