Richmond Range National Park

Richmond Range National Park, a rugged wilderness in northeastern NSW, offers a true escape into ancient Gondwana rainforests and dramatic escarpments. This World Heritage-listed park is a haven for bushwalkers and nature lovers, with trails leading to secluded swimming holes, panoramic lookouts, and towering red cedars. It's less crowded than nearby parks, so you can often have the trails to yourself.

Highlights & What to See

• Forest Tops Walk: A moderate 3 km loop through subtropical and warm temperate rainforest, with a canopy viewing platform that offers bird's-eye views of the forest.
• Boorganna Nature Reserve: Within the park, this reserve protects one of the last remaining stands of coastal rainforest in NSW, with a short boardwalk and picnic area.
• Richmond Range Lookout: Drive to this lookout for sweeping views over the park's layered ridges and the distant coast on clear days.
• Camels Hump Summit: A challenging 8 km return hike to the park's highest point, rewarding with 360-degree views of the surrounding wilderness.
• Swimming at Tuckers Nob: A natural rock pool at the base of a waterfall, perfect for a refreshing dip after a walk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring Richmond Range National Park. Combine the Forest Tops Walk with a drive to the lookout and a picnic lunch. For keen hikers, an overnight stay at one of the basic campgrounds allows time to tackle longer trails like Camels Hump. The park is best visited between April and October when temperatures are milder and leeches are less active.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie: A coastal hub 40 minutes east, with beaches, the Koala Hospital, and the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre.
• Wauchope: A historic timber town on the Hastings River, gateway to the park and home to the award-winning Timbertown heritage park.
• Mount Seaview Resort: A mountain retreat with walking trails and birdwatching, just 20 minutes north of the park.
• Ellenborough Falls: One of Australia's tallest single-drop waterfalls, located in the nearby Comboyne area, about an hour's drive from the park.
• Crowdy Bay National Park: Coastal park with dramatic headlands and the iconic 'Diamond Head' walking track, accessible within 50 minutes.

Please check official sources for current details.