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Helmholtzia loop walking track

Border Ranges National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Helmholtzia loop walking track.

Track grading

Grade 3

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

1km loop

Time

20 - 40min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Gentle hills: The walk has gentle hills until you reach the steps that go down to the creek and back up the opposite bank. This section of the track is moderately steep.

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles: The walk is 0.5-1m-wide and hard-packed ground along its length.

Steps

Occasional steps: As the loop approaches its eastern-most point there are 3 sets of steps, ranging from between 15 to 26 steps each. The steps are irregular and some may have a higher than normal step up or down.

At the start of the northern part of the loop, there's also a set of 3 steps.

Most steps are made of timber, but there are also some irregular natural stone steps.

Other barriers

Pinch points: There are several pedestrian bridges along the walk that narrow the width of the track to 0.4m-wide. The bridges are timber, do not have handrails and some lead across Brindle Creek.

Plants, trees and boulders may also cause the track to narrow in some sections.

Accessible options

The first 100m of the southern part of the loop and the first 50m of the northern part of the loop walk may be accessible for people with reduced mobility.

Getting there and parking

Helmholtzia loop walking track is in the eastern precinct of Border Ranges National Park. To get there:

From Murwillumbah:

  • Travel south-west on Kyogle Road to Lillian Rock, then turn right onto Williams Road.
  • Travel along Williams Road for 2.5km, then Creegans Road for 6km, until you reach the park boundary.
  • From the boundary, continue 26km along Tweed Range Scenic Drive to Brindle Creek Road intersection, then turn right.
  • Travel 2km to Brindle Creek carpark

From Kyogle:

  • Travel north along Summerland Way for 14km until you reach Wiangaree
  • Turn right at Wiangaree into Lynches Creek Road and travel east for 12km to Forest Road
  • Turn right onto Forest Road and continue 4.5km to the park boundary
  • From the boundary, continue on Tweed Range Scenic Drive for 6.5km and then turn left onto Bridle Creek Road.
  • Travel 2km to Brindle Creek carpark

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

Parking is available on unsealed Brindle Creek Road at Brindle Creek picnic area where this walk begins.

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 tables are located at Brindle Creek picnic area, where this walk begins.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

This park or attraction is in a remote location, so please ensure you're well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment, and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.

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).

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - hard

Helmholtzia loop walking track is 0.5-1m wide and hard-packed ground.

The first 100m of the southern part of the loop and the first 50m of the northern part of the loop may be accessible for people with reduced mobility.

After this, there are parts of the track that people with reduced mobility may find difficult to navigate:

  • There are many steps in the eastern part of the loop that can be irregular and higher than normal steps. Most are made of timber, but there are also some natural stone steps.
  • There are pedestrian bridges that narrow the track to 0.4m-wide. The bridges don't have handrails and some go across Brindle Creek.
  • Plants, trees and boulders may cause the track to narrow.
  • There's a section of the track that's moderately steep, with steps that go down to the creek and back up the opposite bank.

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.

Helmholtzia loop walking track

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