Nightcap National Park

Introducing Nightcap National Park

This 8080-hectare park, south of Murwillumbah and north of Lismore, borders Nimbin and The Channon. It was World Heritage listed in 1989 and is home to diverse subtropical rainforests and many species of wildlife, notably the wompoo fruit dove and the red-legged pademelon. With NSW’s highest annual rainfall, the park has spectacular waterfalls, gorgeous green gullies and sheer cliffs. The exposed rock pinnacles of the Sphinx can be seen from Lismore.

Mt Nardi (800m) offers a challenging climb, and the NPWS office in the visitor centre in Murwillumbah has information on walks and picnics.

The Whian Whian State Conservation Area adjoins the southeast side of the park and is home to the threatened spotted quoll and Minyon Falls, which plunge 100m into a rainforest gorge surrounded by a flora reserve with several walking tracks.

The historic Nightcap Track (16km long) passes through both the state forest and Nightcap National Park and was originally used by postal workers in the late 19th and early 20th century. Rummery Park is not far off the road down from the falls and is a well-provided picnic spot with BBQs and cold showers. Peate’s Mountain Lookout, just on from Rummery Park, gives you a great panoramic view from Jerusalem Mountain in the north, to Byron Bay in the east.

Southeast of the forest, Mud Manor Forest Retreat (02-6688 2205; www.mudmanor.com; r from $120) has a permaculture garden and rooms with hand-crafted luxuries, spas and large decks.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009