What It’s Like To Hike Compagnoni Pass in Kanangra Boyd National Park (NSW)

Heavy snowfall, fallen trees, and closed roads couldn’t stop Explorer Warwick from tackling a slice of tough NSW wilderness during the 3-day Compagnoni Pass hike in the Blue Mountains.

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants, for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Facts Compagnoni Pass Hike

Distance: 45km
Duration: 3 days
Closest town: Oberon

About Compagnoni Pass Hike

This one’s not for the weak of quad. The Compagnoni Pass Hike is a challenging, sweaty, occasionally swear-inducing adventure through the guts of Kanangra Boyd National Park. The park is a large expanse of wild and rugged wilderness on the southern side of the Blue Mountains in NSW. The area’s not as readily accessible as other destinations in the surrounding region.

Psst! Want a guide you can take with you? Grab a copy of Blue Mountains Best Walks 4/e (Pop in ‘WAE15’ at checkout for 15% off!)

It’s unspoilt and often possible to walk for days without seeing another group. Expect sweeping views of rugged mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and more photo ops than your phone storage can handle.

The real cherry on top is the chance to stay in an epic camp cave tucked beneath a towering cliff face that feels straight out of a fantasy film. Whether you’re here to bushwalk, pitch a tent under the stars, or channel your inner landscape photographer, this trail delivers.

Our group of four embarked on a challenging three-day hike incorporating the Kowmung River, Compagnoni Pass and Mt Cloudmaker.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Shot by @tk_north

How To Get to Kanangra Boyd National Park

The Compagnoni Pass Hike begins at the Kanangra Walls car park, follows the Gingra Range down to the Kowmung River, ascends via Compagnoni Pass to the Ti Willa Plateau, and returns via Mount Cloudmaker. 

Kanangra Walls car park can be reached either by a down and up through Jenolan Caves, or coming in through Oberon. The trail head here is the starting point for many possible adventures. Nearby Boyd River campground is a good option to stay in the area, with basic facilities available.

Shot by Lachie Firmstone

Skill Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Challenging elevations and some off track walking mean that this track is best suited to more experienced Explorers. Taking a mate along is a great idea.

Essential Gear For Compagnoni Pass

• Backpack and camping gear
• Warm clothes
• Food and water
• PLB
• First aid kit

Read more: Overnight Hiking Packing List: 20+ Must-Have Hiking Essentials

What It’s Like to Hike Compagnoni Pass

Day One, Kind Of

We headed from Sydney on a Tuesday evening to enable an early start, but our plans were thrown into disarray when a thick blanket of snow was encountered on the road leading up to Jenolan Caves. Our vehicle was turned around by the SES prior to the descent into the caves, and we tried the alternate access through Oberon.

Read more: Regional Road Trip From Oberon to Lachlan Shire in 3 Days

Driving at a slow and steady pace, we eventually made it to the Kanangra Walls road turnoff where we made an impromptu camp on the roadside as the snow continued to fall.

The Real Day One

Kanangra Walls to Kowmung River
Distance: 19km

The following morning we tentatively crept down the dirt road still covered in snow. After removing a few fallen trees from our path, we thankfully arrived at the track head without incident.

Fog blanketed Kanangra Gorge and a light drizzle fell as we walked out along Kanangra Walls and down through Coal Seam Cave to the Gingra Range track.

@spurwaya

This track is one of the more gentle ways to descend to the Kowmung River, as most other ridgelines plunge rapidly and steeply downwards. We covered the 19km to the river at a steady pace, with a few frustrating unplanned diversions when the faint track was lost.

We set up camp at a pleasant clearing where Gingra Creek meets the Kowmung.

Day Two Hiking Compagnoni Pass

Kowmung River to 100 Man Cave
Distance: 11.5km

The second day involved a thigh burning 800m vertical climb up Ti Willa Spur. There’s no defined track present, however the country is largely open and easily negotiated, until the final 50m vertical. Unpleasant bush bashing through thick scrub is required to reach the cliff line.

From here, Compagnoni Pass is the way up to the top, with a chain and a few metal spikes hammered into the rock to aid the climb.

A few km of comparatively flat walking along Ti Willa Plateau leads to 100 Man Cave, a stunning overhang which provides shelter for both camp and a fire. This is a true luxury after walking in damp conditions for a few days.

@kate_miles_

Day Three Hiking Compagnoni Pass

100 Man Cave to Kanangra Walls via Mt Cloudmaker
Distance: 13km

Well-worn tracks were present for the entirety of the third day, making navigation simple.

The track took us up and over Mt Cloudmaker, along the knife-edge line of Rip, Rack Roar and Rumble, Mt Stormbreaker, Mt Berry and eventually back up to Kanangra Walls.

@tim_ashelford

Luckily, the fog gradually lifted as we descended Stormbreaker, revealing the spectacular views in all directions – a photographers paradise.

FAQs Compagnoni Pass Hike

Where is the trailhead for the Compagnoni Pass hiking trail?

Kanangra Walls car park is the starting point for the hike.

Is the Compagnoni Pass hike suitable for beginners?

This trail is better suited for experienced hikers. Make sure you take a mate, prepare for all conditions and check for any park alerts before you head out.

How long does the Compagnoni Pass hike take?

The hike is 45km and will take about three days.

More Must-Do Hikes in the Blue Mountains

• Hike to Lockleys Pylon – Blue Mountains National Park
• Soar Above the Blue Mountains at Pulpit Rock
• Best Hikes in the Blue Mountains
• 13 Most Scenic Blue Mountains Waterfalls – And Others Worth Exploring Along The Way!

Feature photo by @patsuraseang

Table of contents photo by Darren Schiller