Back to previous page
Print factsheet

Rainforest loop

Dooragan National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Rainforest loop.

Track grading

Grade 4

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

0.6km loop

Time

15 - 30min

Quality of markings

Limited signage

Experience required

No experience required

Quality of path

Well-formed track

Gradient

Gentle hills: The northern part of the walk is bitumen for 200m. The track then becomes hard-packed gravel as you turn the bend to the southern part of the loop.

Steps

Occasional steps: As the loop turns and heads south, there are sets of timber steps ranging from between 1 to 5 steps each.

Other barriers

Pinch points: In the southern part of the loop, there are points where the track narrows due to rocks, tree roots and vegetation.

Accessible options

The northern end of this loop is around 200m of bitumen seal path that takes you on a gentle downhill through coastal rainforest to a lookout. It's suitable for wheelchairs, prams and people with reduced mobility.

Some assistance may be required on gentle hill sections and there may be occasional obstacles on the path.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    On entering Dooragan National Park:

    • Enter the park via Captain Cook Bicentennial Drive, just north of the main part of Laurieton.
    • Travel 5km up Captain Cook Bicentennial Drive to Summit picnic area (there’s a carpark at the terminal end of this dead-end road access point)
    • Enter Rainforest loop from the western side of the picnic area, opposite the toilet block and shelter shed.
    • Either ends of this loop walk are about 30m apart, off the edge of the western picnic area.

    Parking

    Parking is available in asphalt carparks at Summit picnic area, where this walk begins, including an accessible parking space.

    It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited at times.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Dooragan National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

    Spring

    A colourful burst of wildflowers spring into bloom under the forest canopy, particularly in the open, grassy forest. Hill-topping butterflies start to use the summit area of the mountain, and on warm calm days, they spend all day dancing around near the lookout. .

    Summer

    This is the best time for north-easterly winds, favoured by hang-gliding enthusiasts. Watch the amazing spectacle of these masters of the sky launching themselves from the summit.

    Winter

    This is the best time to tackle the strenuous Laurieton track, with the weather cool enough to make the exercise a pleasant way to keep warm, and a great time to hear lyrebirds chortling away in the cool gullies nearby.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    23°C and 26°C

    Highest recorded

    40.2°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    16°C and 20°C

    Lowest recorded

    -5°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    Driest month

    September

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    310.6mm

    Facilities

    There are accessible toilets and picnic tables at Summit picnic area, where this walk begins.

    Drinking water is not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    • The walking opportunities in this park are suitable for experienced bushwalkers
    • If you’re bushwalking in this park, it’s a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS, although the track is easy to follow.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    There's reasonable mobile reception in this park.

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - medium

    The northern end of Rainforest loop is around 200m of sealed bitumen path that leads gently downhill through coastal rainforest to a lookout. It's suitable for wheelchairs, prams and visitors with limited mobility.

    There are gentle hill sections on this part of the walk and there may be occasional obstacles on the path.

    Some assistance may be required in the southern part of the loop:

    • There are timber steps
    • The track narrows at points due to rocks, tree roots and plants

    There's an accessible parking space, accessible toilets and picnic tables for resting at Summit picnic area where this walk begins and ends. 

    Prohibited

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Rainforest loop

    Operated by

    Park info

    • in Dooragan National Park in the North Coast region

    • Dooragan National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.