Walwa - Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park
Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park (18,400 ha) consists of two rugged and contrasting mountains linked by a narrow, vegetated ridge. The park boasts impressive scenery, diverse habitats and significant flora conservation values. Its remote and rugged character is a major attraction for many visitors to the park.
The two mountains in this park provide excellent and diverse adventures for bushwalkers, campers, climbers, four-wheel drive enthusiasts, birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Pine Mountain, one of Australia's largest monoliths, has a drier climate that supports many rare plants. Mount Burrowa, an area of higher rainfall, supports wet forest plants and is more heavily timbered.
Choose one of the many walks ranging from an easy stroll to a three or four day trek which should challenge the serious hiker.
Enjoying the park
Picnicking and camping
Basic visitor facilities are located at Bluff Creek, near the main entrance to the park, and also at Blue Gum Camp, Hinces Creek and Pine Mountain.
Four wheel driving and mountain biking
A network of 4WD tracks exists through the park although most minor tracks are fine weather only and seasonal track closures apply during winter and early spring.
Bushwalking
A wide range of walking opportunities exist within the park. Lookouts along these tracks provide outstanding views over the NSW Snowy Mountains and surrounding valleys of the Upper Murray.
Bluff Falls
A spectacular set of waterfalls exists where water cascades off the park plateau, over Cudgewa Bluff and into a tranquil grotto below. A viewing platform below the falls provides excellent photographic opportunities. Parking and turning is limited and not suitable for trailers.
Bluff Falls Nature Walk - Tucked away between the Murray Valley Highway and the Murray River is Mt Burrowa. At 1300 metres, this heavily timbered plateau with steep spurs was formed nearly 350 million years ago by cooling molten lava. This walk to Bluff Falls follows Bluff Creek as it winds past magnificent blue gums, peppermints, alpine ash and colourful wattles. Rosellas, cockatoos, robins and many other bird species are commonly seen, and you may spot a lumbering wombat or shy wallaby crossing the track. The track emerges from the deep sheltered valley for a dramatic view of the falls, which become a surging torrent after winter and spring rains.
From Bluff Falls, you can either retrace your steps or return to the picnic area along the road and Wombat Track.
Distance: 4km
Duration: 2 hours return
Grade: Moderate
Start and Finish: Bluff Creek Visitor Area
Best time: Spring
Mt Burrowa
This remote and rugged peak is the highest in the park (1,300m) and may be covered with snow for weeks each year. It sits atop the sub-alpine Burrowa plateau and can be reached by a number of walking tracks.
Pine Mountain
This gigantic rock monolith is reputedly one and a half times as big as Uluru (Ayers Rock). The exposed, lichen covered granite slopes dotted with soft, green Cypresspine trees imparts a special appeal. A walking track leads all the way to the summit.
Walking Track Guide:
In general, walking conditions are steep and rough; expect to average only 1.5 to 2 km an hour on the longer, more remote walks. Be sure to let someone know before you go!
Bluff Creek Nature Trail - 4km, 2 hours return - This walk links the Bluff Creek visitor area with Bluff Falls and can be walked in either direction. For much of its route the track follows closely beside Bluff Creek through moist, ferny gullies and tall stands of Blue Gum trees. Interpretative panels along the way provide information on features of interest. Walking conditions are generally good although the section nearest the falls is steep in places.
The Lookouts Walking Track Campbells Lookout - 1.4km, 1 hour return, Ross Lookout - 6km, 3-4 hours return
This track departs from the Bluff Falls carpark and initially climbs up to the smaller Top Falls where Bluff Creek cascades into a narrow, wet gully. The track rises again to Campbells Lookout, a rocky escarpment that overlooks the steep cliffs and scree-covered slopes of Cudgewa Bluff. The turnoff to Ross Lookout is signposted and the track continues on up a broad ridge through Wild Cherry trees and Black Cypress pines. It offers excellent views from numerous vantage points.
Pine Mountain Walking Track Rocky Knob - 2 km, 1 hour return, Pine Mountain summit - 12 km, 7 hours return
The walk to Pine Mountain is long and strenuous, with a number of climbs and descents. The summit area offers panoramic views of the surrounding Murray River valleys. Rock cairns mark the track as it traverses large, granite outcrops fringed with Black Cypress Pine and other rare and interesting vegetation. For the less adventurous it is possible to experience the special atmosphere of Pine Mountain with a shorter walk to Rocky Knob.
Hinces Creek Walking Track Hinces Saddle - 14 km, 7 hours return
This walking track departs from Hinces Creek campsite and initially follows a 4WD track to Hinces Clearing. The walking track then rises steadily beside Hinces Creek, a delightful ferny and secluded haven for a variety of bird life. A small seasonal waterfall is located on a tributary along the way.
Mt Burrowa Walking Track The Pimple - 3 km, 2 hours return, Mt Burrowa summit - 15 km, 10 hours return
The walk to Mt Burrowa is long and strenuous and the track may be poorly defined in places. From The Ridge carpark the track climbs steeply to The Pimple. This rocky outcrop sits atop sheer rhyolite cliffs and offers excellent views over some of the more remote and rugged areas of the park. The track continues on to the summit of Mt Burrowa with a number of very steep climbs and descents. It features a variety of vegetation types as altitude and aspect change.
Black Mountain Walking Track
This walking track links Hinces Saddle with Black Mountain (2.5 km one way).
Overnight Walks
A combination of walking and 4WD tracks may be used to form extended hikes. Popular overnight trips, which may all be walked in reverse, include:
- Bluff Falls to The Ridge - via Black Mountain and Mt Burrowa (approx. 22 km, 14 hrs)
- Bluff Falls to Hinces Creek - via Black Mountain (approx. 17 km, 10 hrs)
- Hinces Creek to The Ridge - via Mt Burrowa (approx. 19 km, 13 hrs). This route may also be walked as a loop using Cudgewa Bluff Road to return to the start point
- Hinces Saddle, a broad, open area, is a logical campsite for these overnight walks
Access for Dogs:
Dogs, cats and other pets are not permitted.
Location and Access
The park is located approximately 120 km east of Albury-Wodonga and 25 km northwest of Corryong. It lies between the Murray Valley Highway and the Murray River. Access to many popular visitor areas is from the all-weather Cudgewa Bluff Road, which passes through the park and is a pleasant scenic drive.
Location
Cudgewa Bluff Road, Walwa 3709 Map
Web Links
→ Burrowa - Pine Mountain National Park (Parks Victoria)
→ Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park - Park note (PDF)
→ Park note - Upper Murray Parks and Reserves (PDF)
