Beech lookout
Cunnawarra National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Beech lookout.
Getting there and parking
Beech lookout is in Cunnawarra National Park. To get there:
From Dorrigo:
- Travel west along Waterfall Way towards Ebor/Armidale
- Turn left to follow Waterfall Way towards Ebor/Armidale
- Continue to Ebor
From Ebor:
- Travel west along Waterfall Way towards Armidale
- Turn left to stay on Waterfall Way towards Armidale
- After about 7.6km, turn left onto Point Lookout Road.
- Continue onto Styx Forest Way
From Armidale:
- Travel east along Waterfall Way for approximately 65km
- Turn right onto Armidale Kempsey Road just past Wollomombi
- After about 20km turn left onto Styx Forest Way
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Beech lookout can become boggy when it rains.
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- All roads require 4WD vehicle
Weather restrictions
- 4WD required in wet weather
Parking
Parking is available at Beech lookout along unsealed, gravel Forest Way.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Cunnawarra National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Enjoy the many splendours of the park from the comfort and warmth of your 4WD along Styx Forest Way. Don't miss the easily accessible scenic detour off Waterfall Way.
Spring
Head to Beech lookout on Styx Forest Way to gaze out over ancient Antarctic beech rainforest, including some of the tallest trees in NSW.
Summer
Go birdwatching in the park, keeping your eyes out for threatened species such as powerful owls, rufous scrub-birds and glossy black cockatoos.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
13°C and 24°C
Highest recorded
32.8°C
Winter temperature
Average
1°C and 13°C
Lowest recorded
-7°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
June
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
84mm
Facilities
- You'll need to bring your own drinking and cooking water
- You’re encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
Barbecue facilities
- Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)
Carpark
Step-free access
The lookout is mostly flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over hard-packed ground to reach the lookout railing.
There may be trip hazards between the parking area and the lookout railing, such as sticks, tufted grass and uneven ground.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Beech lookout is mostly flat and step-free, but there are no pathways.
From the parking area on unsealed gravel Forest Way, you'll need to cross over hard-packed ground to reach the lookout railing. There may be trip hazards along the ground including sticks and tufted grass.
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
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.
Operated by
- Dorrigo Rainforest Centre
- May to August 9am to 4pm daily. September to April 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6657 5913
- dorrigo.rainforestcentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 142 Dome Road Dorrigo Mountain NSW 2453
Park info
- in Cunnawarra National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions
Cunnawarra National Park is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.