Back to previous page
Print factsheet

Beech lookout

Cunnawarra National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Beech lookout.

Getting there and parking

Beech lookout is in Cunnawarra National Park. To get there:

From Dorrigo:

  • Travel west along Waterfall Way towards Ebor/Armidale
  • Turn left to follow Waterfall Way towards Ebor/Armidale
  • Continue to Ebor

From Ebor:

  • Travel west along Waterfall Way towards Armidale
  • Turn left to stay on Waterfall Way towards Armidale
  • After about 7.6km, turn left onto Point Lookout Road.
  • Continue onto Styx Forest Way

From Armidale:

  • Travel east along Waterfall Way for approximately 65km
  • Turn right onto Armidale Kempsey Road just past Wollomombi
  • After about 20km turn left onto Styx Forest Way

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Beech lookout can become boggy when it rains.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • All roads require 4WD vehicle

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

Parking is available at Beech lookout along unsealed, gravel Forest Way.

Best times to visit

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

Autumn

Enjoy the many splendours of the park from the comfort and warmth of your 4WD along Styx Forest Way. Don't miss the easily accessible scenic detour off Waterfall Way.

Spring

Head to Beech lookout on Styx Forest Way to gaze out over ancient Antarctic beech rainforest, including some of the tallest trees in NSW.

Summer

Go birdwatching in the park, keeping your eyes out for threatened species such as powerful owls, rufous scrub-birds and glossy black cockatoos.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

13°C and 24°C

Highest recorded

32.8°C

Winter temperature

Average

1°C and 13°C

Lowest recorded

-7°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

January

Driest month

June

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

84mm

Facilities

  • You'll need to bring your own drinking and cooking water
  • You’re encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)

Carpark

Step-free access

The lookout is mostly flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over hard-packed ground to reach the lookout railing.

There may be trip hazards between the parking area and the lookout railing, such as sticks, tufted grass and uneven ground.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

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).

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

Beech lookout is mostly flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. 

From the parking area on unsealed gravel Forest Way, you'll need to cross over hard-packed ground to reach the lookout railing. There may be trip hazards along the ground including sticks and tufted grass.

Prohibited

Gathering firewood

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.

Beech lookout

Operated by

Park info