This short but steep walk to the base of an attractive cliff is worthwhile. The walk travels through open forest with gum trees and Xanthorhoea trees to eventually follow timber steps steeply to the base of the Monkey Face cliff. This cliff is used by rock climbers and abseiling parties, so be aware that people may be above you. Spend some time exploring the base of cliff before returning the same way. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Track near Bangalow campsite on the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Timber post and track across Bangalow Road in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Track to base of Monkey Face cliff near Bangalow campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Looking down to Bangalow campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Track looking towards Bangalow campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Xanthorhoea (grass trees) near track near Monkey Face cliff in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Track in forest near Monkey Face cliff in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Large rock by the track on the way to Monkey Face cliff in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Track and large rocks near Bangalow campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Steep track and timber steps near Monkey Face cliff in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Timber steps near Monkey Face Cliff in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Timber steps near Monkey Face cliff near Bangalow campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Monkey Face cliff seen through trees in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Rocky track near the monkey face cliff in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Possible funnel web home near Monkey Face cliff in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Rock cliff and cave at the base of Monkey Face cliff near Bangalow campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Rocky track at the base of the Monkey Face cliff in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.Forest and Xanthorhoea near Monkey Face cliff in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Freemans Drive Exit then drive for 510 m
Keep right and drive for another 45 m
Turn right onto Freemans Drive and drive for another 4.6 km
Turn right onto Mount Faulk Road and drive for another 4.9 km
Keep left onto Bangalow Road and drive for another 2.8 km
Turn slight right onto Bangalow Road and drive for another 1.2 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From Bangalow Camping Ground (on Bangalow Rd), this walk follows the track up the moderately steep hill (directly opposite the camp ground). The track is followed for about 100m, to find a small flat area with a large rock. The track then continues steeply uphill with timber steps for about 110m, until coming to an indistinct three-way intersection at the base of Monkey Face cliff.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
Bangalow camping ground (about 50 m back from the start).
Bangalow camping ground
Bangalow camping ground
The Bangalow campsite, beside Bangalow Road is within the Watagans National Park and is a small, quiet spot to camp amongst native bush. The site has a number of picnic tables, a barbeque, and a toilet.
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The Bangalow campsite, beside Bangalow Road is within the Watagans National Park and is a small, quiet spot to camp amongst native bush. The site has a number of picnic tables, a barbeque, and a toilet.
There is a toilet (about 30 m back from the start).
Continue another 200 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 215 m to get back to the start.
About 10 m past the end is "Base of Monkey Face Cliff".
Base of Monkey Face Cliff
Base of Monkey Face Cliff
This large and extensive cliff line overlooks the Gap Creek Valley. This sandstone cliff is used by rock climbing and abseiling parties, so be aware that people may be above you. It is possible to explore around the base of this cliff and find attractive rock formations, including caves.
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This large and extensive cliff line overlooks the Gap Creek Valley. This sandstone cliff is used by rock climbing and abseiling parties, so be aware that people may be above you. It is possible to explore around the base of this cliff and find attractive rock formations, including caves.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Monkey Face Cliff Walk
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
430 m
Time
20 min to 30 min
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Signage
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Bushwalk
20 min to 30 min
Campsite: There is one -6 m back from the start.
Toilet: There is one 15 m from the start.
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About 10 m past the end is "Base of Monkey Face Cliff".
