Bunya National Park

Deep in the lush hinterland of northern New South Wales, Bunya National Park is a sanctuary of ancient, towering bunya pines and subtropical rainforest. The park's dramatic escarpments and deep gorges create a landscape that feels both primeval and serene. For travellers seeking a wild, off-the-beaten-path experience, this is a place of profound natural beauty and cultural significance, particularly to the Githabul people, who have long revered the bunya pine.

Highlights & What to See

• Bunya Pine Groves – Wander beneath the colossal bunya pines (Araucaria bidwillii), some over 40 metres tall. Their distinctive, symmetrical crowns and massive cones are a sight to behold.
• Scenic Lookouts – Drive or hike to Bald Rock Lookout for panoramic views over the park's rugged ridges and the distant coast. Pine Tree Lookout offers a closer vantage over the rainforest canopy.
• Walk the Bunya Track – A moderate 2.4 km loop that weaves through towering pines, ancient ferns, and past cascading creeks. Keep an eye out for lyrebirds and pademelons.
• Booyong Walk – A shorter, family-friendly trail that leads to a massive strangler fig and a historic sawmill site, offering insight into the area's logging past.
• Picnic at Westcliff – A popular spot with picnic tables, gas barbecues, and a short walk to a lookout over the dramatic escarpment.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors can experience the park's highlights in a half-day (3–4 hours), which allows time for a couple of short walks, a scenic drive, and a picnic. If you're keen on longer hikes or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, set aside a full day. The park is compact enough for a relaxed pace, and the quiet, uncrowded trails make it easy to linger.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – A 45-minute drive east, this coastal town offers beaches, the Koala Hospital, and excellent seafood. A perfect base for exploring the national park.
• Wauchope – A charming historic town on the Hastings River, with a great farmers' market and the Timbertown heritage park.
• Werrikimbe National Park – About an hour's drive south, this World Heritage-listed wilderness offers rugged hiking, ancient rainforests, and spectacular wilderness camping.
• Mount Seaview Resort – A scenic drive through the hinterland, with a lookout offering sweeping views over the valley.

Please check official sources for current details.