Comboyne State Forest

Comboyne State Forest is a lush, subtropical rainforest pocket on the Mid North Coast of NSW, just inland from Port Macquarie. This conservation area protects towering old-growth trees, crystal-clear creeks, and a rich diversity of birdlife and flora. It's a serene escape for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone craving a genuine forest immersion without the crowds.

Highlights & What to See

• Boorganna Nature Reserve – A pristine section of the forest with a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through ancient rainforest, leading to the stunning Rawson Falls.
• Rawson Falls Lookout – A short, gentle walk to a viewing platform overlooking a 20-metre waterfall cascading into a fern-lined pool.
• Comboyne Mountain Lookout – Drive to the summit for panoramic views across the Hastings Valley to the coast.
• Birdwatching – Spot wompoo fruit-doves, green catbirds, and elusive rufous scrub-birds in the dense canopy.
• Picnic areas – Several shady spots with tables and fireplaces, perfect for a lunch break surrounded by towering palms and eucalypts.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend half a day exploring the forest, including the short walks and lookout. If you want to hike the longer trails—such as the 6 km loop through Boorganna—set aside a full day. Combine with a morning at the nearby Ellenborough Falls for a full-day nature itinerary.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – The coastal hub offers beaches, the Koala Hospital, and a vibrant waterfront dining scene.
• Ellenborough Falls – One of Australia's tallest single-drop waterfalls, just a 30-minute drive north.
• Wauchope – A historic timber town with the award-winning Timbertown heritage park and the Bago Vineyards.
• Bago Bluff National Park – Rugged escarpment walks and wildflower displays in spring.
• Crowdy Bay National Park – Coastal heathland and the dramatic Diamond Head headland, ideal for coastal walks.

Please check official sources for current details.