During these crazy times I realise that it’s difficult to even think about travel. In particular overseas travel has been put on the back burner for the majority. Those with travel plans for 2020 have now had to cancel arrangements. My husband and I are currently trying to cancel our flight, cruise and accommodation bookings to Spain and Portugal in late August. We have all started to think about travel within our own country, state or even city. This is how we ended up on a Sunday drive into my backyard of the Border Ranges National Park in Northern New South Wales.

Map of Border Ranges National Park

Border Ranges National Park

As the name suggests, this world heritage-listed park is located on the Queensland/New South Wales border within the Tweed Caldera. The Border Ranges are also part of Australia’s Gondwana Forests and contain relics of ancient flora and fauna mostly unchanged since the Jurassic period.

The Tweed-Mt Warning-Wollumbin shield volcano, and its caldera runs from the Gold Coast through Tweed to Byron Shire and the northern Lismore region. It is arguably “the best preserved erosion caldera in the world” – according to the World Heritage listing organisation. It is also the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Mt Warning/Wollumbin Caldera

The north and western edges of the ranges provide the most stunning views of the caldera valley and Wollumbin, and appropriately this is where there are three spectacular lookouts.

The Border Ranges National Park measures 31,683 hectares and adjoins Lamington National Park in Queensland. It stretches 85 kilometres from east to west, so get set to spend at least a day exploring the park. Otherwise there are camping grounds within the park where you can set up camp and take your time traversing the many tracks throughout the ranges.

Views of the eastern rim of the Border Ranges

How to get to the Border Ranges

Coming from Murwillumbah heading west along Kyogle Road we took a right hand turn at Lillian Rock, entering the National Park from Williams Road, then taking a right onto Creegan Road. The entrance to the National Park is well sign-posted and there is a small self-service kiosk where you pay to enter the park.

A creek crossing before the entrance into the National Park

Otherwise if you’re coming from the south you can enter the Border Ranges National Park from the town of Kyogle. Travel 15 kilometres north along the Summerland Way to Wiangaree and then turn right onto Lynchs Creek Road. The park entrance is signposted from here.

There are countless opportunities to explore the abundant wonders of the rainforest hidden throughout this rare haven, by either driving the Tweed Range Scenic Drive, camping in the park or taking on the numerous hiking trails.

Sign at the entrance to the National Park

Driving Through The Border Ranges

You can safely drive around Border Ranges National Park along the Tweed Range Scenic Drive touring route (part of the Rainforest Way). Although the road is predominantly unsealed it is in good condition and you don’t need a four-wheel drive vehicle to access it.

The scenic drive through the National Park

The drive comprises of a 42 kilometre all-weather gravel road crossing the eastern plateau of the park. The majority of the drive follows the caldera edge of the eroded Mount Warning volcano, providing breathtaking views. The drive can be completed in 4 to 5 hours, allowing for a leisurely pace with stops to enjoy views, strolls in the rainforest and picnic breaks.

Picnic Area at Blackbutts Lookout

What to do and see in The Border Ranges

You’re guaranteed to find a beautiful spot for a picnic or barbecue lunch within the Border Ranges. Also make sure you stop off at some of the park’s lookouts along the way. Avid photographers will love capturing billowing waterfalls, views of Wollumbin-Mount Warning and lush rainforest plants.

One of the rainforest walks for photographers

Walks

1. Take the short and easy Bar Mountain circuit walk to the lookout where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of World Heritage-listed rainforest.
2. 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.
3. Try the short Palm Valley loop walk through subtropical rainforest.
4. Take the more difficult Booyong walk that leaves from Sheepstation Creek campground.
5. The Brindle Creek walk follows the line of Brindle Creek, linking Brindle Creek Picnic Area with Antarctic Beech Picnic Area.

The Pinnacles Walk through the rainforest to the lookout

Lookouts

1. Bar Mountain lookout
2. Blackbutts lookout and picnic area
3. Brushbox Falls lookout
4. The Pinnacle walk and lookout
5. Tweed Valley lookout

Boardwalk to The Pinnacle Lookout

Camping in the Border Ranges National Park

There are two camping areas in the park:

1. Sheepstation Creek Camping Area on the western side of the park is a popular camping spot suitable for families or larger groups. There are a network of fabulous walking tracks from the campsite where you can explore the nearby rainforest and creeks.
2. Forest Tops Camping Area is another smaller camping area on the western side of the park that is set in a grassy forest clearing.

Forest Tops Camping Area

National Park entry fees of $8 per motor vehicle apply that can be paid at the self-serve kiosks at the entrance to the park. Additionally campsite fees at the daily rate of $24 per night apply, includes two people.

Border Ranges Views

View and sign at Blackbutts Lookout

Views of the southern side of Mt Warning and Caldera

To check for the current status of the Border Ranges National Park closures and conditions head to National Parks NSW.

I can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday, or any other day for that matter, than driving around this scenically abundant National Park.