Werrikimbe National Park

Werrikimbe National Park is a remote and scenic wilderness destination located approximately 486 km north of Sydney.

It is a protected national park in New South Wales, Australia, belonging to the catchment zone of the Upper Hastings River. The park offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and picnicking, amidst its rich diversity of flora and fauna. It is also home to exclusive rainforests that are part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a World Heritage Site.

The history of the park dates back to the 1850s when the Mooraback area, east of Walcha, was settled. The park's features bear the names of some of the early settlers, and manganese mining was carried out in the area during the 1950s.

Werrikimbe National Park boasts a wide range of vegetation, including Eucalypt woodlands, coachwoods, and southern sassafras, among others. It is home to rare plant species such as downy guinea flowers and Chiloglottis bird orchids. The park also features the largest compact southern beech forest, believed to be almost 1,000 years old. Additionally, it is a habitat for 22 threatened animal species, including the Hastings River mouse and the rufous scrub-bird.

The park contains two Aboriginal stone arrangement sites known as bora rings, which were used for initiation ceremonies. These stone rings hold historical significance and provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the Indigenous culture and stories associated with them.

With its scenic beauty, extensive wilderness, and remarkable history, Werrikimbe National Park is an ideal destination for travelers seeking an enjoyable outdoor experience while exploring New South Wales.