The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service says the granite here formed deep beneath the earth’s surface 270 million years ago. It says that, for the next 50 million years, further intrusions of molten rock were forced into fissures deep within the earth’s crust, forming some of the dykes evident in the park today.

Weathering then exposed large granite tors – most notably, Cathedral Rock – a series of large granite boulders perched one on top of another to a height of about 200 metres and extending approximately one kilometre.

Campers enjoy the serenity of Native Dog campground. PIC: Leah Pippos / DPE

The most recent geological feature in the park is the basalt-capping on the summit of Round Mountain, a domed peak in the centre of the park that is the highest point of the New England Tablelands at 1584m. These basalt flows originated in the Ebor volcano, centred to the east of Point lookout, which was active around 18 million years ago.

The park is an absolute haven for wildlife and Eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked and swamp wallabies, wallaroos, spotted-tailed quolls, and the threatened brush-tailed phascogales can all be seen here. Birdlife includes glossy black cockatoos, wedge-tailed eagles, rose robins, and the rare turquoise parrot.

There is also a wide range of flowers and plants to look out for, including ground orchids, banksias, as well as broad-leaf hickory, silver and fern leaf wattle, and the Montane green five-corners, a threatened plant that only grows on granite soils in or near the park.

The best way for visitors to appreciate the scenery and the wildlife is so to get on their walking shoes and get out there amongst the rocks. The relatively challenging Cathedral Rock track offers scenic views across the New England Tablelands, the far easier and shorter Warrigal Walking track is popular with birdwatchers, and the Woolpack Rocks trail leads to the summit of Woolpack Rocks where there are stunning panoramic views.

The Cathedral Rock track starts from the Barokee campground which is better suited to smaller rigs as the road in is narrow and windy, while the Warrigal Walking track and Woolpack Rocks trail start from the spacious Native Dog campground.

• Have you enjoyed a visit to Cathedral Rocks National Park? Email us here to share your thoughts.

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