Boorganna Nature Reserve

Deep in the forested hills west of Taree, Boorganna Nature Reserve is a pocket of ancient Gondwanan rainforest that feels a world away from the coast. This 1,000-hectare reserve protects one of the few remaining stands of subtropical rainforest on the NSW mid-north coast, with towering brush box, red cedar, and strangler figs draped in vines. The air is thick with the calls of wompoo fruit-doves and green catbirds, and the understorey glows with fungi after rain. It's a place for quiet walking, birdwatching, and connecting with a landscape that has remained unchanged for millennia.

Highlights & What to See

• The Rainforest Loop Walk – A 2.5 km circuit that leads through the heart of the reserve, past giant figs, a crystal-clear creek, and the atmospheric 'Cathedral of Ferns'. The boardwalk sections make it accessible after rain.
• Birdwatching Paradise – Boorganna is a stronghold for rainforest birds including the rare wompoo fruit-dove, green catbird, and paradise riflebird. Listen for the whip-crack call of the eastern whipbird.
• Picnic by Rawson Falls – A short, steep side-track leads to a pretty waterfall and pool, perfect for a cool dip on a hot day. The surrounding rock platforms are covered in moss and ferns.
• Ancient Trees – Look out for the enormous Moreton Bay fig near the picnic area, its buttress roots spreading like a cathedral buttress. The reserve also contains rare plants such as the Boorganna waratah.
• Night Walks – On a guided or careful solo walk after dark, you might spot greater gliders gliding between trees or hear the territorial calls of powerful owls.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the Rainforest Loop Walk and enjoying a picnic. If you're a keen birder or photographer, plan for a half-day to fully absorb the atmosphere. The reserve is best visited in the cooler months (April to October) when the humidity is lower and leeches are less active. Arrive early to catch the dawn chorus and the soft light filtering through the canopy.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wingham Brush Nature Reserve – Another remnant of lowland subtropical rainforest, with a raised boardwalk and a resident colony of flying foxes.
• Lansdowne State Forest – Offers longer walks and mountain-biking trails through tall eucalypt forest, plus camping at the Lansdowne River.
• Krambach – A tiny historic village with a great country pub and access to the Bucketts Way scenic drive.
• Wallabi Point – A coastal headland with a lighthouse and whale-watching platform, about 45 minutes east of the reserve.
• Booti Booti National Park – A coastal park with stunning beaches, lakeside walks, and the popular 'Wallis Lake to the Sea' track.

Please check official sources for current details.