Toonumbar National Park

Deep in the lush rainforests of northern New South Wales, Toonumbar National Park feels like a world apart. This pocket of subtropical wilderness, part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, offers a serene escape into towering red cedars, fern-lined gullies, and the haunting calls of bellbirds. It's a place for those who crave genuine solitude and the kind of green that seems to absorb all sound. Whether you're a keen bushwalker or simply seeking a cool, shady retreat, Toonumbar delivers an immersive nature experience without the crowds.

Highlights & What to See

• Murray Scrub Walk – A 3.5 km loop through ancient Antarctic beech and brush box trees; the mossy boardwalks and giant staghorn ferns make it feel like a prehistoric jungle.
• Toonumbar Dam – The park's centrepiece, a peaceful spot for picnics and short walks. Look for platypus at dawn or dusk near the dam wall.
• Bicentennial National Trail – A section of this epic long-distance route passes through the park, offering experienced hikers a chance to tackle multi-day treks through wild, remote country.
• Birdwatching – Keep an eye out for regent bowerbirds, paradise riflebirds, and the elusive rufous scrub-bird; the park is a hotspot for endemic species.
• Camping at the Dam – Basic campsites right by the water provide a true back-to-nature experience; you'll need to be fully self-sufficient.

Suggested Time to Spend

To properly soak in the park's tranquility and complete the main walks, plan for a full day. If you're camping, two days allows you to explore the Murray Scrub Walk and the dam area at a leisurely pace, with time for birdwatching and a twilight paddle (canoes allowed on the dam). For those on a tight schedule, a half-day stop to walk the Murray Scrub loop and have lunch by the dam is still worthwhile, but you'll miss the deeper forest trails.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kyogle – The friendly gateway town with a historic main street, cafes, and the Kyogle Art Gallery; a good place to stock up on supplies.
• Border Ranges National Park – Another Gondwana rainforest gem with spectacular lookouts and the iconic Pinnacle Walk; about 40 minutes south.
• Lamington National Park (Qld) – Just across the border, offering world-class hiking, tree-top canopy walks, and O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat.
• Richmond River – Canoeing and swimming spots near Kyogle; a mellow way to cool off after a bushwalk.
• Nimbin – The famous alternative-lifestyle village, 30 minutes east, known for its colourful markets and counterculture history.

Please check official sources for current details.