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New England Wilderness walk

North Coast, Country NSW

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about New England Wilderness walk.

Track grading

Grade 5

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

33km one-way

Time

2 - 3 days

Quality of markings

No directional signage

Experience required

Very experienced bushwalkers

Gradient

Very steep and difficult

Steps

Occasional steps

Quality of path

Rough unformed track

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    On entering New England National Park:

    • Continue approximately 200m along Point Lookout Road
    • Take the first right turn to Robinsons Knob trail
    • New England Wilderness walk starts from the carpark

    Parking

    Parking is available at the Robinsons Knob trail carpark, where New England Wilderness walk starts. The walk ends at Cool Creek carpark at the western end of Darkwood Road, Thora.

    There is no public transport between the walk start and end, so a car shuffle or pick up is required. Please do not travel west of Cool Creek carpark in a vehicle.

    Best times to visit

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

    Autumn

    Enjoy the fresh air walking during the day, and cosy nights by the fire at Toms Cabin.

    Spring

    Climb up to Wrights lookout and see the colourful display of wildflowers.

    Summer

    Immerse yourself in the cool air and vibrant green of the Antarctic beech rainforest covered in moss.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    10°C and 24°C

    Highest recorded

    32.8°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    1°C and 12°C

    Lowest recorded

    -7.1°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    January

    Driest month

    June

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    286.1mm

    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.

    • This walk is suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking.
    • It's a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.

    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.

    The level of Bellinger River can rise quickly after rain. When river levels rise, river crossings on the New England Wilderness Walk become dangerous and you may get stranded. Don’t attempt this walk when the river level is high or there is high forecasted rainfall. Check the Bureau of Meteorology for the current Bellinger River level and weather forecast.

    Permitted

    You're encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.

    Fishing

    A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    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.

    New England Wilderness walk

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    Park info