Werrikimbe National Park

Werrikimbe National Park is a pristine wilderness sanctuary in the heart of the New South Wales mid-north coast hinterland. This UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest reserve is a place of ancient Antarctic beech trees, cascading waterfalls, and haunting birdcalls. It's a paradise for serious hikers and nature lovers who want to experience one of Australia's most untouched landscapes.

Highlights & What to See

• Hiking the Plateau Beech Forest Walk – a magical boardwalk through ancient Antarctic beech trees, some over 1,000 years old, dripping with moss and lichen.
• Point Lookout – a breathtaking lookout offering panoramic views over the forested escarpment and, on clear days, all the way to the coast.
• Bishops Creek and Cobcroft Picnic Area – perfect for a picnic beside clear, cool creeks with swimming holes and short walks.
• Birdwatching – keep an eye out for the rare rufous scrub-bird, paradise riflebird, and superb lyrebird.
• Moonan Brook Trail – a multi-day hike through rainforest and open forest, with camping spots along the way.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring the park's highlights, but to truly appreciate its remote beauty, plan for an overnight stay at one of the basic campgrounds. Two days allows you to tackle a longer hike and soak in the solitude. The park is best visited from late spring to early autumn when the weather is mild and roads are open.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Oxley Wild Rivers National Park – dramatic gorges and waterfalls, part of the same Gondwana Rainforest group.
• New England National Park – ancient rainforests and stunning escarpment views, just a short drive south.
• Port Macquarie – coastal town with beaches, the Koala Hospital, and the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre.
• Barrington Tops National Park – high-altitude wilderness with the Allyn River Forest Park and Polblue Swamp.
• Gloucester – historic town at the foot of the Bucketts Range, a good base for outdoor adventures.

Please check official sources for current details.