Woko National Park

Hidden in the scenic Manning Valley of northern New South Wales, Woko National Park is a rugged wilderness of towering escarpments, ancient rainforests, and the wild Manning River. This is a place for serious nature lovers and adventurers seeking solitude — there are no shops, no crowds, just the sound of birds and rushing water. The park’s dramatic gorges and waterfalls reward hikers with breathtaking views, while the river offers superb canoeing and fishing. It’s a perfect detour for self-drive travellers exploring the hinterland between the coast and the Great Dividing Range.

Highlights & What to See

• Woko Walking Track – a challenging 7 km return hike through subtropical rainforest to a lookout over the Manning River gorge; keep an eye out for lyrebirds and wallabies.
• Manning River canoeing – paddle through the park’s heart, past sandstone cliffs and deep pools; bring your own canoe or kayak (no rentals nearby).
• Rawson Falls – a spectacular waterfall plunging into a fern-lined pool; accessible via a short but steep walk from the Rawson Falls picnic area.
• Birdwatching – spot glossy black-cockatoos, powerful owls, and wonga pigeons in the park’s diverse habitats.
• Camping under the stars – the basic Woko campground offers a true bush experience with pit toilets and fireplaces; book ahead.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least a full day to explore the park’s main highlights — arrive early to tackle the Woko Walking Track before lunch, then cool off at Rawson Falls and spend the afternoon canoeing. For a deeper immersion, camp overnight to enjoy the river at dawn and dusk. If you’re short on time, a half-day stop can cover the waterfall and a short walk, but you’ll miss the river experience.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Barrington Tops National Park – a World Heritage-listed wilderness of ancient forests and alpine plateaus, just an hour’s drive south-west.
• Gloucester – a charming country town with historic pubs, farm-gate produce, and access to the Bucketts Range walking tracks.
• Manning Valley vineyards – sample cool-climate wines at cellar doors around Wingham and Taree.
• Crowdy Bay National Park – coastal heath, dramatic headlands, and the iconic Diamond Head camping area, about 90 minutes east.
• Forster & Tuncurry – popular beachside holiday towns with excellent surfing, boating, and seafood restaurants.

Please check official sources for current details.