The Mt Coryah Walking Track is a must-do hike when frolicking through Mt Kaputar National Park. With spectacular views across the range, and many opportunities for flora and fauna spotting, this hike is sure to delight.

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Gamilaraay 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

The Mount Coryah Walking Track is a 4km grade 4 hike in Central NSW. The hike is located in Mt Kaputar National Park, about 7.5 hours drive from both Sydney and Brisbane. 

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About Mt Coryah

If you only do one hike in Mount Kaputar National Park, make it Mt Coryah. It has stunning views across the Nandewar Range in all directions, countless birds, fascinating lava rock formations, and a magical display of alpine flora. 

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

History of Mount Coryah and Kaputar National Park

The Nandewar Range, encompassing Mt Kaputar National Park and the Mt Coryah walking track, is a significant landmark for the Gamilaraay people. It was used as a ceremony and meeting place and provided rich food, water, and shelter resources within its mountains. 

The spectacular scenery of the mountain range rising up from the surrounding flats is actually the eroded remnants of a volcano that was active 17-21 million years ago. At the peak of its growth, the volcano stood 2100 metres high and what remains now are some of the more resistant forms of volcanic rock. When you climb up onto the sections of Mt Coryah, you’re actually scaling ancient evidence of lava terracing!

The area was declared a wilderness area in 1982 and is a haven for a huge range of plants and animals, including the Mt Kaputar Giant Pink Slug (Triboniophorus sp. nov. ‘Kaputar’) that comes out only after rain. 

How to Get to Mt Coryah

Mt Coryah trailhead is located in Mount Kaputar National Park in Central NSW. The park forms part of the Nandewar Range and is accessed via the town of Narrabri, about 7 hour’s drive from both Sydney and Brisbane. 

To get to Mt Coryah from Narrabri, head south east along Old Gunnedah Road for 2.5km before turning left onto Kaputar Road. This road will wind slowly up into the range and lead you directly into the heart of Mt Kaputar National Park. After crossing into the national park, follow the Kaputar Scenic Drive for 13km before turning right into Coryah Gap Picnic Area where you’ll find the trailhead.

 

Mt Coryah Walking Track Route

From the car park, the well-formed trail follows the ridgeline for 1.5km. When you reach the intersection, follow the 1km summit loop to the left to reach the summit viewpoint. From there, either head back the way you came, or follow the loop around the base of the summit terrace for more views over the north of the range. Complete the hike by returning along the ridge. 

Places to Stay near Mt Coryah

There are two campgrounds in Mt Kaputar National park. The closest to Mt Coryah is the Bark Hut Campground offering nine marked spaces for tents and an extra three for trailers. Dawson Spring Campground is larger, closer to Mt Kaputar Summit, and also offers some cabin accommodation. Both campgrounds must be booked in advance and offer shower, toilet, and picnic facilities. 

You can also stay in the town of Narrabri, an hour’s drive from the hike.

Skill Level

Intermediate

This is a grade 4 trail for hikers with moderate to advanced ability. There are many stairs and some rough track alongside steep cliffs. 

Distance / Duration / Elevation Gain

4km / 2 hours / 213m

Essential Gear

What It’s Like to Hike the Mt Coryah Walking Track

It’s an odd feeling taking off for a hike rugged up in warm layers knowing that the afternoon is meant to be 36 degrees. As we set off we could feel the ice breeze from the north that would turn blisteringly hot in just a few hours. 

Although the cloud was hanging low over the mountain, obscuring our view on the way up, it made for a beautiful eerie light as we walked through waist-high wildflowers. We were definitely the first ones on the trail, evidenced by the many spiderwebs collected by whichever one of us was walking in front. 

 

 

The higher we hiked, the more ethereal the landscape became with bushy flowers making way for towering grass trees and big gnarly eucalypts. As we climbed our way up the lava terrace formations we paused to watch a family of currawongs flitting amongst the trees, the babies incessantly demanding to be fed. 

 

 

Once we hit the summit loop and reached the top our view was COMPLETELY obscured by cloud. But knowing it was due to be a hot day and the cloud would burn off, we patiently waited and snacked on some scroggin. After about 45 minutes we were about to give up when the rolling green and blue Nandewar Range began to appear through the mist. The view was certainly worth the wait and we were stoked to get the full Mt Coryah experience. 

After soaking it up for a while longer, we headed around the rest of the loop, alongside some steep and crumbly cliffs with more epic views, before trotting back down to the car park, warm as toast with jumpers around our waist.

 

Tips For Visiting Mt Coryah

– Mt Kaputar National Park is much colder and wetter than the surrounding plains due to its height above sea level, so check the weather forecast for the mountains when planning your hike, not just Narrabri. It’s often at least ten degrees colder than on the plains and even snows up there in winter, so plan for cold weather and pack lots of layers!

– The peaks of the Nandewar Range often attract cloud and mist in the early morning. Even if it’s sunny in Narrabri, you may have to wait for clouds to clear before you get picturesque views from the mountains. But the wait is worth it!

– The northern half of the loop around the peak of Mt Coryah is often eroded and can be very slippery. Take care to follow the trail and if you’re not confident, you can return the same way you came up instead of following the full loop

Mt Coryah Walking Track FAQs

Where is Mt Coryah located?

Mt Coryah is located in Mt Kaputar National Park which forms part of the Nandewar Range in Central NSW. 


How do you get to Mt Coryah?

You can travel to Mt Coryah by car via the town of Narrabri in NSW. 


When is Mt Coryah open?

The Mt Coryah trail is open all year round but is subject to closure due to fire damage and inclement weather. 


Is Mt Coryah good for beginners?

Mt Coryah is suitable for intermediate hikers. It has some steep sections and the track can be overgrown and slippery. 


Can you drive up Mt Coryah?

You can drive to the trailhead at Coryah Gap Picnic area via Kaputar Road from Narrabri NSW. 


How long does it take to climb Mt Coryah?

It takes two hours to climb Mt Coryah.


How long is the Mt Coryah trail?

The Mt Coryah trail is 4km long. 


How high is Mt Coryah?

Mt Coryah is 1400m above sea level.