Photo: Aviceda / CC BY-SA 3.0
Gibraltar Range National Park is a rugged, ancient wilderness in northern NSW, part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area. This park is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, offering dramatic granite outcrops, cascading waterfalls, and lush temperate rainforest. It’s far less crowded than nearby national parks, making it a perfect escape for those seeking solitude and raw natural beauty.
Highlights & What to See
- Mulligans Hut walking track – a moderate 3.6 km loop through tall eucalypt forest to a historic stockman’s hut, with great birdwatching.
- Dandahra Crags – a spectacular granite lookout offering panoramic views over the park and beyond; accessible via the 5.4 km Dandahra Falls track.
- Gibraltar Falls – a stunning waterfall plunging into a deep pool, best visited after rain; a short walk from the car park.
- Tree-fern gully – along the Mulligans Hut trail, you’ll walk through a lush gully filled with towering tree ferns, a classic Gondwana rainforest experience.
- Wildflowers and wildlife – in spring, the park bursts with wildflowers; keep an eye out for lyrebirds, wallabies, and the occasional koala.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend a full day exploring the park, which is enough to tackle one or two of the main walks and enjoy a picnic at a lookout. If you’re an avid hiker, consider an overnight trip – the park has basic camping at Mulligans Campground, allowing you to tackle longer trails like the 12 km Dandahra Falls circuit. Start early to avoid the midday heat and to catch the best light on the granite crags.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Washpool National Park – a neighbouring wilderness with even more extensive rainforest walks and the iconic Washpool Walk.
- Glen Innes – a historic country town 30 minutes north, known for its Celtic heritage and the Australian Standing Stones.
- Gwydir River – great for canoeing, fishing, and camping along its scenic banks.
- Bald Rock National Park – home to Australia’s largest granite monolith, with a rewarding summit walk.
- Grafton – a charming city on the Clarence River, famous for its jacaranda trees and heritage architecture.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Washpool National Park — FearTec / Public domain
- Glen Innes — Cgoodwin / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Gwydir River — Mgillaus / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Bald Rock National Park — JohnnyBflat / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Grafton — Chris Olszewski / CC BY-SA 4.0