Mountains of Sydney - Mount Neilson

A very impressive mountain at the far north end of Wollemi National Park. This is a tough off-track walk through sometimes thick scrub. The summit of Mount Neilson is a large flat area with interesting basalt vegetation.

Driving directions

From Jerrys Planes in the Hunter Valley, drive west along Jones Reserve Road for 8km. There is a small section of road here where the Wollemi National Park adjoins the road. There is a small dirt area where you can park your car.

Directions to the summit

1. Head south into the bush and join a spur running SE. You reach a small saddle then a steep rocky climb up to some cliffs.

2. At the base of the cliffs, turn left (east) and traverse across until you find a way up to the saddle. Make sure to take a detour to the rocky knoll to the west of the saddle with amazing views in all directions.

3. From the saddle, head around to the east side of the gully where the scrub is a lot thinner. Follow the top of the cliffs, then head down into the valley.

4. There is an interesting dry rainforest at the junction of the creeks. Continue south up the other side of the gully. Follow the spur till you reach another rainforest saddle.

5. When the scrub thins out, head west till you reach the cliffs. Follow these south to the base of Mount Neilson. There are great views to the west.

6. From here it is a steep but straightforward climb south to the summit. The scrub thins out as you get higher and there are no dangerous climbs required. When in doubt, head to the eastern side of the rocks.

7. The summit is a large area and worth exploring. The south east spur is an open woodland. East of the summit is thick scrub and should be avoided.