Goochs Crater Trail in NSW’s Blue Mountains

Sorry, it’s called what? Explorer Andrew takes us deep into Goochs Crater and tells how this Blue Mountains hidden gem has become a favourite for day hikes, overnights, and Explorers of all levels.

This adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Wiradjuri and Dharug people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Quick Overview

Goochs Crater Trail is a 4km out-and-back, Grade 3 hike near Lithgow on the Newnes Plateau in NSW. This hike takes around 1-2 hours to complete.

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!)

Goochs Crater Trail Facts

Distance (with 4WD vehicle): 4km
Distance (without 4WD vehicle): 12km
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Elevation gain: 115m
Nearest town: Lithgow

About Goochs Crater

Goochs Crater is a unique crater formation accessible by a short hike. Along the trail, Explorers will walk through lush bushland with interesting pagoda rock formations all around and even have the chance to camp out on the crater’s rim or in a stunning all-weather campsite under a massive rock overhang. The Goochs Crater trail is found in quite a diverse landscape that caters to multiple skill levels. Goochs Crater is a sensitive swamp environment that’s close to Sydney, so it’s best practice to pack out your poo, rather than burying it. If you have bury it, make sure you follow our guide below.

Read more: How To Poo in The Bush

History of Goochs Crater

Named in memory of Nicholas Andrew Gooch, who was the first European to note the location in 1978, Nick was an avid hiker and member of the Kameruka Bushwalking Club. During a trip, he came across what he later described as a ‘crater’ in the landscape.

And while Nicholas Gooch was the first in recent history to draw attention to this unique landscape feature, he was, of course, not the first to lay eyes on it. On the wall of the Camping Cave (the large rock overhang adjacent to the crater) is a single red ochre handprint, which has led to the area being classified as an Aboriginal Heritage Site. Make sure you look, but don’t touch!

Despite the name, Goochs Crater isn’t a volcanic crater but a natural amphitheatre with a hanging swampland centre surrounded by towering sandstone pagoda rocks.

Following extended periods of rainfall, Goochs Crater undergoes a significant transformation, filling with water and becoming a fascinating temporary lake (and even a swimming pool for the brave). Consider yourself one of the lucky few if you come across ‘Lake Gooch’ in this fleeting state!

How to Get to Goochs Crater

The Goochs Crater Trail is an out-and-back walk, starting from the Goochs Crater Trailhead on the roadside along Dumbano Fire Trail.

For those without an off-road vehicle, you won’t be able to drive the 4km fire trail leading to the Goochs Crater Trailhead, as this road has degraded quite severely and may include deep puddles after rain. Instead, you’ll need to park your vehicle along Old Bells Line of Road and walk this section.

The easiest way to reach the hike’s starting point is by car. Goochs Crater Trailhead is just under 2.5 hours drive from Sydney.

See this Google Maps location to plan your directions to the official trailhead. For those without an off-road vehicle, you’ll need to start at this Google Maps location and walk the fire trail. Be sure to take a version you can access offline!

Where to Stay at Goochs Crater

While it’s not required to spend the night at Goochs Crater it’s highly recommended!

There are a few places to camp at Goochs Crater. Some hikers recommend camping along the crater rim, which is great for stunning sunrise views and minimal impact thanks to the rocky surface.

If weather’s looking dicey, the aptly named ‘Camping Cave’, and is worth a visit, even if you’re not planning a night under the stars. The area features a massive rock overhang with enough space for multiple tents and will keep campers dry even in the worst conditions. Make sure you leave no trace if you’re camping here and avoid having a fire, as the smoke could stain the wall above.

Some hikers also camp at the northern end of the crater itself, however others advise against this due to the fragile swamp environment.

Wherever you pitch your tent, packing out your poo (here’s a list of ways to do it), not leaving any rubbish, camping in cleared areas and generally working to minimise your impact is the best approach.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Getting to the Camping Cave: Walk down into Goochs Crater from the main trail, follow the track along the left side of the crater, and continue until you’re out of the crater. This track will lead you around to the left in a U-shape, hugging the cliffs and eventually leading you through a split in the wall and onto Camping Cave.

Skill Level

Beginner/Intermediate

Hiking to Goochs Crater can be a straightforward 4km (or 12km) bushwalk, but the area lends itself to backcountry exploration which beginners may find intimidating.

Read more: How to Stay Safe in the Bush: The Ultimate Hiking Safety Guide

Essential Gear

• Hiking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Water (not easily accessible on trail)
• Snacks
• GPS/Offline map
• First aid and emergency supplies
• Poo kit (carry out recommended)

Staying overnight? Know what you should bring ahead of time.

What It’s Like to Hike to Goochs Crater

‘Sorry, you’re doing what this weekend?’

Part of the fun of this hike is the inevitable double-take from the uninitiated when you tell them you’re planning a trip to ‘explore Goochs Crater’. It’s such a strange and memorable name, people are immediately curious as to what’s in store.

Despite its growing popularity among bushwalkers for day hikes and overnights, making it what some would consider a classic of the Blue Mountains, Goochs Crater retains a hidden gem quality where you rarely run into other hikers and often have the area entirely to yourself.

Read more: Best Hikes in the Blue Mountains

For those without a proper off-road vehicle, you’ll need to park on Old Bells Line of Road and walk an additional 4km along the fire trail to the Goochs Crater Trailhead located on Google Maps, meaning you’ll need to be prepared for an additional 8km of walking with some added elevation.

The good news is the trail is often lined with iconic waratahs and other seasonal wildflowers, and more than once I’ve found myself flocked by clouds of butterflies as I made my way towards the trailhead.

Read more: 9 Places to Find Wildflowers Near Sydney (and Around NSW)

The trailhead is easily recognisable as a clearing to park and turn around a vehicle.

After 20 minutes along the slightly overgrown trail, you’ll exit the forest and step into the open landscape, with the stunning pagoda rocks lining Goochs Crater coming into view just a few minutes later.

This trail leads you to the crater’s edge, where you can explore different areas or follow one of the overgrown paths down into the crater.

Once in the crater, you’ll see an obvious campsite on the right, alongside a large patch of reeds growing directly in the centre. The best way to navigate across the crater is along a visible path following the left wall.

Be warned, the ground near the reeds can be very wet, even if it doesn’t look like it. I’ve inadvertently ended up knee-deep in swamp after stepping on what appeared to be solid ground! Stick to the left, even if it’s dry, to preserve the beauty of the swamp for all.

Once you’ve made your way across the crater, you can either take a right, which’ll lead you off-track to a large canyon area, or follow the track to the left and walk around to Camping Cave.

I’ve done day and overnight hikes in this area many times, and I highly recommend packing a tent.

As Goochs Crater is an out-and-back hike, all you need to do is retrace your steps to get back to your car.

Tips for Hiking Goochs Crater Trail

• Watch your step around the crater’s floor, as it can be very wet near the reeds
• It’s a beautiful spot, help keep it that way and call it out if others are doing the wrong thing
• Be prepared to camp under the stars (and the weather) as campsites don’t need to be booked, leaving the chance that another group could claim the Camping Cave. However it is pretty large so hopefully they’ll share!

FAQs Goochs Crater Trail

What other adventures are near Goochs Crater?

Cool off at Victoria Falls, go canyoning at Lower Bowens Creek North, or go on an awesome overnight hike to Acacia Flat. There’s plenty to do around Goochs Crater.

Where can I pick up a PLB near the trail?

The only place you can nab a PLB is in Blackheath at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre. During busy weekends, make sure to get there a bit early to ensure you don’t miss out!

After More Hikes in the Blue Mountains?

• Hat Hill Canyon – One of the Blue Mountains Best Kept Secrets
• Sunrise at Govetts Leap in Blue Mountains
• Perrys Lookdown to Acacia Flat Campground
• Overnight Hike From Katoomba to Cox’s River Campground