Is the Chincogan Charge Worth It? My Chinny Charge Experience
The Chinny Charge is an annual charity run and walk up Mount Chincogan (coined “Chinny “by locals) in Mullumbimby, Australia. Last year, I walked up it!
Mount Chincogan rests on the land of the Bundjalung people and is a sacred women’s site. The Charge is a special day because the mountain is only open to the public one day a year because it’s on private land.
I love to challenge my fear of heights so I had to do this! I’ll share my Chinny Charge experience, what scared me, what to expect, how to register, and why I think it’s worth the hike!
The Chinny Charge is also about more than reaching the summit. One of the most inspiring parts of the day is seeing groups like Off The Street On Our Feet taking part. This group supports people who have experienced homelessness through running and community, and knowing they are participating in the Chinny Charge is powerful!!
My Chinny Charge Experience
As someone with a huge fear of heights, I was a little nervous to do the Chinny Charge. When I have anxiety, I can always feel it in my body (sometimes even vomiting), so I wanted to be prepared for this experience!
If you want to see what the climb up to Mount Chincogan looks like, check out the video of my hike!
Starting The Climb
I completely forgot to register and almost had to pay the $75 day-of-fee but the lady who helped me was very nice and charged me just $50. I got my number tag and felt very official, as if I was about to run a marathon.
Then I stood in front of the starting line to take photos and videos of the runners leaving right at 2 PM, then I joined behind with the walkers.
The starting point is in the middle of the town Mullumbimby, so you’re starting off on street roads as you walk towards the hill. The way up is pretty easy, just a slow hike up on mostly grassy terrain.
Rock Scrambling I Didn’t Expect & My Fear of Heights
Something I wish I had known before the Chinny Charge is that there’s some rock scrambling towards the top of the mountain! I was surprised by this but this just happened to me at Minyon Falls as well, so I guess I need to start expecting more climbing on my Australia hikes!
My heart was beating fast and my legs were shaking. I wondered, should I turn back? I asked a few runners coming back down how much farther it would be. They told me, “Not far –– keep going!“
There were so many people on the trail that a slow queue was forming towards the top. That kind of eased my anxiety because I wasn’t alone and didn’t have to rush. Plus, I didn’t want to be that person who turns around and walks back down in front of everybody! How awkward!
I also have this insatiable desire to prove people wrong –– and that includes myself. Sometimes I have to finish something difficult just to prove to myself that I can do it.
Top of Mount Chincogan & Going Back Down
I reached the top! I seem to remember there being a bell you could ring at the top, but I might be imagining that! 🔔 I guess I’ll find out when I do the Chinny Charge again next month.
After coming back down, I realized it wasn’t that scary. Just in the moment, I was feeling anxious. It’s no El Caminito del Rey! This famous cliffside hike with a suspension bridge that I did a few years ago in Spain!
I took some photos, and noticed the time getting late –– everyone had to be off the mountain by 5 PM. It had been two hours since I started so I suppose I took my time enjoying the scenic views and taking photos along the way!
The people in front of me started running only at the very end to try to beat each other which was endearing. I crossed the finish line, which is still exciting even if I wasn’t running in the competition!
2026 Dates, Time & Registration Details
Here’s a few things to prepare you for your hike or run up Mt. Chincogan!
When: September 19, 2026. Race starts at 2 PM and everybody needs to be off the mountain by 5 PM.
Where: The race starting line is outside the NSW Fire and Rescue Station located at 57 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby.
Distance: 6.5 kilometers loop and 304 meters of elevation!
Entry Deadline: September 18, 2026
Non-Refundable Date: August 31, 2026
Price: $25 for walkers and $50 for runners. $75 the day of –– but only if spaces are still available, if you happen to miss online registration before the date!
Fitness Level Required: Medium, slight rock scrambling, you’ll need your hands and legs.
Age Requirement: The main Chinny Charge hike is open to participants aged 12 and over. There is also a separate children’s challenge for younger kids aged 6+, which only goes to the base of the hill.
How to Register:
First, visit the official website here to register for the Chinny Charge! Click on the register button and it will go to a site by Event Wizards. Choose “Chinny Climb (not timed)” if you just want to walk up the hill. Choose “Chinny Challenge” Individual or Kids if you want to participate in the competition and run!
Select your age, fill out the personal details, and sign the waiver. Then you can pay your fee?
If you have more questions about the actual competition and kid’s race starting at 1:30 PM and the rules, check the official site!
Prizes:
You can WALK or RUN during the Chinny Charge. If you officially want to run and compete, there is a cash prize! There’s an category open to all and one for Byron Shire locals:
Open Male and Female
1st Prize $500.00
2nd Prize $350.00
3rd Prize $150.00
Local Male and Female
1st Prize $250.00
2nd Prize $175.00
3rd Prize $75.00
If you decide to run, may the odds be ever in your favor! Good luck, but you’ll see me walking and enjoying the sacred land.
What To Bring
I wouldn’t overpack for the hike, so a small backpack should be fine. The climb can take a couple of hours and includes a bit of rock scrambling, so I’d recommend bringing these essentials:
- Good shoes: I would wear closed-toe sneakers or hiking sandals (I wear these Teva sandals everywhere) to feel secure with the scrambling.
- Water & Snacks: Bring your own bottle and enough water for the climb and descent!
- Sun Protection: The Australian sun UV can be harsh, so wear some zinc sunscreen. A lot of the hike is covered by trees but I always wear a sun hat.
- Your ID is only required for the 12+ age check but bring your ticket or digital confirmation from the registration!
- I brought my Insta-360 and a point-and-shoot film camera to capture the great views!
Is the Chinny Charge Worth It?
Yes, of course! I am already signed up for the 2026 Chinny Charge because I loved it. My favorite part was the feeling at the top, knowing I had just rock scrambled and didn’t turn back! I felt very proud of myself.
I’d recommend this hike to anyone who can do it! Bucket-listers, you can say you’ve climbed a little mountain that’s rarely open to the public (it’s crossed off now in my bucket list!). Photographers, you can capture some wonderful views of the Byron Shire. Nature lovers can slow down and appreciate the beauty and cultural significance of Mount Chincogan.
After the end of the hike, I realized it wasn’t that scary, so it’s definitely worth trying!
I’m exploring more and more of Australia’s hikes, beaches and outdoor activities, so check out my Australia travel guides for more adventures around the country.
FAQ
Some quick questions answered…
Is the Chincogan Charge just for runners?
No! You are perfectly able to walk the Chinny Charge! It’s for both runners and walkers. I prefer to take my time, stop for photos, and enjoy –– and, of course, there’s no way I’d win the running competition! 🏃♀️➡️
Is the Chinny Charge scary?
I easily get anxiety and my legs were shaking a little on the rock scramble to the top. Overall, I was more scared than I expected but after my whole experience, I thought it was an easy hike for me!
Is the Chinny Charge all ages?
Only kids 12 and up can participate in the main mountain route (to the top). But, there’s also a separate 3 km kid’s race to the base of the mountain, which is open to children aged 6 and up.
Final Thoughts
One thing I love about this hike is that all the charity money raised goes to local community projects like Landcare and other community groups. The original race in 1960 actually helped fund the Mullumbimby Memorial swimming pool!
I hope I’ve convinced you to sign up for the Chinny Charge! It’s a fun experience even if you’re not competing in the race.
And you can tell people you’ve been to the top of Mount Chincogan, which is usually inaccessible to the public, so you’ll feel like a rebel.
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