Border Loop walk
Border Ranges National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Border Loop walk.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
1.5km loop
Time
15 - 45min
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Gentle hills: The walk is mostly flat with some gentle hills. There are short sections where the track becomes slightly steeper.
Quality of path
Formed track: The track is 1m-wide and mostly a hard-packed natural surface. At points along the loop part of the walk, there are short pedestrian bridges, which are timber with fibreglass mesh decks. The bridges have timber handrails.
Steps
Occasional steps: There are around 8 steps along this track, including a section of 3 steps at one of the footbridges in the loop part of the walk.
Other barriers
Pinch points: The track narrows at the pedestrian bridges, which are between 0.5m to 0.8m wide.
The track may get also get narrower at points due to rocks, tree roots and plants.
Other barriers: Tree roots and vines are common along this track. There may also be some water over track after rain.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Border Loop walk starts at Border Loop lookout and picnic area, near Cougal.
From NSW: Turn off Summerland Way onto Gradys Creek Road and drive for 19km until you reach the Border Loop lookout and picnic area carpark.
From QLD: Turn off the Mount Lindesay Highway at Rathdowney into Running Creek Road. Travel 35km until you reach the Border Loop lookout and picnic area carpark.
Parking
Parking is available at Border loop lookout in a bitumen seal carpark.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Border Ranges National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
A picnic at Border Loop lookout and picnic area is a must during autumn. It's also a popular spot to see the historic Border Loop railway line.
Spring
The perfect time to get away from it all on a family camping trip. Sheepstation Creek campground is a great base for exploring Border Ranges National Park.
Summer
Watching the sunrise from Pinnacle lookout offers the best views of the crater escarpment, Wollumbin-Mount Warning and the coast. You're bound to find it a breathtaking experience.
Winter
Take in the park's scenery from the comfort of your car or motor home as you drive along the Tweed Range Scenic drive. Be sure to take some breaks along the way though – you don't want to miss the views.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
18°C and 30°C
Highest recorded
42.9°C
Winter temperature
Average
8°C and 22°C
Lowest recorded
-0.3°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
February
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
321mm
Facilities
Accessible non-flush toilets and picnic facilities are available at Border Loop lookout and picnic area, where this walk begins.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
Border loop walk is a gentle, 1m-wide hard-packed ground track. There are some parts where people with reduced mobility may need assistance:
- There are around 8 steps along the track, including 3 at one of the pedestrian bridges.
- The pedestrian bridges along the track narrow the width of the walk to between 0.5m-0.8m
- Tree roots and vines are common along this track.
- The track may have water over it after rain
Nearby Border loop lookout and picnic area, where this walk begins, can be accessed by wheelchairs, prams and visitors with limited mobility, along a paved path. It has accessible non-flush toilets with a ramp leading to the entrance.
Some assistance may be required to access the raised lookout platform at the end of the path.
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.
Operated by
- Kyogle office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6632 0000
- npws.richmondriver@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 136 Summerland Way, Kyogle NSW 2474
Park info
- in Border Ranges National Park in the North Coast region
Border Ranges National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
Buy annual pass