Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) Trail

Burramoko Ridge is a 10 km return walk from the Ridgewell Road gate to Baltzer Lookout and back. Allow about four hours. The broad fire trail meanders along the ridge through heath and open forest, with the Grose Valley panorama held for the finish. The official grade is medium: most of the distance is a steady fire-road walk, but it is a long outing and the lookout is exposed. Other route descriptions give roughly 7.6 to 12 km; their start points and extra paths do not line up, so plan around the 10 km gate-to-lookout return described here.

The wide dirt-and-gravel track makes the main line straightforward to follow, with gentle undulations and occasional climbs. Expect a sustained approach rather than a chain of viewpoints: the early and middle stretches change less than the dramatic final scene. The open heath and forest are part of the walk, but this suits hikers who are happy to earn one major lookout instead of getting constant views. The track is shared with mountain bikes.

At the end of the fire trail, reach the turning circle and continue on foot along the short, rougher bush track to Baltzer Lookout. Cyclists should leave their bikes at the turning circle. The rocky platform opens over the Grose Valley, with the distinctive sandstone Hanging Rock nearby. This is the route’s signature view and a good place to pause; the lookout has no railing, so keep well back from the edge and supervise children closely.

The name can make the route sound as if the rock itself is the required endpoint. The well-supported public route ends at the Baltzer lookout area. A rough, steep continuation drops toward closer viewpoints, and stepping onto the narrow projecting rock involves a highly exposed gap. That extension is not part of the route mapped here or needed for the main panorama. Skip it if you are uncertain around heights or scrambling; there is no need to cross onto the rock to complete this walk.

Bring water, sun protection and a packed lunch; no drinking water, food seller or toilet is available along the route. The nearest toilets are at Memorial Park in Blackheath, a separate stop before or after the walk. Parking is by the locked gate on Ridgewell Road and can be limited on weekends. Walking and cycling groups in Grose Wilderness are limited to eight. Ordinary pets are not allowed in the national park, except certified assistance animals. Share your plan, carry navigation, and check park alerts before setting out because poor weather or fire danger can close the area.

In spring, look for red waratahs and grass trees with cream-coloured flower spikes among the heath. The plants add seasonal detail to the long ridge approach, while the wide valley view remains the payoff at Baltzer.