Plateau Circuit loop trail
North Coast
Overview
Cycle through lush subtropical rainforest and eucalypt forest. See spectacular waterfalls and enjoy beautiful picnic and swimming spots, close to Coffs Harbour.
- Distance
- 26km loop
- Time suggested
- 3hrs
- Grade
- Medium
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- There is limited water available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
- It’s a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.
- Check the weather before you set out as the road to Bindarri National Park can become boggy when it rains
- This park is in a remote location. Please be well-prepared and tell a family member or friend about your travel plans.
- There's no mobile reception in this park
Immerse yourself in this remote landscape and spend the day exploring on your mountain bike. Just a short drive from Coffs Harbour, you’ll see beautiful scenery while cycling along the gentle gravel roads of Bindarri National Park and the adjacent Bindarri State Conservation Area.
Pack a picnic lunch and make sure you’re prepared with plenty of water and a tool kit, as you’re heading into the remote yet beautiful corners of the park.
Head to Bangalore Falls picnic area and follow the short walking track to see beautiful cascading waters. Then, continue riding through lush subtropical rainforest to Urumbilum picnic area. Admire the majestic hoop pines, lush subtropical rainforest and spectacular gorge scenery along the way.
Take a moment to explore Urumbilum Creek gorge below the picnic area on foot. The spectacular waterfall that drops away into a large, natural amphitheatre and deep pool makes for great photography.
Also see
-
Orara Escarpment 4WD touring route
Orara Escarpment 4WD touring route goes from Coffs Harbour through pristine forest, with spectacular waterfalls and idyllic picnic and swimming spots along the way.
-
Bangalore Falls walking track
Bangalore Falls is a must-see destination with superb waterfall views from the lookout, just a short walk along an easy walking track, and a great place for a picnic.
-
Bindarray picnic area
Escape the crowds and head to Bindarray picnic area. Enjoy 4WD touring, birdwatching, wildlife watching, swimming, liloing, paddling and picnicking by Urumbilum River.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/cycling-trails/plateau-circuit-loop-trail/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Bindarri National Park in the North Coast region
Bindarri National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- in Bindarri State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Plateau Circuit loop trail.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Plateau Circuit loop trail is in the western precinct of Bindarri National Park. To get there:
- Follow the directions to the park entrance via Eastern Dorrigo Way
- Start the ride at the information sign at the park boundary
- Continue along Corfes Road onto Range Road
- Turn left onto Bangalore Road for 1km and follow to Bangalore Falls picnic area
- Return to Range Road and continue south onto Urumbilum Creek Road, which takes you to Urumbilum picnic area.
- Return the same way or, for the more adventurous, turn right off Urumbilum Creek Road to Loudens Road, which will return you to Bangalore Road.
Parking
Parking is available at the start of Plateau Circuit loop trail.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Bindarri National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Get off the beaten track and take your 4WD through pristine bushlands, stopping to see the magnificent Bangalore Falls.
Spring
Enjoy picnicking and swimming by the river and easy walking to see spectacular waterfalls.
Summer
Take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of Urumbilum River.
Winter
Head off on your mountain bike and explore the remote forest trails.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
18°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
43.3°C
Winter temperature
Average
7°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
-3.2°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
781.9mm
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Learn more
Plateau Circuit loop trail is in Bindarri National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A bygone era
Walking out to Bangalore Falls, you might notice the large stumps standing as reminders of the parks former days of logging. Known as the 'cedar getters', the first Europeans arrived in this region in the mid-1800s. However, logging did not start until 1863. By 1880, concerns that Orara Valley would be cleared called for the declaration of Forest Reserve No 642, which later became Orara West State Forest in 1917.
Biodiversity hotspot
Bindarri National Park is considered a ‘biodiversity hotspot’ due to the number of rare and threatened species found here, such as the palm orchid, fish bone fern and southern quassia. The park also provides an important corridor of native vegetation linking the hinterland and plateau habitats of the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park with the coastal habitats of Bongil Bongil National Park. It's also home to a range of wildlife including an abundance of bird species,wallabies, possums and spotted-tailed quolls, as well as threatened species such as koalas, platypus, owls and bats. You might also spot the brown-speckled giant barred frog or the giant panda snail - the largest snail in Australia,with a shell measuring up to 12cm long.
- Bangalore Falls walking track Bangalore Falls is a must-see destination with superb waterfall views from the lookout, just a short walk along an easy walking track, and a great place for a picnic.
- Bindarray picnic area Escape the crowds and head to Bindarray picnic area. Enjoy 4WD touring, birdwatching, wildlife watching, swimming, liloing, paddling and picnicking by Urumbilum River.
- Orara Escarpment 4WD touring route Orara Escarpment 4WD touring route goes from Coffs Harbour through pristine forest, with spectacular waterfalls and idyllic picnic and swimming spots along the way.
- Plateau Circuit loop trail Cycle through lush subtropical rainforest and eucalypt forest. See spectacular waterfalls and enjoy beautiful picnic and swimming spots, close to Coffs Harbour.
Traditional Aboriginal lands
The deep gorges, cascading waterfalls and lush forests of Bindarri National Park are the traditional lands of the Gumbaynggirr people. The park is named after the Gumbaynggirr word 'Bindarray', which means 'many creeks'. Many Aboriginal sites have been identified as places used by local Aboriginal people for camping, tool-making, ceremonies and dreaming stories.