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Border Loop walk

Border Ranges National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Border Loop walk.

Track grading

Grade 2

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

1.5km loop

Time

15 - 45min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Gentle hills: The walk is mostly flat with some gentle hills. There are short sections where the track becomes slightly steeper.

Quality of path

Formed track: The track is 1m-wide and mostly a hard-packed natural surface. At points along the loop part of the walk, there are short pedestrian bridges, which are timber with fibreglass mesh decks. The bridges have timber handrails.

Steps

Occasional steps: There are around 8 steps along this track, including a section of 3 steps at one of the footbridges in the loop part of the walk.

Other barriers

Pinch points: The track narrows at the pedestrian bridges, which are between 0.5m to 0.8m wide.

The track may get also get narrower at points due to rocks, tree roots and plants.

Other barriers: Tree roots and vines are common along this track. There may also be some water over track after rain.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Border Loop walk starts at Border Loop lookout and picnic area, near Cougal.

    From NSW: Turn off Summerland Way onto Gradys Creek Road and drive for 19km until you reach the Border Loop lookout and picnic area carpark.

    From QLD: Turn off the Mount Lindesay Highway at Rathdowney into Running Creek Road. Travel 35km until you reach the Border Loop lookout and picnic area carpark.

    Parking

    Parking is available at Border loop lookout in a bitumen seal carpark.

    Best times to visit

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

    Autumn

    A picnic at Border Loop lookout and picnic area is a must during autumn. It's also a popular spot to see the historic Border Loop railway line.

    Spring

    The perfect time to get away from it all on a family camping trip. Sheepstation Creek campground is a great base for exploring Border Ranges National Park.

    Summer

    Watching the sunrise from Pinnacle lookout offers the best views of the crater escarpment, Wollumbin-Mount Warning and the coast. You're bound to find it a breathtaking experience.

    Winter

    Take in the park's scenery from the comfort of your car or motor home as you drive along the Tweed Range Scenic drive. Be sure to take some breaks along the way though – you don't want to miss the views.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    18°C and 30°C

    Highest recorded

    42.9°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    8°C and 22°C

    Lowest recorded

    -0.3°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    February

    Driest month

    September

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    321mm

    Facilities

    Accessible non-flush toilets and picnic facilities are available at Border Loop lookout and picnic area, where this walk begins.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    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).

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - hard

    Border loop walk is a gentle, 1m-wide hard-packed ground track. There are some parts where people with reduced mobility may need assistance:

    • There are around 8 steps along the track, including 3 at one of the pedestrian bridges.
    • The pedestrian bridges along the track narrow the width of the walk to between 0.5m-0.8m
    • Tree roots and vines are common along this track.
    • The track may have water over it after rain

    Nearby Border loop lookout and picnic area, where this walk begins, can be accessed by wheelchairs, prams and visitors with limited mobility, along a paved path. It has accessible non-flush toilets with a ramp leading to the entrance.

    Some assistance may be required to access the raised lookout platform at the end of the path.

    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.

    Border Loop walk

    Operated by

    Park info