Ferntree Gully: a magical gully and rainforest walk near Mudgee

Ferntree Gully is a magical place. As you descend from the dry bushland above it’s like you’re entering another world. One where tall tree ferns shelter beneath swirling gully walls, gnarled tree roots make a bid to take over the forest and lyrebirds serenade you from the undergrowth. At times it felt like an Indiana Jones movie set, but one we had all to ourselves.

Scenery this special is often a little trickier to access, but at Ferntree Gully - minus a very short section or two - the walk is very easy. We couldn’t believe we didn’t see another soul.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Ferntree Gully Reserve.

The Ferntree Gully Circuit Walk

The stats

Distance: 2.8km circuit
Elevation gain: 90m
Difficulty: Easy, but not flat

Summary: There are a couple of different walking tracks at the Ferntree Gully Reserve and we’re covering our favourite of the two, the Ferntree Gully Circuit. The walk does involve climbing a couple of hills, but the majority of the trail is flat and easy.

The trail suffered some significant damage from a flooding event, but despite the warning sign, the terrain is actually pretty good.

You have a short uneven descent early on (not particularly slippery when dry though) and one bit where you have to climb up and over a couple of large fallen boulders and debris part way through.

The boulders are easy to climb and we have included a photo in the trail notes below so you know what to expect.

Starting the trail: into the gully

The trail begins near the eastern side of the parking area (details below) and follows the sign for Ferntree Gully.

You’ll begin a gentle descent on a well maintained path through the bush. After 100m you’ll reach a junction and from here the steps are a touch steeper.

The next couple of hundreds metres are on a rougher track, but don’t be put off because the vast majority of the trail is in great condition.

The descent into the gully is more uneven and has a little bit of erosion and loose soil. However, when dry it wasn’t slippery and it will smooth out when you reach the start of the gully.

If you’re hiking on a hot day, you’ll feel it get noticeably cooler as you get closer to the gully and there is plenty of shade.

Just 300m from the car park you’ll reach a towering sandstone overhang and round the corner is the start of the gully.

Through the gully

The gully might be relatively small, but it’s still incredible and as pretty as many proper canyons we’ve been to. Most canyons in NSW require either lengthy journeys on bumpy dirt roads, or steep descents on unmaintained walking tracks, this little gem in Ferntree Gully requires neither.

As you round the corner from the overhang you will feel the cliff walls begin to narrow. It’s incredibly atmospheric, especially with the large tree ferns, which give it a wild feel.

It reminded me of a mini Dry Canyon, which is a must if visiting the Blue Mountains. The narrow part of the gully is short, only around 100m or so, but it’s a special place and a wonderful start to the walk.

At the 500m mark you will leave the narrow part of the gully behind and head deeper into the rainforest.

Through the rainforest

Although the gully widens, you still have big cliffs on either side of you, but they’re now a lot greener, with various plants and trees laying claim to the walls.

The track will continue descending, this time on a dirt path with some leaf litter and stones, but it wasn’t slippery when dry.

The forest is utterly beautiful, with masses of ferns and gnarled tree roots that reminded us of Angkor Wat in Cambodia!

You could walk through this section quickly, but stop and take the time to appreciate the small details and you won’t be disappointed.

Roughly 100m after leaving the narrower part of the gully you’ll come to a short metal staircase and see a large cliff wall on the right. It’s such an unusual colour, almost pink and very eye catching.

The trail flattens from here and you’ll have a 200m leisurely stroll through spectacular rainforest before you reach a junction.

The boardwalk and more gully

The boardwalk is a 100m (each way) detour from the main track. We were lucky enough to see a lyrebird here, though it moved too quickly for a photo.

At the end of the boardwalk you will come to a small bench seat in a little tree fern wonderland.

Although there’s nothing to see here as such, this was one of my favourite spots on the track. You can sit in the shade and take in the sights and sounds of the forest.

I love that it celebrates just being in nature, no big views, just lots of stunning greenery.

When you’re ready to move on, you return to the junction and then head along the other trail to continue the circuit.

You will quickly come across a warning sign cautioning you about the upcoming trail conditions. I believe it mentioned you needed agility and I wondered if it was going to be really tricky - it’s not!

The flat path continues for around 250m before you reach another gully. Not as narrow as the first one and a bit rougher underfoot, but still beautiful.

There are some rocks and tree roots on the trail, but no different to your average bush walk.

You will walk gently uphill until you hit the ‘blockage’ at the 1.4km mark. On first glance it might look trickier than it is, as there is some debris and large boulders blocking the path.

However, when you start climbing up it, you’ll see there are plenty of good foot placements and the rock is grippy. It’s probably only a few metres long and the rest of the circuit is then back to being really well maintained again.

To the cliff top lookouts

Just 100m beyond the boulder jam, you’ll reach a series of stairs. This is the only steep bit of the walk. It’s all on good steps and after 100m the climb is over.

You’ll reach a junction at the top and this is where you can decide whether to visit the cliff top lookouts, or take the shorter track (Wheelbarrow Trail) back to your car.

The short cut saves you 400m walking, but we’d recommend the cliff top lookouts. The views are great and it’s easy!

You will head right, on a narrow bush track and arrive at the first viewpoint after just 50m. The Ted Daniels Lookout offers a great view over a series of pagodas backed by mountains and dense forest.

From here you have a further 350m of flat track until the turn off for the second viewpoint, the Norm King Lookout. This one is a 100m (each way) detour from the main track on a slightly rocky trail leading downhill.

It’s still easy enough though and worth the short diversion for the gorgeous mountain view at the end.

Completing the circuit

Once back on the main trail you have just 600m back to the car park. Although much of the track is flat, there are some undulations, including short sections with stairs. After 250m you’ll arrive back at the original junction where you continued straight on to go the gully.

From here you retrace your steps for the final few minutes to the car park, which is uphill, but gentle.

Facilities at the Ferntree Gully Reserve

There is a long drop toilet at the car park, but no running water. You’ll also find a picnic bench and a couple of camping spots. Please remember to pack out all rubbish with you.

Getting to Ferntree Gully Reserve

Ferntree Gully Reserve is located around 18km and a 15 minute drive from Rylstone, you can find the parking area on Google maps here. It’s roughly 65km and a 45 minute drive from Mudgee. The last 3km of the road into the reserve is a dirt track, but very well graded and suitable for any car at time of writing.