National Parks and the land in general in the northern parts of this area is known for the striking granite rock formations, including balancing rocks and formations that represent shapes of things. Torrington State Conservation Area is no different, with rocky outcrops to explore, along with the wildflowers and bushland.
One of the feature attractions in Torrington State Conservation Area is Mystery Face, a granite rock formation that has looks like it was purposefully carved to look like a profile of a face.
The brown sign name of this location is Torrington State Recreational Park. It was renamed to reflect the shift of focus from recreational use to conservation of the area’s ecological and cultural significance.
Walking Trails
The walking trails are in different locations, requiring driving between them. The location of this brown sign place is the entrance track to the Mystery Face walk.
Mystery Face Walk
Follow through the woodlands to view a number of remarkable rock features. The namesake rock formation is Mystery Face that resembles the side profile of a face, with other rock formations found along the way, including Westminster Rocks. The walk is a 2.6-kilometre grade 3 trail loop, taking around 1.5 hours. The trail has some sections of loose surfaces and rock hopping.
Thunderbolts Lookout
Named after the bushranger, Captain Thunderbolt, this walk starts from the Nomads Picnic Area, or at a road junction 1.4 kilometres before reaching the turnoff to Mystery Face Walk. From the picnic area, the walk gradually climbs up to a raised platform, providing spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding area.
To do the full loop, Thunderbolt’s Lookout is a 2-kilometre walk. It is a grade 3 trail with loose surfaces, steps, and a five-metre ladder to climb up the lookout platform. This is also a 200-metre section that passes through a natural rock shelter.
Ugly Corner Falls Walk
Starting from Blatherarm Road, the walk is 3 kilometres return, also rated as grade 3. The walk descends to the base of Ugly Corner Falls, named after the early tin miners who were unimpressed by the solid rock faces at this section of Blather Creek. The trail has unstable surfaces and some rock hopping. There is also a minor water crossing.