Guy Fawkes River National Park

Deep in the rugged wilderness of northern New South Wales, Guy Fawkes River National Park is a dramatic landscape of deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and wild rivers. This remote park offers a true escape into nature, with ancient rainforests clinging to the escarpment and a sense of isolation that feels a world away from the coast. It's a paradise for experienced hikers and intrepid travellers seeking raw, untamed beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Ebor Falls: A spectacular multi-tiered waterfall plunging into a deep gorge, easily accessed via a short walk from the carpark. The upper and lower falls offer different perspectives, with viewing platforms that make for stunning photos.
• Guy Fawkes River Gorge: The sheer scale of this gorge is awe-inspiring. Look out over the precipice from the Point Lookout walking track, or tackle the challenging 10 km return walk down into the gorge itself for a true wilderness experience.
• Wilderness hiking: The park is crisscrossed with remote trails, including the challenging Guy Fawkes River Walk (a multi-day trek) and the shorter Wonga Walk. These trails pass through ancient Antarctic beech forests, past swimming holes, and along the river's edge.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, and a rich variety of birdlife, including the superb lyrebird and wedge-tailed eagle. The park is also home to the elusive platypus in the quieter stretches of the river.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly appreciate the park's grandeur, plan for at least a full day. Arrive early to tackle a longer hike, such as the 10 km return walk to the bottom of the gorge, which takes around 4–5 hours. If you're short on time, the Ebor Falls lookout and a short walk along the rim can be done in 1–2 hours. For serious hikers, a multi-day expedition through the park is an unforgettable experience, but requires careful planning and self-sufficiency.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dorrigo National Park: Just a short drive away, this World Heritage-listed rainforest park offers the famous Skywalk and lush walking trails through ancient Gondwana forests.
• New England National Park: Another stunning wilderness area with dramatic escarpment views, alpine heathlands, and the iconic Point Lookout lookout.
• Waterfall Way: This scenic drive connects several waterfalls, including Dangar Falls and Wollomombi Falls, making for a perfect day trip loop from the coast.
• Coffs Harbour: A popular coastal city with beautiful beaches, the Big Banana, and a vibrant food scene, ideal for a relaxing stay after exploring the parks.

Please check official sources for current details.