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Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk

North Coast, Country NSW

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Overview

Keep an eye out for birds and wildflowers on the 45km Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk through eucalypt forests, rainforests, wetlands and granite tors in the rugged Northern Tablelands.

Where
Washpool National Park, Gibraltar Range National Park in North Coast, Country NSW
Distance
45km loop
Time suggested
3 - 4 days
Grade
Grade 4
Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

Personal Locator Beacon

Hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at the Glen Innes office.

Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, clothes for all weather conditions, sunscreen, sturdy shoes
Please note
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching

Within the mountainous Northern Tablelands, high above Clarence River Valley, a very special track links Gibraltar Range and Washpool National Parks. Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk passes through dramatic and ever-changing natural environments with numerous side track options for further exploration.

Dry eucalypt forests, set amidst ridges and granite tors, are surrounded by sub-alpine swamp. Lush rainforests hold the largest tract of coachwood trees in the world. Waterfalls plummet from a lacework of streams and wild rivers.

In the 1880s, tin mining took place around Grassy Creek and remains of an ore crusher can still be seen along the eastern side of this waterway. O’Hara’s Rock marks the spot where, in 1873, a grazier by that name camped and tried to figure out a faster stock route over Gibraltar Range. Wades Mill, at Boundary Falls campground, dates back to historic logging days.

You can add any or all of the 13 adjoining walks and routes along the way and increase your walking adventure to up to 100km.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • View across wooded slope to the rock spires of The Needles. Photo © Leah Pippos

    The Needles walking track

    The Needles walking track offers jaw-dropping views of granite rock formations in Gibraltar Range National Park, near Glen Innes. Part of the Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk, it’s a great shorter walk option.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

 

How to prepare for a multi-day hike

Preparation is key for a safe and enjoyable multi-day walk. If you’re new to overnight hiking, here’s a list of what to consider when planning your epic adventure.

Two walkers carrying overnight hiking packs walking up steps on the Murramarang multi-day coastal walk. Credit: Remy Brand © DPE

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

  • in Gibraltar Range National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions

  • Gibraltar Range National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, road damage, or high fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day. The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring the correct change and display your receipt.

    Buy annual pass
  • in Washpool National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions

  • Washpool National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day applies only at attractions in the Glen Innes area. The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring the correct change and display your receipt.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

What's nearby:

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Tours (2)

Camping and accommodation (6)