Boonoo Boonoo National Park

Boonoo Boonoo National Park is a rugged wilderness of granite outcrops, eucalypt forests, and dramatic waterfalls tucked into the northern tablelands of New South Wales. Just 26 kilometres east of Tenterfield, this pocket of wild beauty is a haven for bushwalkers, birdwatchers, and anyone craving a genuine off-the-beaten-track encounter with the Australian bush. The park’s centrepiece is the thundering Boonoo Boonoo Falls, which plunges 210 metres into a fern-lined gorge — a sight that rewards the short but steep walk to its lookout.

Highlights & What to See

• Boonoo Boonoo Falls — The park’s star attraction: a 210-metre cascade that is most impressive after rain. The 1.4-kilometre return track to the lookout passes through mossy boulders and offers breathtaking views across the gorge.
• Granite Tors & Rock Formations — The park is dotted with sculpted granite tors and balancing rocks, remnants of ancient volcanic activity. Look out for the distinctive “Elephant Rock” and other quirky formations along the walking trails.
• Bushwalking Trails — Several well-marked walks range from the easy 400-metre Rainforest Walk to the more challenging 6-kilometre Summit Walk, which rewards with panoramic views over the New England tablelands.
• Wildlife Spotting — Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, and a rich variety of birdlife including superb lyrebirds, wedge-tailed eagles, and crimson rosellas. Dawn and dusk are the best times for sightings.
• Picnic & Camping — The park has a basic campground (first-come, first-served) and picnic areas with gas barbecues, perfect for a relaxed lunch surrounded by the sounds of the bush.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find that half a day is enough to experience the park’s highlights: walk to the waterfall lookout, explore a couple of short trails, and enjoy a picnic. If you’re an avid bushwalker or want to tackle the longer Summit Walk and also do some birdwatching, plan for a full day. Camping overnight is a wonderful way to soak up the serenity and catch the dawn chorus of birds. The park is compact, so you won’t spend hours driving between sites.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tenterfield — A historic country town known as the “birthplace of Australian federation”; visit the Tenterfield Railway Museum and the Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts.
• Girraween National Park — Just across the Queensland border, this park is famous for its massive granite outcrops, wildflowers in spring, and excellent walking trails.
• Bald Rock National Park — Home to Australia’s largest exposed granite monolith, offering a challenging but rewarding climb with sweeping views.
• New England National Park — A World Heritage-listed wilderness with rainforest walks, lookouts over the escarpment, and exceptional birding.
• Stanthorpe — A charming Queensland town with a thriving wine region, fresh produce markets, and the Granite Belt wine trail.
• Torrington State Conservation Area — A remote area with striking granite landscapes, historic tin mining sites, and the option for four-wheel-driving adventures.

Please check official sources for current details.