Brush Turkey track

Where

Woko National Park in North Coast

Distance

1km loop

Time suggested

30min - 1hr

Grade

Grade 4

What to
bring

Drinking water, hat, sunscreen

Please note

• Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
• It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
• Check the weather before you set out as the road to Woko campground can become boggy when it rains
• There is no mobile phone reception in this park

Starting right from Woko campground, Brush Turkey track is just as interesting as it is convenient. The loop twists through a sampling of the park’s dry rainforest habitat, with brush turkeys foraging in the undergrowth for grubs and insects, giving the trail its name. Their scratching actually serves an important purpose in the ecosystem, turning over soil and encouraging new growth. Bring binoculars for other species: whipbirds, lyrebirds, grey fantails and scrub wrens are all common in the area, making up a memorable chorus.

The trail begins in colonising rainforest, where hibiscus and acacia trees create the shade that then allows for the next stage in flora development. Be sure to take note of how the atmosphere cools as you move into older forest, where a canopy of Port Jackson fig and shatterwood blocks out the sun. By the time you finish the short trail, you’ve been given a good insight into the lifecycle of the Woko area from new shoots to thick established trees.

The track won’t take you long and is perfect for walking with children. You might like to bring a packed lunch and make a day of it, taking advantage of the free barbecues and picnic tables near the river camping sites. Consider bringing your bathers, too, for a refreshing dip in nearby Manning River. 

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info