Blackwood National Park

Blackwood National Park is a rugged and remote wilderness in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, offering a true escape into ancient Gondwana rainforests and dramatic escarpments. This park is part of the Shield Volcano Group of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, making it a haven for hikers, birdwatchers, and those seeking solitude in nature. With its towering basalt cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush fern-filled gullies, Blackwood is a place where the landscape feels timeless and untamed.

Highlights & What to See

• Blackwood Lookout: A short walk leads to this viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramas of the Tweed Valley and Mount Warning. Best visited in the early morning for clear views.
• Boomerang Falls: A stunning waterfall that plunges into a deep pool, accessible via a moderate hike through rainforest. Perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
• Gondwana Rainforest Walks: Several trails, such as the Blackwood Creek Walk, wind through ancient Antarctic beech and palm forests, with opportunities to spot lyrebirds and pademelons.
• Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for the endangered Albert's lyrebird, as well as brush turkeys, wallabies, and the occasional platypus in the creeks.
• Picnic Areas: The park has several picnic spots with basic facilities, ideal for a lunch break surrounded by towering eucalypts and the sound of birdsong.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring Blackwood National Park, which allows time for a couple of short walks and a picnic. If you're an avid hiker, consider an overnight stay at one of the campgrounds (book in advance) to fully immerse yourself in the park's tranquility. For a quick visit, a half-day is enough to do the lookout and one waterfall walk.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Border Ranges National Park: Just south, this park offers more rainforest walks and stunning views from Pinnacle Lookout.
• Mount Warning: A challenging sunrise hike to the summit provides panoramic views of the caldera.
• Kyogle: A charming town with cafes, a historic railway station, and access to the Richmond River.
• Lamington National Park: Part of the same World Heritage area, with excellent birdwatching and the famous Tree Top Walk.
• Murwillumbah: A vibrant town with art galleries, markets, and the Tweed River.

Please check official sources for current details.