Moonpar Forest drive
North Coast
Overview
Moonpar Forest drive is a 75km scenic car touring route near Dorrigo. It’s a great day out and an ideal way to explore the walks, riverside picnic spots, and sights of Nymboi-Binderay and Cascade national parks.
- Where
- Cascade National Park, Junuy Juluum National Park, Nymboi-Binderay National Park in North Coast
- Accessibility
- Medium
- Distance
- 75km loop
- Time suggested
- 5hrs
- Opening times
Moonpar Forest drive is open at all times, but may close due to poor weather, flood or fire danger.
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water, binoculars, snacks
- Please note
The bridge over Nymboida River is subject to flooding, so please check for closures before setting out.
Starting at Dorrigo, this scenic forest drive loops through Nymboi–Binderay National Park and Cascade National Park. Allow a day so you can make the most of the many bushwalks, riverside stops and sightseeing opportunities along the way.
Stop for morning tea at Norman Jolly picnic area before stretching your legs along short and easy Coachwood loop track. Here you can marvel at the giant tallowwood trees that are around 800 years-old. Take advantage of the facilities at Platypus Flat campground for lunch by the Nymboida River. Bring your swimsuit and towel so you can take a refreshing dip in the river.
The river attracts plenty of wildlife, so keep an eye out for turtles, cormorants, and platypus. Wild ducks raise their young on the banks of the river, and you might see kingfishers, lorikeets and lace monitors.
Continue to nearby Cascade National Park, where you can spend the afternoon exploring along Box Ridge walking track and Mobong walking track. Discover the relics from the the timber industry days, including an old railway station, before heading south towards Dorrigo to complete the loop.
Along the way
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Park:
Cascade National Park
Cascade National Park, only an hours’ drive from Coffs Harbour, is ideal for a day trip. Rainforest, walking tracks, car touring and excellent cycling opportunities await.
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
Operated by
- Coffs Harbour office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6652 0900
- npws.coffscoast@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 4/32 Edgar St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Park info
- in Nymboi-Binderay National Park in the North Coast region
Nymboi-Binderay National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- in Cascade National Park in the North Coast region
Cascade National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- in Junuy Juluum National Park in the North Coast region
What's nearby:
Things to do (31)
- 4WD touring (2)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (12)
- Cafes and kiosks (1)
- Cycling (3)
- Environmental appreciation/study (1)
- Historic heritage (2)
- Photography (1)
- Picnics and barbecues (5)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (3)
- Sightseeing (15)
- Surfing (1)
- Swimming (1)
- Visitor centres (1)
- Walking (17)
- Waterfalls (12)