Hastings Forest Way

Hastings Forest Way is a scenic driving route that winds through the dense, ancient forests of New South Wales, offering a journey into the heart of the state's World Heritage-listed wilderness. This 100-kilometre route connects the towns of Wauchope and Port Macquarie, passing through towering stands of eucalypts, subtropical rainforest, and fern-filled gullies. It's a road trip that rewards you with spectacular lookouts, walking tracks, and a deep sense of immersion in nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Boorganna Nature Reserve: Explore one of the few remaining stands of lowland subtropical rainforest in NSW. Walk the Rawson Falls track to a beautiful waterfall.
• Ellenborough Falls: One of the highest single-drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere, plunging over 200 metres. A short walk takes you to viewing platforms.
• Mount Boss State Forest: A haven for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, including lyrebirds and wallabies. The forest is also home to the ancient and endemic Bossiaea bossiaeoides.
• The Old Bottlebutt Tree: A massive, centuries-old tree with a distinctive bottle-shaped trunk, easily visible from the road.
• Hastings River: Numerous picnic spots along the river offer opportunities for a peaceful break, fishing, or a paddle.
• Timbertown Heritage Park (near Wauchope): Step back in time to experience the region's logging history. Ride a steam train and see working steam engines.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers take a full day to drive the Hastings Forest Way, stopping for walks and picnics. If you're keen on hiking, allow two days – you can base yourself in Wauchope or Port Macquarie and break the drive into sections. The route is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to explore the side tracks and waterfalls.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie: Coastal town with beaches, a historic gaol, and the Koala Hospital. A great start or end point for the forest drive.
• Wauchope: Charming country town with a strong timber heritage, plus access to the Hastings River and local vineyards.
• Camden Haven: A network of river systems and lakes perfect for kayaking, fishing, and water sports, just south of Port Macquarie.
• Dorrigo National Park: Part of the Gondwana Rainforests, with stunning waterfalls and the Skywalk lookout. A worthwhile detour north.
• New England National Park: Offers dramatic escarpment views and high-altitude forests, about an hour's drive west of the forest way.

Please check official sources for current details.