Barraba Track
Navigating the Barraba track in Mount Kaputar National Park is an activity for lovers of adventure and the Australian bush. The limited-access 8km 4WD track starts 50km west of Barraba at the Park’s eastern boundary. It steeply climbs and winds towards the summit exiting at Dawson’s Springs. There are cliff top views and changing landscape as you enter the sub-Alpine zone at 1350m.The stringybark and blackbutt forest changes to snow and mountain gums. You can also see Mt Dowe and the Lindsay Rock Tops from parts of the route.
The Barraba track is suitable for walking and mountain-biking as well as four-wheel driving. It is closed to vehicle access after 5 mm of rain as it is dangerous when wet.
The track has recently changed to be two-way. That is, travel in 4WD vehicles is now possible in either direction on the track.
Bushwalking and mountain biking
For walkers, the track is equivalent to a grade 3 walking track. It does not meet all the criteria for a grade 3 walking track because it is more than 1200 mm wide, but the track surface, length and steepness of hills equates to a grade 3 walking track.
Walkers can park their vehicle at the John Perry picnic area on the eastern end of the track. This is around 2km west of the (unlocked) first gate at the end of Mt Lindsay Rd. At the western end of the track, walkers should park in the Lindsay Rock Tops car park and walk back to the start of the track.
There is no charge for using the track for bushwalking and mountain biking.
4WD use
Access to the track for 4WD use in 2022 will be by vehicle permit which is obtained by logging onto the NPWS website and purchasing a permit online. Once the booking and payment has been made, users will receive a gate code in a confirmation email. The alternative to booking online is to call the National Parks visitor section on 1300 072 757 and request a permit and pay over the phone. Following payment, the gate code will be provided. Cost for use of the track is $10.
Wet and extreme weather
Key information for potential users is that the Barraba Track is closed during wet weather. Users should check on the NPWS website for alerts on closures. The weather in the area can be unpredictable, and at times can be extreme, so carrying warm clothing at any time of the year is advisable. This includes high summer.
Getting there from Barraba
Travel west on Alice Street (which becomes Trevallyn Rd) for around 20km. Turn left onto Mt Lindesay and travel around 28km to the first (unlocked) gate. There are good views to the south from this section of the road.
Your route takes you past the turn-off to Horton Falls. It is possible to drive the Barraba track and visit the falls in a one-day trip.
Dawson’s Springs Cabins
Dawson’s Springs has comfortable cabins and a campground managed by National Parks. To book: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/accommodation/dawsons-spring-cabins