Guy Fawkes River National Park

Guy Fawkes River National Park is a wild, rugged slice of New South Wales that feels a world away from the coast. This remote park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, is defined by the dramatic Guy Fawkes River gorge, ancient Antarctic beech forests, and cascading waterfalls. It's a paradise for experienced hikers and nature lovers seeking solitude and raw wilderness—expect to see platypuses in the river, lyrebirds in the undergrowth, and stunning vistas from the escarpment.

Highlights & What to See

• Ebor Falls – A spectacular two-tier waterfall plunging into the gorge, easily accessed from the Waterfall Way. The upper and lower lookouts offer breathtaking views.
• Guy Fawkes River Gorge – The park's centrepiece; hike the 5 km return track to the gorge lookout for vertiginous views over the chasm and river below.
• Antarctic Beech Forests – Wander through ancient, moss-draped beech trees in the park's higher reaches, a living relic of Gondwana.
• Wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, wombats, and the elusive platypus in the river pools near dawn or dusk.
• Multi-day bushwalks – The 30 km Guy Fawkes River Walking Track (4–5 days) is a challenging adventure through the gorge and rainforest, requiring navigation skills and park permits.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring the park, focusing on Ebor Falls and a short hike to the gorge lookout. For serious hikers, 2–4 days allows time to tackle the longer walking track and immerse yourself in the wilderness. Camping is available at basic sites like Ebor Campground and Styx River Campground, so you can break up your journey. The park is remote—fuel up, bring all supplies, and check road conditions before you go.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dorrigo National Park – 45 minutes north, this Gondwana rainforest park offers the famous Skywalk above the canopy and easy walks to Crystal Shower Falls.
• New England National Park – An hour south, with alpine-like heathlands, point lookout walks, and spectacular birdlife.
• Waterfall Way – The scenic drive from Coffs Harbour to Armidale passes multiple waterfalls, including Dangar Falls and Wollomombi Falls, perfect for a road trip.
• Armidale – The nearest major town, 90 minutes west, with heritage buildings, museums, and the New England Regional Art Museum.
• Coffs Harbour – 2 hours east, for coastal beaches, the Big Banana, and the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Please check official sources for current details.