We recently spent the weekend in Wollombi, camping behind the pub. While we were there we did a couple of hikes in Yengo National Park. Circuit Flat walking track is not actually a circuit, but an out and back hike. We inadvertently converted it into a circuit walk after we took a small wrong turn. The trail is slightly undulating, but a grade 5 walking track due to the uneven terrain.
Circuit Flat walking track at a glance
Distance: 6.3 km circuit
Duration: 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours
Track: Fire trail and narrow single track.
Australian walking track Grade: 5
Start: Mogo Campground
Finish: Mogo Campground
Bookings/Permits: Required in you plan to camp at Mogo Campground
Other information: Pit toilets and a camp kitchen are available at the campground. Take all supplies (including water) with you. Limited phone reception in the area so make sure you tell someone where you are going.
Information on how walking trails are graded can be found here.
The Trail
The trailhead is at the rear of Mogo Campground and well signposted. There is a second shorter walk here – Mogo Loop walking track – which as far as we could tell – loops around the campground.
The hike takes you through coastal heath and native bushland to Circuit Flat Bridge, built by convicts in 1831 and the fourth oldest bridge in Australia. From the bridge, two other hiking trails traverse the Old Great North Road to Hungry Flat (6.5km) or 10 Mile Hollow Camping Area (18km).
Instead of returning to Mogo Campground via Circuit Flat walking trail, we took Circuit Flat Link trail back to Wollombi Road. From here Mogo campground is just a few hundred meters. Wollombi Road isn’t heavily trafficked, but be aware of cars on this section of the hike.
If you do return to Mogo Campground back via Circuit Flat walking track (the same way you came) the hike is 5.5km return.
Mogo Campground has a camp kitchen and pit toilets. Both were very clean when we visited. The campground is an excellent spot to picnic (or camp - book through NSW National Parks). The closest place to buy supplies is Laguna (roadhouse) or Wollombi (pub and several cafes). Otherwise, take all supplies with you - including water.
Getting there
Circuit Flat walking track is located in Yengo National Park, 120 km from Newcastle. The trail is accessed from the rear of Mogo Campground and is well signposted.
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