Stunning scenery in this national park, as the images here show.
What amazes me is how the boulders do this balancing thing!
I thoroughly enjoyed walking the track to the summit of Cathedral Rock, and note that the only element of it that I reckon was a grade 4 was the need to be able to find the route up through the boulders and not get lost on the way back down!
I was very appreciative of my satellite phone and the ability to use it follow my own path back down.
Impressive 360 degree views from the summit and always a powerful experience to spend time on such old weathered rock.
I had hoped to walk to Native Dog Creek as well - but sadly that trail was closed during my time in the park.
The trail to the summit takes you under several of the impressive boulder stacks, a little scary in my opinion. You may have to get down on hands/knees at some points as I did. Well worth it to be amongst the boulders and get to the summit.
On the lower trail I was mesmerised by all the butterflies flitting in and about the vegetation. I was not able to capture them very well on 'film', but imprinted in my memories.
Info about the park
Click on the following to go the the national parks website to learn more about the park: Cathedral Rock National Park | NSW National Parks
Cathedral Rock is a national park 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) west of Waterfall Way in New South Wales, Australia, 70 kilometres (43 mi) east of Armidale and about 555 kilometres (345 mi) north of Sydney.
My recommendation
It is possible to experience some of the park from your vehicle, but to maximise your visit to the park you really need to get out and do one of the walks,
If you are fit and able to, I recommend the summit track - but keep a close eye on the trail markers and landmarks, even better still turn a GPS tracking device on and use it.
If you don't fancy climbing over and under boulders (it is a little scary) you can still walk the summit trail around the summit, without having to go up to the summit itself and that trail is still well worth doing and more accessible to the average walker..
Do I recommend the park = yes
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