Washpool horse riding trails
North Coast, Country NSW
Overview
Head to Washpool National Park for your next horse riding adventure. You’ll find 100km of great forest trails for all riding levels, a short drive from Tenterfield.
- Where
- Washpool National Park, Washpool State Conservation Area, Forest Land Flora Reserve in North Coast, Country NSW
- Distance
- 100km of trails
- Time suggested
- 3 days
- Grade
- Medium
- Entry fees
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Park entry fees do not apply for this activity.
- Please note
- Please read our code of practice for horse riding in parks before you set out on your adventure.
- Contact the Tenterfield office on (02) 6736 4298 for more information regarding maps for horse riding, including trails in nearby Capoompeta National Park.
- Please consider minimising the impact of introduced weeds and plants on the national park by feeding horses a weed-free diet for 2 to 4 days prior to any extended trip. This will reduce the risk of seeds being spread through manure.
Saddle up and explore 100km of fire trails in the remote and rugged Washpool National Park. Enjoy the solitude of this remote location as you gallop through tall open forests of blackbutt, stringybark, mountain gums and tree ferns.
There are routes to suit all experience levels. Start off on the easy loop, a gentle 12km trail near Four Bull Hut, or tackle one of the more adventurous trails.
Try the all-day ride from the beginning of Billyrimba Trail to Leahys Flat in the east, which combines the beauty of tall forests, far off peaks and drops over 600m in elevation. You can stop for lunch at Leahys Flat, before enjoying an afternoon break at Billyrimba Lookout on the way back up the hill. For a refreshing change try the ride from Billyrimba Trail to Billyrimba Falls and enjoy an afternoon swim in Billyrimba Creek (summer only).
History buffs will love History loop, a 15km trail that explores the local heritage dating back to early settlers around Tenterfield. You’ll discover the remnants of timber mill machinery from Mangleson’s Mill, dating back to the late 1890s.
Why not make a weekend of it, and stay at Four Bull Hut, the only on-park accommodation where you can stay with your horse.
Nearby
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Four Bull Hut
Stay in the rustic Four Bull Hut, tucked away in a secluded valley of Washpool National Park. This refurbished cabin the perfect escape for horse riding and other adventures, within driving distance of the NSW North Coast.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/horse-riding-trails/washpool-horse-riding-trails/local-alerts
Park info
- in Washpool National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions
Washpool National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day applies only at attractions in the Glen Innes area. The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring the correct change and display your receipt.
Buy annual pass.
- in Washpool State Conservation Area in the Country NSW region
- in Forest Land Flora Reserve in the Country NSW region
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Washpool horse riding trails .
Getting there and parking
Please see the directions for visitors basing their ride from Four Bull Hut. Note that this route is unsuitable for horse floats and visitors should use Spirabo Forest Way to access the accommodation.
Directions to Billyrimba float parking area from Tenterfield:
- Depart Tenterfield and just before leaving the town limits turn left on to Clifton Street
- Follow Clifton Street to the end
- Turn right on to Scrub Road and drive south past the Tenterfield Creek Dam
- Follow Scrub Road for 12.5km then bear right at The Mill Lane, where the road becomes Spirabo Forest Way
- Follow Spirabo Forest Way for 1.5km as it enters Forest Land State Forest
- Continue south for 14km along Spirabo Forest Way
- Turn left on to Billyrimba trail and travel 200m to the float parking area on your right
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- Most roads suitable for 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)
Weather restrictions
- 4WD required in wet weather
Parking
Float parking areas area available at Billyrimba trail in Washpool National Park.
Facilities
- Toilets are not available along the trails so please plan to bag your toilet waste and carry it out of the park to be disposed of at an appropriate facility.
- Hitching rails and watering troughs have been provided at certain locations to reduce trampling of vegetation and soil disturbance by horses.
Picnic tables
Picnic tables are located at Billyrimba lookout.
Barbecue facilities
Barbecue facilities are located at Billyrimba lookout (bring your own firewood).
Maps and downloads
Permitted
Horses
Horse access is restricted to existing management trails, which are clearly signposted. Please remain on trails within the national park or state conservation area.
Prohibited
It is an offence to pick and collect plants from national parks, including orchids and other threatened plant species, without an appropriate scientific licence.
Camping
Overnight bush camping with horses is not permitted in the park. You can stay at Four Bull Hut with your horse which offers hitching rails and watering troughs. Please note the alternative route along Scrub Road for horse floats.
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.