Location and surroundings
Mount Canobolas is a peak in Australia, in New South Wales, on the Central Tablelands within the Blue Mountains part of the Southern Great Dividing Range. The mountain rises above a broad upland landscape rather than a narrow alpine ridge, with roads, car parks and communication masts close to the summit area. In the Blue Mountains it ranks 2nd highest among 270 named peaks, and it is only a little lower than the range high point.
Neighbouring peaks
- Lidster Hill — 955 m, 4.2 km north
- Lees Mountain — 1,130 m, 8.4 km southwest
- Bald Hill — 793 m, 11.1 km north
- The Black Mountain — 849 m, 11.6 km west
- Keenans Hill — 614 m, 15.1 km northwest
- Columbine Mountain — 874 m, 16.2 km southwest
- Malachis Hill — 488 m, 18.1 km west
- Codeys Mount — 752 m, 19.6 km south
These nearby hills are all lower than Mount Canobolas, some by a wide margin. The closest listed summit is Lidster Hill, while the nearest higher point is the nearby range high point to the south.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest nearby peaks are Gaanha-Bula-Mount Canobolas at 1,396 m, about 1.4 km south; Watts Pinnacle at 1,142 m, about 2.4 km east; and Mount Bulga at 1,062 m, about 20.4 km northeast. Also in the wider view are Tottens Hill to the east, Diamond Hill farther east, and Trappits Bald Hill to the northeast. From the summit, the surrounding tablelands and the higher points of the Blue Mountains frame the horizon.
The range
Mount Canobolas belongs to the Blue Mountains, which are part of the Central Tablelands, the Southern Great Dividing Range, the Great Dividing Range, and ultimately Australia. The Blue Mountains high point is Gaanha-Bula-Mount Canobolas at 1,396 m, about 1 km south of Mount Canobolas. The range is listed with 270 named peaks, and Mount Canobolas ranks 2nd highest in it.
Access and starting points
The usual starting town is Orange in New South Wales. Around the summit, OpenStreetMap shows 4 car parks within 2 km, with the nearest about 930 m southeast. The closest mapped communication mast is about 1.1 km south, and there are 19 such masts within 10 km. A practical approach is from Spring Glade, a car park about 0.9 km southeast of the top at roughly 1,210 m.
From there, the walk to the summit is about 1.2 km with around 180 m of ascent, which is roughly 25–40 minutes by Naismith’s rule. The real time can be longer if the ground is wet, if you pause for views, or if you take a less direct line.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER suggest that the summit is warmest in January, at about 20 °C, and coldest in July, at about 4 °C. Mean temperatures stay above freezing in every month. The surrounding area receives about 550 mm of precipitation a year, with the wettest month in February at about 70 mm and the driest in April at about 30 mm. In this part of inland New South Wales, weather can change quickly with wind, cloud and summer heat.
Best time to visit
Because the summit stays above freezing on average all year, Mount Canobolas can be visited in any season, but conditions are usually more comfortable in the milder months. The drier period around April may suit walkers who prefer firmer ground, while summer can bring warmer temperatures and stronger sun. Winter and early spring may feel cold and windy on the exposed upper slopes, so extra layers are sensible even on a short outing.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain rises in a temperate inland landscape where the vegetation is shaped by elevation and exposure. Expect a mix of open woodland, grassier slopes and tougher summit-side plant communities rather than true alpine terrain. Birds of the tablelands, small mammals and reptiles are typical of this kind of country, and the open ground can feel windy and dry in places. The summit area is also influenced by roads, car parks and communication infrastructure close by.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain of this height, a certified guide is usually not necessary for fit walkers on straightforward ground, but it can help if you want local route advice, a paced ascent or support in poor weather. In Australia, the national mountain guide association is the Australian Climbing Instructors' Association, which is not an IFMGA/UIAGM member. An established guiding company in the country is High and Wild in the Blue Mountains region. Guided outings commonly depend on group size, duration, equipment and whether extra transport or overnight stays are involved.
Safety and preparation
Mount Canobolas is a short mountain walk rather than a high alpine climb, but the summit area still calls for basic preparation. Carry water, sun protection, a warm layer and a map or offline navigation, because wind and weather can change quickly on the exposed upper slopes. The emergency number for mountain rescue in Australia is 000; 112 also works from mobile phones.
History and name
Mount Canobolas is a volcanic mountain near Orange. The name is commonly said to come from an Aboriginal word meaning “two shoulders” or “two heads”, a reference to the twin peaks. That name fits the mountain’s broad, double-topped profile and its prominence above the surrounding tablelands.
Interesting facts
Mount Canobolas is the 2nd highest of the 270 named peaks in the Blue Mountains. The nearest higher peak is Gaanha-Bula-Mount Canobolas, only about 1.4 km south and just 1 m higher. The mountain is also close to the range high point, so its summit sits near the top of the local elevation hierarchy rather than far below it.
FAQ
How high is Mount Canobolas? It rises to 1,395 m.
Where is Mount Canobolas? It is in New South Wales, Australia, in the Blue Mountains part of the Central Tablelands.
Is Mount Canobolas the highest mountain in the Blue Mountains? No. The highest peak is Gaanha-Bula-Mount Canobolas at 1,396 m, about 1 km south.
What peaks are near Mount Canobolas? Nearby summits include Lidster Hill to the north, Lees Mountain to the southwest, and The Black Mountain to the west.
Is there water on the way to Mount Canobolas? Plan to carry your own supply. For a day walk, 1.5–3 litres is sensible depending on heat and effort, because the upper slopes are exposed and the climate can be dry.
Are there huts on Mount Canobolas? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How long does it take to walk up Mount Canobolas? From Spring Glade, about 25–40 minutes by Naismith’s rule for roughly 1.2 km and 180 m of ascent; the real path may take longer.
Will my mobile phone work on Mount Canobolas? There are 19 mapped communication masts within 10 km, with the nearest about 1.1 km south, so signal is often likely on the open summit but can fail in lower ground or behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.