Image: Angelo Emmanuel
Why this Hike
This hike with grand views of local gorges and fantastic lookouts takes you along the sandstone and rocky escarpment. With beautiful surrounds and plenty of opportunities to admire local sights this hike is certainly one to do for the experienced walker while in the local area.
Track Notes & Overview
2 Days, 1 Night – 19.8KM
Day One – Gorge Road to Smitt Rock Campsite (13.5KM)
Setting off from Gorge Road this hike follows Southem Walk for a few hundred metres before joining up with Windolf Walk until reaching Pat’s Lookout. Return back to the main track after seeing the lookout and head towards Jeddas Rock along Waleka Walk. Continue to follow this walk as it winds around to Lily Pond Falls and becomes Lily Pond Walk, follow this walk for about 200 metres before turning left back onto Waleka Walk, follow this track until reaching Smitt Rock Trail which will take you to your campsite for the night at Smitt Rock. The campsite has a few facilities including a toilet which can make the experience of camping here much more pleasurable.
Day Two – Smitt Rock Campsite to 8th Gorge Campsite (6.3KM)
Setting off on this much shorter day of hiking this hike returns back along the Smitt Rock Trail back to Waleka Walk where you will turn left and continue towards the finish of the hike at 8thGorge Campsite. Follow the trail as it bends and winds before descending down a bit of a hill to reach the junction with 8th Gorge Track, at the track turn left and walk all the way to the campsite where your walk will end.
*Please note that this walk is quite difficult during September the April due to extreme heat and for that reason should only be undertaken by experienced walkers.
Food for an Overnight Hike
Creating a menu for a hike can seem challenging at first especially if it is an overnight hike. Your menu should be nutritious, delicious and lightweight which can limit some of the meals you can create.
Our recipe hub includes great suggestions for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and even dessert, covering all the ingredients you will need and how to make them.
