Back to previous page

Mount Kaputar National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Mount Kaputar National Park.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    From the north (Brisbane):

    • Travelling on the Pacific Highway exit south of Byron Bay, at the top of the hill, turn right into Coolamon Scenic Drive. Follow this winding road through the village of Coorabell.
    • Continue, then turn right to the village of Federal. From Federal, continue north along Federal Road, then turn left into Repentance Creek Road.
    • Head west along this road and across the Byangerry Creek crossing and continue. Just over the Coopers Creek crossing, turn right into Upper Coopers Creek Road, then left into Minyon Falls Road and follow through to the park entrance.

    From Lismore:

    • Take Dunoon Road out of north Lismore and go through the villages of Modanville, then Dunoon, then Doroughby. Just past Dorroughby Hall, turn left into Nightcap Range Road and follow right through to the SCA entrance.
    • Continue until you reach the Peates Mountain Road intersection (turn left if you want to go to Rummery Park campground) or continue straight through to Minyon Falls within the Nightcap National Park (Minyon Drive).

    From Bangalow:

    • Travel towards Lismore on the Bangalow-Lismore Road until you reach the village of Clunes.
    • Turn right into James Gibson Road, then right into Mackie Road, then right onto Rosebank Road.
    • Through Rosebank village, follow Repentance Creek Road, then turn left into Upper Coopers Creek Road, then left again into Minyon Falls Road. Continue along this road then into the Nightcap National Park entrance on Minyon Drive. Follow park signs from there.

    Park entry points

    Parking

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information

    By public transport

    There is no public transport to Whian Whian State Conservation Area.

    Best times to visit

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

    Autumn

    This is one of the best times of year to visit the park, with ideal temperatures for bush walking, cycling and camping.

    Spring

    A beautiful time of year to enjoy the abundant wildflowers and birds.

    Summer

    Escape the heat of the plains by heading up into the park. The mountains can be up to 10°C cooler than the surrounding towns and provide a relaxing refuge from the heat. Bring a book and relax under the shade of a towering snow gum.

    Winter

    Experience the mist surrounding the high plateau area and enjoy the beauty of the occasional blanketing of snow. The clear, sunny winter days are a great time to explore Sawn Rocks and Waa Gorge.

    Facilities

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

    Water

    Untreated water is provided at Dawsons Spring, Bark Hut, and Sawn Rocks picnic areas.

    None of the watercourses in the park provide reliable year-round water - you must take your own with you when walking.

    Weather 

    Weather in Mount Kaputar National Park can deteriorate quickly.

    • Do not use walking tracks during high winds
    • If severe weather is predicted it is advised that you leave the park
    • If caught in severe weather move into open areas
    • Be prepared that temperatures on the plateau can be about 10 degrees cooler than in the nearby town of Narrabri

    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.

    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).

    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.

    Mount Kaputar National Park

    Contact

    • in the Country NSW region
    • Mount Kaputar National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • More

    Nearby towns

    Narrabri (31 km)

    Explore Pilliga Forest to see salt caves, native flora and fauna, and bore baths, or enjoy camping and bushwalking in Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar's summit offers magnificent panoramic views, and there's excellent cabin accommodation within the park.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Moree (85 km)

    Join a Heritage and Art Deco Guided Walk to uncover Moree's outstanding collection of period architecture. Wander along the main street of Moree which showcases heritage-listed buildings influenced by American, Egyptian, Greek and Spanish design practices. 

    www.visitnsw.com

    Barraba (126 km)

    Barraba is a birdwatcher's paradise - spot the rare Regent Honeyeater on one of the region's 14 bird routes, which have fine tree cover and good public access. There are plenty of great spots for bushwalking, such as through remnant rainforest in Mount Kaputar National Park.

    www.visitnsw.com