Werrikimbe National Park

Werrikimbe National Park is a wild, remote wilderness in the New South Wales hinterland that feels a world away from the Hunter Valley's vineyards. This UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest reserve offers ancient Antarctic beech forests, dramatic escarpments, and pristine rivers. It's a place for serious hikers and nature lovers seeking solitude and raw beauty, with few facilities and a strong sense of discovery.

Highlights & What to See

• Plateau Beech Walk: A short, easy loop through a stand of ancient Antarctic beech trees, some over 1,000 years old – a hauntingly beautiful forest of moss and ferns.
• Bishop's Creek Walk: A moderate 4 km return hike that follows a crystal-clear creek past waterfalls and into cool, fern-filled gullies.
• Brumlow Top: The highest point in the park (1,586 m) offering panoramic views over the escarpment and out to the coast on clear days.
• Hastings River Headwaters: Explore the upper reaches of the Hastings River, with swimming holes and picnic spots accessible via the Point Lookout Road.
• Wildlife Watching: Spot lyrebirds, wallabies, and if you're lucky, the elusive platypus in the park's streams. The park is also a stronghold for the rare rufous scrub-bird.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate a full day to Werrikimbe if you're driving from the Hunter Valley or Port Macquarie. The park is best explored on a day trip, arriving early to tackle one or two walks. For keen hikers, an overnight stay in the park's basic campground allows you to tackle longer trails like the 22 km Escarpment Trail. Most visitors spend 4–6 hours here, combining the Plateau Beech Walk with a hike to Bishop's Creek or Brumlow Top.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie: A coastal town with beautiful beaches, a historic lighthouse, and the Koala Hospital – a great base for a few days.
• Wauchope: A charming historic town on the Hastings River, with timber buildings and the Wauchope Railway Museum.
• Mount Seaview Reserve: A smaller rainforest reserve with walking tracks and picnic areas, perfect for a shorter stop.
• Willi Willi National Park: Adjacent to Werrikimbe, this park offers more rugged wilderness and the challenging Mount Banda Banda walk.
• Comboyne Plateau: A rural area with rolling green hills, fruit orchards, and the Comboyne Museum – a scenic drive from the park.

Please check official sources for current details.