Werrikimbe National Park

Hidden in the rugged escarpment country of the Great Dividing Range, Werrikimbe National Park is a pristine wilderness of ancient rainforests, wild rivers, and misty mountain peaks. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest is a sanctuary for birdlife, including the elusive superb lyrebird, and offers some of the most remote and rewarding hiking in New South Wales. It’s a place for serious nature lovers who want to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a landscape that feels truly untouched.

Highlights & What to See

• Hiking the Plateau and Escarpment Trails – Tackle the challenging 15km Cathedral Rock walk for sweeping views over the forest canopy, or explore the shorter, atmospheric Coachwood Forest walk through towering Antarctic beech trees.
• Wildlife Spotting at Bishops Creek – This picnic area is a prime spot to see superb lyrebirds scratching through leaf litter, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a platypus at dawn or dusk.
• Venturing to the LNE (Lower North East) Rainforest – A designated wilderness area, this ancient forest is home to rare plants like the native sassafras and the brilliant crimson rosella.
• Stargazing from the Campgrounds – With minimal light pollution, the night sky here is spectacular; the Plumwood Campground is a favourite for astronomy enthusiasts.
• Exploring the Hastings River Headwaters – The river cuts through deep gorges, and the drive along the scenic escarpment offers dramatic views of the valley below.

Suggested Time to Spend

Werrikimbe deserves at least a full day, ideally two if you plan to hike the longer trails. Most visitors arrive mid-morning, tackle a short walk, then picnic and explore the scenic drives. For a deeper experience, stay overnight at one of the basic campgrounds (no facilities) and spend a second day hiking to Cathedral Rock or the escarpment lookouts. The park is remote, so come self-sufficient with food, water, and a full tank of fuel.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – A coastal city about 1.5 hours east, with great beaches, the Koala Hospital, and the scenic Hastings River walk.
• Wauchope – The gateway town to Werrikimbe, with historic timber buildings and the Timbertown heritage park.
• Mount Seaview – A tiny hamlet on the Oxley Highway, perfect for a coffee stop and views over the valley.
• Ellenborough Falls – One of Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfalls, located about an hour’s drive south of the park.
• Kempsey – A historic town on the Macleay River, known for its art galleries and the Slim Dusty Centre.

Please check official sources for current details.