Cathedral Rock National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Cathedral Rock National Park.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From Armidale:
- Drive east on Barney Street, which soon becomes Grafton Road and later Waterfall Way (all State Route 78) for 70km, passing through Argyle and Wollomombi.
- To access Barokee campground, take the Round Mountain Road turnoff on the left and after 8km of narrow gravel road, turn right into the campground.
- To access Native Dog campground, which is in the northern section of the park, continue for a few more kilometres along Waterfall Way (78) until it intersects with Guyra Road and then turn left. After 10km, the entrance is on the left and there is a short gravel road into the campground.
From Dorrigo:
- Drive west on Grafton Road/Waterfall Way (State Route 78) for 50km, passing through the village of Ebor, until the road intersects with Guyra Road.
- To access Barokee campground, which is in the central section of the park, turn left at the intersection with Guyra Road to remain on Waterfall Way (78). A couple of kilometres later, turn right into Round Mountain Road. After 8km of narrow gravel road, turn right into the campground.
- To access Native Dog campground, continue straight ahead onto Guyra Road. After 10km, the entrance is on the left and there is a short gravel road into the campground.
Park entry points
- Cathedral Rock access See on map
Parking
- Barokee campground See on map
- Native Dog campground See on map
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Cathedral Rock National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Within the tall, moist forest, kangaroos poise in the mist amongst granite boulders as morning light streams through the canopy,making this the ideal time of year to capture that perfect photograph.
Spring
Feast your eyes on this season's wildflower displays, when heath shrub and ground plants show you what they're really made of. Bring your walking shoes and a macro lens.
Summer
The relatively high altitude of the park offers cool respite from the summer heat of the region's western slopes and coastal lowlands.
Winter
Rug up and come prepared as winter temperatures plunge overnight. The rewards for braving the cold are sparkling frosty mornings and clear sunny days. Winter is also the peak time for the male lyrebird to call with most intensity as he courts a mate.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
11.5°C and 23°C
Highest recorded
32.8°C
Winter temperature
Average
1°C and 11°C
Lowest recorded
-7°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
June
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
84mm
Facilities
Toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
Maps and downloads
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.
Contact
- in the Country NSW region
Cathedral Rock National Park is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Glen Innes office
02 6739 0700
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. - 68 Church Street, Glen Innes NSW 2370
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Email: npws.ntab@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Glen Innes office
Nearby towns
Dorrigo (55 km)
Dorrigo is a serene country town and the gateway to Dorrigo National Park. Its close to the edge of the escarpment above the Bellingen Valley.
Armidale (75 km)
During autumn the parks and gardens around Armidale show their beautiful colours. Enjoy a drive along the Waterfall Way, stopping at waterfalls and craggy gorges in the rugged countryside.
Guyra (113 km)
Fishing in one of Guyra's numerous and beautiful streams is a great way to relax and get back to nature. You might land a big trout, too! If you're looking for more active pursuits, you're within easy reach of a number of scenic national parks, where rock climbing, kayaking horseriding and bushwalking are just some of your options.