This full day drive takes you through some of the most scenic country in Northern New South Wales. The route offers out-standing views of the lush tropical rainforest and the magnificent Mount Warning Caldera. Food, fuel and toilets are available on the drive.
Duration: Full day from Kyogle
Highlights include:
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- Mount Warning
- Tweed Valley Lookout
- Collins Creek Waterfall
- Cawongla General Store
From Kyogle: Journey north and follow Summerland Way to Wiangaree. Here you turn right into Lynches Creek Road, observing the signs to the Border Ranges National Park. The route takes you through breathtaking country and to the location of Lynches Creek, an early pioneer settlement. Caution is advised while traversing this part of the trip.
Through Lynches Creek, take Forest Road on your left, passing Simes Road on your left. Forest Road takes you to the entrance of the Border Ranges NP where NPWS fees apply. Shortly after entering the park, you will see Sheepstation Creek Camping Area on your left. Further along the road, you will come to Forest Tops Camping Area, and walking tracks connect these two camping areas.
At the next intersection, turn left for Brindle Creek Picnic Area. Walking tracks beside the creek will give you a wonderful insight into this magnificent rainforest. Following the road, you will later come to the Antarctic Beech Picnic Area with great views looking towards Lamington National Park. Walking tracks will take you to the ancient beech trees, some over 2,000 years old.
Tweed Valley Lookout is next. Here you get your first sight of Mount Warning (Wollumbin, the mountain’s Aboriginal name), and looking to your right, you will see the Pinnacle jutting out from the cliffs of the caldera. Another few kilometres you will find the Pinnacle Walk on your left-hand side. A short walk through the rainforest will bring you to this magnificent feature, which is a part of the rim of the Mount Warning caldera. Mount Warning (Wollumbin) is the central plug of this now-extinct volcano, which was active some 20 million years ago.
Continue along the road, and on your left-hand side, you come to the Blackbutt Lookout and Picnic Area, which gives magnificent views of Mount Warning (Wollumbin) and Tweed Valley. Picnic here beside the old blackbutt trees while you enjoy the view. As the road continues, watch on the right-hand side for a glimpse of Collins Creek Waterfall, another wonderful sight that is part of the park mosaic.
Bar Mountain Picnic Area is the highest point of the caldera and is surrounded by temperate rainforest trees. There are more walking tracks from this point. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has identified 170 species of birds living in the rainforest, as well as many animals, so care should be taken while driving as they might cross your path. Caution should be used as you leave the park, as the road descends rapidly and at times traverses a ridge giving stunning views on both sides of the road and a further insight into the grandeur of this national park.
As the road descends from the park, you will come to Williams Road. Turn right on Williams Road to travel to Hanging Rock Falls on the route or you can alternatively turn left at Link Road, which takes you past the Wadeville Store Border Ranges Centre to Kyogle Road. Turning right will take you to Cawongla General Store, delight in its old-fashioned charm and enquire about local arts and crafts. Your tour ends back in Kyogle, having enjoyed the most exciting world heritage listed national park in Australia.
Up to date information on park facilities, closures, payment for park passes and bookings of camping facilities are available via the National Parks and Wildlife Service App.
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/app
The NSW National Parks app is free to download on iOS and Android and offers an alternative to the traditional park brochure or map.
Download information on selected parks when you’re at home, then you can access park maps, guides and important info when you’re in a national park and may not have internet access or mobile reception.
- Download a park before you go, then navigational GPS functionality allows you to view information and maps even without internet access.
- Use the map to locate parks, trails, things to do and places to stay.
You’re never out of range with the NSW National Parks app.
