Mountains of Sydney - Martindale

A very similar walk to the nearby Mount Neilson, but with relatively more open vegetation. As you rise you get great views of the Hunter valley and of Mount Neilson to the east. There are some great rock formations. Be warned that this climb includes a rock scramble section not suitable for timid or inexperienced climbers. Allow a full day.

Driving directions

From Jerrys Planes in the Hunter Valley, drive west along Jones Reserve Road for 12 km. About 1km after crossing Doyles Creek, pull over near the entrance to a fire trail on your left. There is no particular place to park.

Directions to the summit

1. From the road, head south into the bush until you pick up a gentle spur heading roughly west. Keep following this uphill through waypoints 2 and 3 on the map. This section is relatively easy, with a gentle uphill slope and relatively open vegetation.

4. As you near the base of the mountain, turn and head NW across two shallow gullys. Then head uphill to a saddle.

5. I recommend a short detour north to a great lookout at the end of the spur. Then the climb up this narrow rocky spur begins. Keep to the middle of the spur. Halfway up there is one section where you have to detour around to the right, then climb up a 2 stage rocky climb section. Once you are up that the rest is fairly straightforward.

6. At the top of the spur, head west down into the saddle, then start climbing up to the summit. The route straight up the middle is very steep but climbable.

7. The actual summit is a cleared area around 150m SW of the initial high point. It has views to the south west. Be carefull returning down the steep slope.