Washpool National Park

Take time out to explore the unparalleled landscapes of Washpool National Park, a place of steep gorges, clear waters and magnificent tracts of ancient rainforest. You’ll find some of the most varied and least-disturbed forest in NSW, including the world’s largest stand of coachwood trees and extraordinary specimens of giant red cedar.

Washpool is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, and offers wonderful wilderness walks lasting half an hour to several days, along with simple, miles-from-care camping and picnicking opportunities in gorgeous surrounds.

The Coombadjha Walk, an easy 1.4km circuit with educational signs and creek-side scenery, makes a good introduction to the park. The 8.5km Washpool Walk takes in the park’s main forest types.

It’s also a natural haven for an incredible diversity of plants, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds, including some of Australia’s rarest and most unusual creatures, like the pouched frog, the long-nosed potoroo, and the beautiful, cat-like spotted-tailed quoll.

Birdwatchers will be in their element here – more than 140 species have been recorded, including the rufous scrub bird and the increasingly rare powerful owl.

Access

78km east of Glen Innes and 93km west of Grafton off the Gwydir Highway. Includes a 3km park entry road (unsealed).