Brokenback Range

The Brokenback Range rises dramatically behind Port Macquarie, a rugged escarpment cloaked in subtropical rainforest and sliced by deep gorges. This is wild, untamed country — the kind of place where you can hike through ancient Antarctic beech forests, swim beneath cascading waterfalls, and feel utterly alone in the bush. For travellers who love genuine wilderness and epic views, the Brokenback Range is a must-do detour on the North Coast driving route.

Highlights & What to See

• Boorganna Nature Reserve – A pocket of Gondwana rainforest with towering brush box trees, lyrebirds, and the spectacular Rawson Falls. The short walk to the falls is one of the most rewarding in the region.
• Mount Banda Banda Lookout – Drive to the summit for panoramic views across the range to the coast. On a clear day you can see from South West Rocks to Seal Rocks.
• Brokenback Creek Trail – A challenging full-day hike that follows a crystal-clear creek through mossy boulder gardens and past deep swimming holes. Bring a picnic and a sense of adventure.
• Kunderang Brook Wilderness – Remote and rarely visited, this area offers solitude seekers a chance to explore pristine riverine rainforest and spot platypus at dawn.
• Birdwatching & Wildlife – Keep an eye out for glossy black-cockatoos, powerful owls, and the elusive red-legged pademelon. The range is a biodiversity hotspot.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience the Brokenback Range, plan for at least a full day — ideally two if you want to tackle longer hikes. Most visitors base themselves in Port Macquarie (45 minutes east) and drive in for the day. Start early to make the most of the cool morning air; the rainforest tracks can get humid by midday. If you're self-driving, allow an hour each way on winding gravel roads (a 2WD is fine in dry conditions, but check road alerts). For a relaxed pace, pick one major walk (like Boorganna Nature Reserve) and combine it with a waterfall swim and a lookout stop.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – The coastal hub offers beaches, the Koala Hospital, and a lively waterfront dining scene — perfect for a pre- or post-hike meal.
• Wauchope – A historic timber town at the foot of the range, with a great farmers' market (Saturdays) and the Timbertown heritage village.
• Ellenborough Falls – One of Australia's tallest single-drop waterfalls, a scenic 90-minute drive north via the Oxley Highway.
• Mount Seaview Resort – A boutique accommodation and winery with stunning valley views, ideal for a romantic overnight stay.
• Camden Haven – A series of sleepy river towns (Laurieton, Kendall) with excellent oyster farms and kayaking on the Hastings River.

Please check official sources for current details.