Yengo National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

Steep-sided valleys, sandstone ridges and a web of creeks and rivers are contained within the wilderness of Yengo National Park. Part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, it is rich in both Indigenous and European heritage. The fl at-topped Mount Yengo is an Aboriginal sacred site and there are outstanding rock engravings, with Burragurra (Devils Rock) and Finchley Aboriginal Site accessible to visitors. European history is evident in the convict-built Old Great North Road, a remarkable engineering feat for the 1820s, which runs adjacent to the park’s eastern boundary. The varied plant communities, ranging from dry Hawkesbury forest to melaleuca swamp, create habitats for around 200 or so animal species. Birdlife is particularly prolifi c. Four-wheel drive touring, bushwalking, mountain-bike riding, and horse riding (in the southern part of the park) are the main recreations. The peaceful environment is ideal for bird- and wildlife-watching. There are 4WD trips (check with the NPWS for track conditions) such as The Howes–Yango Track winding from Putty Rd (at Howes Valley) across the park to Finchley Track then south to the Boree Track. Stop at Finchley Trig for a superb view over the seemingly limitless bushland. Those in conventional vehicles might consider the scenic route from St Albans to Bucketty via Mogo Creek Road. There is a picnic area and camping at Mogo Creek. For energetic walkers there is the 43-kilometre section of the Old Great North Road, from Wisemans Ferry to Mount Manning (2–3 days). Mountain-bike riders can also tackle this route. Sights include the convict-built 1830s Clare’s Bridge, one of the oldest bridges on the mainland. The Womerah Range Track is only accessible on foot or by guided 4WD tour.

Fact file

Camping

Finchley and Mogo (bookings advised); 4WD car-based camping at the base of Mt Yengo (permit required); bush camping permitted

Location and access

80–180 km north-west of Sydney via Wisemans Ferry and St Albans (southern section); from Singleton or Cessnock via Broke or Wollombi roads (northern section)

Park Information

• NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
• North: NPWS Bulga (02) 6574 5555
• East: NPWS Gosford (02) 4320 4200

Size

153 115 ha

Where to Stay

Big Yango Homestead (02) 4320 4203
Cessnock/Wollombi (02) 4990 4477
Singleton 1800 449 888
Wisemans Ferry (02) 4588 5895


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• Campsites

Campsites

Big Yango Homestead

This sprawling homestead sleeps 8 people (with another 5 beds in an adjacent cottage), and supplies 240-volt power, hot showers, a wood fireplace and cooking equipment. There’s a smorgasbord of things to do here,... Find out more

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Blue Gums Campground

This large camping area can accommodate large groups of up to 100 people as well as conventional vehicle-based campers. In Big Yango Precinct off Howes Valley Trail, 14 km west of Finchley Trig, the campsite can only be... Find out more

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Finchley camping area

A smaller site on the Yango Track, this is a great base for 4WD touring (check with NPWS for track details), and only a 200 m walk to the Finchley Aboriginal Area. To get here from Wollombi and Laguna, follow the Yango... Find out more

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Mogo Creek Campground

If you’re a bit of a history buff, this is the campsite for you. It’s situated on the Old Great North Rd, built using convict labour over a decade from 1825. Near here is the Circuit Flat Bridge,... Find out more

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Mountain Arm camping area

Mountain Arm is also in the Big Yango Precinct, so you’ll need to pick up a key from the parks office to get through the gate. Once through the gate, you’ll reach Big Yango Homestead; turn left and... Find out more

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