7 Things To Do At Border Ranges National Park: Campgrounds, Hikes, Lookouts, And More!

Border Ranges National Park might not be on everyone’s radar, but it’s one of New South Wales’ best-kept secrets.

The park is nestled in the northern part of NSW, a 2-hour drive from Brissy. Perfect for a weekend escape to unwind in nature!

The park is part of the ancient Gondwana Rainforests, so you’ll be in for a treat. There are lots of hikes, one more incredible than the next.

You’ll walk along the lush greenery of the forest, with scenic views of Tweed Valley and Mount Warning. It’s the perfect place to be during spring, as the wildflowers are in full bloom.

There are campgrounds, picnic areas, lookouts, and scenic drives. We’ll tell you all about them further down, as well as the top things to do, places to camp, and tips for making the most of your visit. Let’s get into it!

7 things to do at Border Ranges National Park (NSW)

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Bundjalung people.

1) Hike the Bar Mountain Circuit

This 4 km loop is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Border Ranges.

It takes 2-3 hours to complete and it’s considered moderately difficult. You’ll hike through ancient Antarctic beech trees and the dense rainforest while enjoying spectacular views and the abundance of wildlife.

The bar mountain picnic area is perfect for taking a break and soaking in the scenery.

2) Drive the Tweed Range Scenic Drive

If you prefer taking in the sights from the comfort of your vehicle, the Tweed Range Scenic Drive is a must-do!

This 64 km drive takes you through the heart of the park, offering breathtaking views of the lush forest, Mount Warning, and the caldera. There are a few things to do along the way, including:

• The Pinnacle Lookout

• Stop at one of the many picnic areas, including Blackbutts Lookout.

• Do the Bar Mountain circuit

3) Picnic at Blackbutt Lookout

The Blackbutt Lookout offers spectacular views of the Tweed Volcano and Wollumbin (Mt Warning), they’re a sight to behold… which makes it the top place in the park to have a picnic or barbecue lunch!

There are tables, BBQ facilities, toilets, and the area is wheelchair-accessible.

4) Spot Wildflowers

In spring, the park comes alive with wildflowers. The contrast of the lush rainforest plants and the colourful flowers is jaw-dropping!

Here are some of the wildflower species you might see:

• Helmholtzia lily. This rare flower is found in only a few locations in Australia. This plant, with its distinctive pink flowers, thrives in the cool, shaded creek beds of the park.

• Waratahs. These striking red flowers are one of the most iconic native plants in New South Wales.

• Pink Flannel Flowers. This rare and delicate species blooms in response to specific weather conditions, usually after a bushfire followed by rain.

• Banksias. Known for their large, brush-like flowers, banksias add a touch of gold and orange to the landscape.

• Christmas Bells. As their name suggests, Christmas bells bloom in the lead-up to the festive season.

• Wattles. The golden wattle, Australia’s national floral emblem, is another beautiful wildflower that blooms in spring.

• Sun Orchids. A treat for those with a keen eye, these delicate blue or purple flowers open only in the sun, making a sunny spring day the perfect time to spot them.

• Grevilleas. With their distinctive spidery flowers, grevilleas add a splash of colour to the park’s flora.

5) Birdwatch at Brindle Creek

Border Ranges is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and Brindle Creek is one of the best places to spot the park’s many bird species.

There’s a 6 km walk (one way, moderate difficulty) that takes you along Brindle Creek. The walk has a few steep hills but it’s gorgeous and very peaceful.

The Brindle Creek picnic area is perfect for a quick break along the way! Just make sure to bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for species like the regent bowerbird, Albert’s lyrebird, and parrots.

6) Explore Brushbox Falls

For a more secluded experience, head to Brushbox Falls. This small but picturesque waterfall is tucked away in the forest, a 1-km walk from the Sheepstation Creek camping area.

It’s a beautiful spot, well worth the visit if you’re staying in the campground.

7) Keep exploring by doing one of the many walks

The Bar Mountain Circuit might be one of the highlights of the park, but Border Ranges National Park has a walk for everyone – from short strolls to full-day hikes!

Here are other epic walks in the park:

• Pinnacle Walk (0.46 km, easy). This trail takes you through the lush rainforest before opening up to panoramic views of the Tweed Valley and Mount Warning (Wollumbin).

• Red Cedar Loop (750 m, easy). A short but delightful walk, the Red Cedar Loop takes you to one of the park’s largest red cedar trees.

• Border Loop Walk (1.5 km, easy). This walk starts from the Border Loop Lookout and takes you through the rainforest to the edge of the escarpment. The loop offers great views and a chance to learn about the history of the area, particularly the railway that crosses the border between NSW and QLD.

These walks showcase the diverse landscapes and natural beauty of Border Ranges National Park. Plus, they’re on the easier side, so why not do all of them?

Camping at Border Ranges National Park

There are two campgrounds in Border Ranges NP:

• Sheepstation Creek campground. It has 25 sites apt for tents, trailers, and caravans.

• Forest Tops campground. A 6-km drive from Sheepstation Creek, this one has only 3 sites for tents.

Both campgrounds have most amenities (no-flush toilets, picnic tables, BBQ) and firepits. You have to bring your own firewood (you can’t collect it in the park), water, food, and take your rubbish with you.

You have to pay a camping fee plus the entry fee for the park.

If you’re camping with a caravan or bus, know that some roads in the park are steep and/or narrow. You might have to leave the vehicle at either the Sheepstation Creek Rest Area (western side) or at Border Ranges Centre (southern entrance).

Book the site directly through the National Park NSW website!

How many days to stay at Border Ranges NP?

Give yourself at least 2-3 days at Border Ranges. There’s so much to explore, and you don’t want to rush through it.

But if you’ve got the time, stretch it out to 4-5 days. That way, you can enjoy the park at a relaxed pace and just unwind in nature. Plus, if you’re camping at Sheepstation Creek, you’ll really enjoy those nights under the stars.

How much does it cost to go to Border Ranges National Park?

At the time of writing, the entry to the park is $8 per vehicle per day.

If you’re planning to camp, you’ll have to add camping fees, which are around $12 per night per adult. Kids from 5-15 camp at around $6, and toddlers camp for free.

You can pay the fees directly on the website, here.

When is the best time to visit Border Ranges?

The best time to visit Border Ranges National Park is in spring (September to November).

The weather is mild, making it perfect for hiking, camping, and exploring. Plus, the park’s rainforests are lush, and you’ll catch the wildflowers in bloom.

Winter is also a great time because the mornings are crisp, and there’s a good chance of clear skies, which means fantastic views from the lookouts.

If you’re into birdwatching, this is when you’ll see plenty of activity as well. However, if you’re camping, bring layers – it can be very cold.

Avoid visiting in summer (December to February) if you can. The park can get quite hot and humid, and there’s often the risk of thunderstorms, which can put a damper on your plans. Plus, some of the tracks might be more challenging in the wet.

How to get to Border Ranges National Park?

The park is in northern New South Wales, so the closest capital is Brisbane. The drive from there is pretty straightforward.

It’s a 2-hour drive (~150km) from Brissy. Head south on the Pacific Motorway (M1) and take the exit towards Murwillumbah. From there, follow the signs to Kyogle, and then take the Lions Road to the park entrance.

The Lions Road is quite scenic but winding, so take it slow and enjoy the views!

There’s no direct public transport to the park. Your best bet is to get a train or bus to Kyogle, and then hire a car from there. The park is about an hour’s drive from Kyogle.

The park has sealed and unsealed gravel roads. A 4WD isn’t necessary, but it can be handy if you’re planning to explore some of the more rugged tracks or if you’re visiting during the wet season.

That’s why you should always check the NSW National Parks website (here) before visiting. You’ll get info on any current alerts that might change your plans and it has the road conditions of the attractions you want to visit.

Top Tips

Bring enough supplies. There aren’t any shops or petrol stations in the park, so make sure you’re well-stocked with food, water, and fuel before you arrive. Kyogle is your last stop for supplies!

Even in the warmer months, it can get chilly, especially at night. Bring layers, a good rain jacket, and warm gear if you’re camping. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.

There are no bins in the park, so whatever you bring in, you need to take out.

Some roads in the park can be a bit rough, especially after rain. If you’re not in a 4WD, check the conditions before heading out to avoid getting stuck.

The rainforest areas are home to leeches and ticks, especially after rain. Wear long sleeves and pants, and check yourself regularly. Carry some salt or a lighter for leeches, and tweezers for ticks.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast before you go. If heavy rain is expected, consider postponing your trip, as the park’s tracks can become slippery and some roads may become impassable.

Did you know?

Border Ranges National Park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.

These rainforests are among the oldest on the planet, dating back over 100 million years! Walking through the park’s dense forests, you’re literally stepping into a living relic of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.

The park’s rainforests are home to many plant species that have been around since the time of the dinosaurs, which is pretty mind-blowing when you think about it.

The park is deeply significant to the Bundjalung people, the traditional custodians of the land. Mount Warning, or Wollumbin, which can be seen from various points in the park, holds great cultural and spiritual importance.

Wollumbin means “cloud catcher” in the Bundjalung language, and it’s considered a place of great power. The Bundjalung people have lived in and cared for this land for thousands of years, and their connection to it is still strong today.

FAQs

The bottom line

Border Ranges National Park, tucked away in northern New South Wales, brims with epic things to do!

Hike through the ancient rainforest on the Bar Mountain Circuit or take a scenic drive along the Tweed Range for a bit of everything.

Squeeze in a few walks in the rainforest and picnic breaks at Blackbutt Lookout or Brindle Creek – the views are unreal.

Springtime brings wildflowers and plenty of feathery friends to spot, making it perfect for those into wildflowers or birdwatching.

Plan a weekend escape or a longer bush adventure, and enjoy the natural beauty of the rainforest in Border Ranges National Park!