Photo: Len Lowry / CC BY 4.0
Perched on the escarpment of the Great Dividing Range, Kroombit Tops National Park is a rugged wilderness of subtropical rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. This remote park offers a true escape into nature, with excellent bushwalking, birdwatching, and the chance to explore historic sites. The cool high-altitude climate makes it a refreshing retreat from the coastal heat, and its isolation ensures a peaceful experience away from crowds.
Highlights & What to See
- Waterfall Circuit: A series of stunning waterfalls including Kroombit Falls, Box Creek Falls, and the impressive 100-metre-high Staircase Falls – best visited after rain.
- Bushwalking Trails: The Kroombit Tops Walking Track offers a challenging 7 km loop through rainforest and eucalypt forest, with panoramic views from the escarpment edge.
- Historic Sites: Discover remnants of early timber-getting and grazing, including the old Kroombit Homestead site and historic stockyards.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, lyrebirds, and a variety of bird species in the diverse habitats.
- Lookouts: The Razorback Lookout provides sweeping views over the Boyd River Valley and beyond.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for a full day to explore the park properly. Half a day allows for a shorter walk and a few lookouts, but to experience the waterfalls and longer trails, start early and bring a picnic. The park is best visited from late autumn to spring to avoid summer heat and leeches; check road conditions as the unsealed access road can be rough after rain.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Guy Fawkes River National Park – A dramatic gorge and wilderness area with more waterfall walks and wild horses.
- Dorrigo National Park – Part of the Gondwana Rainforests, with boardwalks and the famous Dorrigo Skywalk.
- New England National Park – Offers stunning lookouts and the challenging Point Lookout walk.
- Bellingen – A charming artsy town with great cafes and the Bellinger River for kayaking.
- Coffs Harbour – Coastal hub with beaches, the Big Banana, and the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Guy Fawkes River National Park — Cgoodwin / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Dorrigo National Park — Cgoodwin / CC BY-SA 3.0
- New England National Park — Shiftchange ( talk ) / Public domain
- Bellingen — Wikistellar01 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Coffs Harbour — Paul Lakin / CC BY 3.0
- Port Stephens — AussieLegend / Public domain