Border Ranges National Park

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Overview

World Heritage-listed Border Ranges National Park offers scenic walks, cycling, drives and breathtaking views, near Murwillumbah. Enjoy a school excursion or camp amongst the gondwana rainforest.

Read more about Border Ranges National Park

Border Ranges National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area is a large area of wilderness that protects untouched rainforest and unique plants and animals connected to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana.

There are countless opportunities to explore the abundant wonders of the rainforest throughout this rare haven. You can travel around Border Ranges National Park along the Tweed Range Scenic Drive touring route (part of the Rainforest Way) – stopping wherever you like for a closer look at this special landscape. Try the short Palm Forest walking track through subtropical rainforest or take the more difficult Booyong walk that leaves from Sheepstation Creek campground.

You’re bound to find a beautiful spot for a picnic or barbecue lunch and be sure to stop off at some of the park’s lookouts along the way to enjoy magnificent views of the spectacular crater escarpment. Photographers will love capturing billowing waterfalls, views of Wollumbin-Mount Warning and lush rainforest plants.

The park is easily accessible from Kyogle and Lismore; however if you’d prefer to sleep under a blanket of stars and be woken by birds, head to one of the park’s campgrounds.

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/border-ranges-national-park/local-alerts

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Border Ranges National Park.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    From Lismore:

    • Travel 48km northwest to Kyogle and then on to Wiangaree
    • This road is all paved

    From Murwillumbah:

    • Follow the Kyogle Road west to Lillian Rock
    • Once you’ve reached Lillian Rock turn right onto Williams Road. From here the route is signposted.
    • This road has unpaved sections

    From Kyogle:

    • Travel 15km north along the Summerland Way to Wiangaree and then turn right onto Lynchs Creek Road
    • The park is signposted from here
    • This road has unpaved sections

    From QLD:

    • Follow Mount Lindesay Highway to Rathdowney
    • Travel east along Running Creek Road until you reach the Richmond Gap
    • From here you’ll find the central sections of the park including Border Loop lookout and picnic area
    • Please note that Lions Road is not suitable for caravans and buses
    • To reach Sheepstation campground and the eastern half of the park, follow Lynchs Creek Road from Wiangaree, turn left into Forest Road

    Parking

    Weather restrictions

    • 4WD required in wet weather

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

    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

    Maps and downloads

    Fees and passes

    Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day.

    • All Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (including Kosciuszko NP) $190 (1 year) / $335 (2 years)
    • Multi Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (except Kosciuszko) $65 (1 year) / $115 (2 years)
    • Country Parks Pass - For all parks in Country NSW (except Kosciuszko) $45 (1 year) / $75 (2 years)
    • Single Country Park Pass - For entry to a single park in country NSW (except Kosciuszko). $22 (1 year) / $40 (2 years)

    Annual passes and entry fees (https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/passes-and-fees)

    Safety messages

    However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    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.

    Nearby towns

    Nimbin (22 km)

    Nimbin is the counter-culture capital of Australia. It's set in a beautiful green valley pierced with limestone spires.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Kyogle (30 km)

    Kyogle is an attractive timber-milling town surrounded by rainforest. It's set on the Richmond River at the base of Fairy Mountain.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Murwillumbah (50 km)

    Murwillumbah is rich dairy, sugar cane and banana country. It's located on the banks of the Tweed River and set in the Tweed River Valley against a backdrop of rainforest-clad hills.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Learn more

    Border Ranges National Park is a special place. Here are just some of the reasons why:

    World Heritage wonder

    Brindle Creek walking track, Border Ranges National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    The rainforests of the Border Ranges National Park are part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. World Heritage Areas are irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration - places of such value that the international community has agreed they must be conserved for all time. You can explore this World Heritage-listed rainforest on one of the many walking tracks, like the short Pinnacle walk that provides spectacular views of Wollumbin and the Tweed Valley 1km below.

    • Bar Mountain circuit Take the short and easy Bar Mountain circuit walk to the lookout where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of World Heritage-listed rainforest.
    • Border Loop walk Walk the short and easy Border Loop walk through World Heritage-listed rainforest. Enjoy spectacular views from the lookout and finish with a picnic at the end.
    • Border Ranges 360 experiences Discover some of the rare and remarkable animals, plants and habitats that make Border Ranges National Park special, with our interactive 360-degree images.
    • Brindle Creek picnic area Pack up a picnic and set off along the Tweed Range Scenic drive to explore Border Ranges National Park. Stop off at Brindle Creek picnic area for a picnic and walk.

    Picture perfect

    Brindle Creek walking track, Border Ranges National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    A landscape photographer's dream, you'll be spoilt for choice in trying to capture the sheer scale and beauty of this epic rainforest from the many lookouts dotted throughout the park. Be sure to carry your camera up to the Pinnacle lookout at sunrise for a breathtaking birds-eye view of the crater escarpment all the way down to the NSW coastline. Don't forget to change your camera setting to panoramic for the perfect mantelpiece shot.

    Abundant wildlife

    Peron's tree frog (Litoria peroni), Border Ranges. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

    Being part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, makes this park a truly special place to visit. This region has the highest concentration of marsupial, bird, snake and frog species in Australia, so you're bound to come across a cute creature or two during your visit. While you're in the heart of this remarkable rainforest make sure you listen out for the call of the Alberts lyrebird, and while you're picnicking, keep your eye out for the rare, local fauna that thrive in this lush, protected wilderness.

    • Border Loop walk Walk the short and easy Border Loop walk through World Heritage-listed rainforest. Enjoy spectacular views from the lookout and finish with a picnic at the end.
    • Border Ranges 360 experiences Discover some of the rare and remarkable animals, plants and habitats that make Border Ranges National Park special, with our interactive 360-degree images.

    Aboriginal heritage

    Pinnacle lookout, Border Ranges National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer

    The dramatic landscapes of the Border Ranges National Park echo the historical ties connecting the region's Aboriginal people to Country. The Githabul People trace their identity and spirituality to this Country and it is central to their Dreaming. The park protects many ancient sites and continues to be a place of great significance today.

    Plants and animals protected in this park

    Animals

    • Profile view of an Albert's lyrebird looking for insects amongst leaf litter on the forest floor. Photo: Gavin Phillips © Gavin Phillips

      Albert's lyrebird (Menura alberti)

      The Albert’s lyrebird is much rarer than the superb lyrebird. Distinguished by its richer brown plumage and less elaborate tail feathers, it’s protected as a threatened species in NSW.

    • A spotted-tailed quoll walks across a moss-covered forest floor at night. Photo: Lachlan Hall © Lachlan Hall

      Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)

      The spotted-tailed quoll is the largest remaining carnivorous marsupial on the Australian mainland. It’s protected as a vulnerable species in NSW.

    • A male satin bowerbird with black plumage and blue eyes stands in a bower made of brown twigs. Photo: Peter Sherratt © Peter Sherratt

      Satin bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus)

      With vibrant blue-violet eyes and curious antics, the satin bowerbird is a favourite for bird watching and easy to spot as it forages for food in open forest. Relatively common across eastern Australia, in NSW they’re found in coastal rainforests and adjacent woodlands and mountain ranges.

    • Profile view of a wompoo fruit-dove on a tree branch with red berries. Photo: John Turbill © John Turbill

      Wompoo fruit-dove (Ptilinopus magnificus)

      The wompoo fruit-dove is a marvellously multi-coloured pigeon that makes its home in rainforest along coastal ranges from mid-north NSW to southern Queensland. It’s protected as a vulnerable species in NSW.

    • Profile view of a rufous scrub-bird (Atrichornis rufescens) standing on a mossy rock. Glen Trelfo © Glen Trelfo

      Rufous scrub-bird (Atrichornis rufescens)

      The vulnerable rufous scrub-bird is a small, ground-foraging bird that lives only in isolated rainforest areas of south-eastern Australia.

    • Eastern common ringtail possum. Photo: Ken Stepnell

      Common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus)

      Commonly found in forests, woodlands and leafy gardens across eastern NSW, the Australian ringtail possum is a tree-dwelling marsupial. With a powerful tail perfectly adapted to grasp objects, it forages in trees for eucalypt leaves, flowers and fruit.

    • Long-nosed bandicoot, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: Narelle King

      Long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta)

      A nocturnal marsupial and one of the smaller Australian native animals, the long-nosed bandicoot is found across eastern Australia. Populations in the Sydney region have dwindled since European settlement, leaving only endangered colonies in inner western Sydney and at North Head, near Manly. The long-nosed bandicoot has grey-brown fur and a pointed snout which it uses to forage for worms and insects.

    • Koala. Photo: Lucy Morrell

      Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

      One of the most renowned Australian animals, the tree-dwelling marsupial koala can be found in gum tree forests and woodlands across eastern NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as in isolated regions in South Australia. With a vice-like grip, this perhaps most iconic but endangered Australian animal lives in tall eucalypts within a home range of several hectares.

    • Profile view of a Fleay's barred frog on a rock surrounded by leaf litter. Photo: Peter Higgins © DPE

      Fleay's barred frog (Mixophyes fleayi)

      The Fleay’s barred frog is an endangered species restricted to rainforest stream habitats in north-east NSW and south-east Queensland.

    • Profile view of an eastern bristlebird on the ground amongst grassy habitat, it's beak open during birdsong. Photo: Leo Berzins © Leo Berzins

      Eastern bristlebird (Dasyornis brachypterus)

      The endangered eastern bristlebird is a shy, ground-dwelling songbird. Less than 2,500 birds are left in the wild, restricted to 3 isolated areas in eastern NSW and southern Queensland.

    Plants

    • Grass trees, Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

      Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)

      An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.

    Environments in this park

    Education resources (1)

    What we're doing

    Border Ranges National Park has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. View the detailed park and fire management documents. Here is just some of the work we’re doing to conserve these values:

    Preserving biodiversity

    The World Heritage-listed wilderness in Border Ranges National Park houses a wealth of unique fauna. Maintaining biodiversity within the park is a continuing priority for NPWS, so efforts to support threatened species are ongoing. These efforts include regular surveying and monitoring, pest management strategies, initiatives to boost key populations, fire management implementation, staff training and continuing bush regeneration programs.

    Managing weeds, pest animals and other threats

    Pests and weeds have a significant impact to the ecosystems within Border Ranges National Park. Pest management is a priority for NPWS with the pest reduction of wild dogs and cane toads being an important part of the work to protect the integrity of biodiversity within this park. Risk assessments for new and emerging weeds are carried out as an ongoing initiative in Border Ranges.

    Exploring World Heritage

    Border Ranges National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The park’s World Heritage values are preserved through multiple conservation programs, including fire and pest management strategies and initiatives to help recover threatened species. NPWS training aims to optimise staff understanding of World Heritage values, and the service promotes community involvement in conserving this important park.

    Conserving our Aboriginal culture

    Border Ranges National Park is dedicated to preserving its strong Aboriginal culture. There are several significant sites within the park, which are maintained as part of efforts to conserve its heritage. Aboriginal site conditions are regularly assessed and recorded, and members of the Githabul community are consulted on park management decisions as a matter of course.

    Managing fire

    NSW is one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world as a result of our climate, weather systems, vegetation and the rugged terrain. NPWS is committed to maintaining natural and cultural heritage values and minimising the likelihood and impact of bushfires via a strategic program of fire research, fire planning, hazard reduction, highly trained rapid response firefighting crews and community alerts.