Woodenbong, New South Wales: Don’t Skip This Underrated Gem Near Kyogle!

It’s very hard for the locals of Woodenbong (New South Wales) not to brag about the scenic setting of their small town.

The area is surrounded by several distinctive rocky crags, the remnants of an ancient shield volcano, lush rainforest, picturesque waterfalls, and spectacular lookouts!

Woodenbong is more than just an overnight stop as you drive the Mt Lindesay Highway. It’s the perfect base to explore the upper Clarence region, the Border Ranges, and more!

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

Woodenbong camping ground

The camping grounds are superb, well-kept, and economical.

A mere $10 (+$1 for a hot shower) per night will get you a powered site in the community camping area. There are unpowered sites too, which are cheaper.

There’s also a kitchen, BBQ, and even a coin-operated laundry. There’s a petrol station, a basic grocery store, and a pharmacy in town, making Woodenbong an excellent base from which to explore the nearby natural attractions!

More information and updated camping fees here.

Tooloom Falls

The most famous natural attraction near Woodenbong is Tooloom Falls.

It’s a 20-minute drive from the camping grounds, via Urbanville (we didn’t stop there and regret doing so!).

Tooloom Falls is a gorgeous 8-metre fall complete with a picnic area, loos, and a campground. The name is derived from the Aboriginal word “Dooloomi” – or headlice – so named to deter youngsters from swimming in the dangerous pool!

A little further on is the lovely Tooloom National Park with its loop trail through the World Heritage-listed Tooloom Scrub. Stop by the lookout for magnificent views across the Koreelah Valley.

Queen Mary Falls

Queen Mary Falls is another beautiful natural attraction, a 50-minute drive north west of Woodenbong.

This beautiful waterfall plunges 40 metres down into the valley below and is surrounded by lush, subtropical rainforest. There’s a well-maintained picnic area nearby, complete with barbecues and loos, making it a great spot to spend a few hours.

If you’re up for a bit of exercise, take the Queen Mary Falls Circuit, a 2 km loop that leads you down to the base of the falls. The view from the bottom is spectacular, especially after a bit of rain.

Keep an eye out for native birds and even wallabies in the area!

National Parks nearby

There are a few iconic national parks at a short driving distance from Woodenbong, including:

• Koreelah National Park (45-min drive).: A peaceful, lesser-known spot with beautiful creekside camping, a secluded waterfall, and bushwalking trails in untouched wilderness.

• Border Ranges National Park (1-hour drive). Known for its incredible lookouts over the Tweed Caldera and ancient Antarctic Beech forests, this park offers stunning scenic walks through lush rainforests.

• Toonumbar National Park (1-hour drive). A hidden gem offering serene rainforest walks, camping near crystal-clear creeks, and outdoor activities like fishing and canoeing at Toonumbar Dam.

• Mount Barney National Park (1.5-hour drive). A challenging adventure spot with rugged hikes, rock climbing, and beautiful rock pools like the Lower Portals and Cronan Creek Cascades.

• Wollumbin National Park (2-hour drive). Home to ancient rainforests and the culturally significant Wollumbin summit, with rich birdlife and subtropical ecosystems.

• Lamington National Park (2-hour drive). Famous for its tree-top walk, abundant waterfalls, and guided glow worm tours, this park is a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers.

Top Tips

The general store is perfect for the basics, but if you need anything specific, grab it in a larger town like Kyogle.

The roads around Woodenbong are rural, and wildlife is active, especially at dawn and dusk. Kangaroos, wallabies, and even wombats can jump out without warning.

Don’t count on your mobile working everywhere, especially once you’re out of town and into the national parks. Woodenbong has reception, but it’s spotty as soon as you venture into the hills or valleys. Download maps and info before heading out.

Some roads around Woodenbong can be a bit rough, especially after rain. Expect dirt roads to get muddy and slippery. If you’ve got a 4WD, you’ll be set, but if not, just drive carefully and be mindful of the conditions.

Did you know?

The name “Woodenbong” comes from a Gidhabal word that means “wood ducks on a lagoon” (not a bong made of wood).

The Gidhabal people have a deep connection to the land here, and the region is rich in Aboriginal culture and history. They fought hard for their land rights, and in 2007, they were awarded native title recognition over significant tracts of land in the region.

The Woodenbong Hotel is a key part of the town’s history, standing tall since the early 1900s. It’s been a local watering hole for generations of farmers, travellers, and locals alike.

It was rebuilt after a fire in the 1930s, and while it’s had a few renovations since, it still holds that classic country pub charm. The pizza is to die for!

FAQs

The bottom line

Woodenbong might be small, but it’s packed with adventure and natural beauty just waiting to be explored.

You can camp under the stars, visit Tooloom and Queen Mary Falls, or explore the nearby national parks. The town serves as a perfect base to uncover the hidden gems of the upper Clarence region.

So, grab your gear, hit the road, and experience Woodenbong for yourself – just don’t forget to download the maps and drive safely on those rural roads!