WALKING, RUNNING & RECREATION
WALKING, RUNNING & RECREATION
With 650 acres there are plenty of areas to explore on foot.
On the first weekend of August every year, Dungog Common is host to Run Dungog - a community trail running festival.
The 5 km Girriwa Loop heads up into the hills on the west side of the Common. Gulugu Loop (800 m) meanders among paperbark trees on Common Creek.
Boorangong Loop (2.5 km) is a wander through open forest and a rocky gully. Rifle Range Walk (2 km) is interconnected grassy circuits focused on some local history. From the Saleyards a track connects up to high ridgelines where vehicular tracks enable each of these walks to connect to others.
Download walking route brochures below.
Cattle on the Common
On the Rifle Range paddock one of our licensees has permission to agist cattle, which reduces the fuel load and helps with fire control. The Rifle Range walks are open to visitors, but don't forget to shut the gates!
walking route brochures
dungog common
GIRRIWA LOOP
GULUGU LOOP INTERPRETATION
THE GIRRIWA LOOP WALKING TRAIL
Across Common Creek on the north-western side of the Dungog Common is steep country largely tree-covered.
It is here that a walking trail circles around the highest point, Hungry Hill, passing through several distinct ecosystems. The main Girriwa Loop is 4.8 kilometres long and takes two to three hours to complete. Short-cutting across The Snip halves the distance. The trail has some steep sections but is not difficult for reasonably fit walkers.
The recommended start-point for walkers on the Girriwa Loop is just across Common Creek, a 100-metre walk down from the parking area at the entrance to the Common off Common Road, Marker pegs featuring the goanna logo are all along the route. Please follow a clock- wise direction. The route initially follows the creek upstream, then climbs into the hilly country. Wear sturdy footwear, carry water and snacks, and keep a sharp eye out for wildlife.
The Aboriginal word Dungog means ‘sparsely wooded hills’. The Girriwa Loop Walk steps back in time, enabling some sense of the way this Williams valley landscape was before European settlement. Here and there it is grassy but mostly it is a wander through scattered trees. A walk such as this the Gringai people might have loosely followed over thousands of years... gathering food and medicinal plants, hunting kangaroos, and perhaps congregating for ceremony. The Girriwa Loop follows a route that meanders and zigs and zags as the Gringai might have done. The Girriwa Loop is a walk on Gringai ground.
CONDITIONS OF USE - Trail Running
Always run in an anti-clockwise direction, unless otherwise directed.
Organisers of a planned event may change this procedure at their discretion and must advise all users prior to their participation.
To minimise wear on the grass, run on the outside of the circuit (especially on corners) when possible.
Vehicles are NOT permitted on the circuit (Maintenance vehicles excepted).
Bikes or wheeled equipment are NOT permitted on the circuit.
Dogs are NOT permitted on the circuit.
Circuit use may be restricted for safety reasons at various times for special events.
Spectators must stay off the circuit at all times and only cross with extreme care.
Ball sports, including golf, are NOT permitted on the circuit.
Be conscious and considerate to faster runners.
Slower runners and walkers should not run or walk in large groups and should be careful not to obstruct faster runners.
People using this facility do so at their own risk.
The circuit will be closed at times for maintenance purposes.
CONDITIONS OF USE - Recreational
Read and be aware of the conditions of use for the various sections of the park.
Keep the BBQ and picnic areas clean. Leave it as you found it.
ALL rubbish must be taken with you when you leave.
All pets need to be kept on a lead and under control when around horses.
This is a non-motorised activities reserve
When crossing trails be aware of bikes travelling at high speeds.
All fauna and flora should be left unharmed.
Be aware of poisonous snakes.
No open fires are permitted in the Dungog Common Recreation Reserve