Duffer Falls walking track
Gibraltar Range National Park
Overview
Within easy reach of Glen Innes or Grafton and ideal for a day trip, Duffer Falls walking track offers waterfall views in the beautiful forest setting of Gibraltar Range National Park.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 7km return
- Time suggested
- 2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min
- Grade
- Grade 4
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sturdy shoes, clothes for all weather conditions, sunscreen
Part of the popular Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk, Duffer Falls walking track is a great option if you’re keen to explore the wonder that is Gibraltar Range National Park but only have time for a day walk.
Starting from Wades Sawmill near Boundary Falls campground and picnic area, most of this walk is an easy stroll along wide trails, surrounded by the towering eucalypts, ferns and grass trees that make Gibraltar Range National Park so remarkable.
For the final 700m approach to the falls, the track narrows and becomes more challenging. It’s worth the effort though, to see Duffer Creek plummet over a cliff in a series of cascades and descend into the Demon Fault.
As you walk, keep an eye out for lyrebirds scratching on the forest floor and small eastern yellow robins and scrubwrens flitting about as they hunt for insects. Towards twilight you may even see a northern brown bandicoot, the largest of Australia’s 6 bandicoot species, searching for food on the forest floor. In spring the park erupts with wildflowers, including the striking Gibraltar Range waratah.
If you’re still feeling energetic try nearby Lyrebird Falls walking track, another walk with gorgeous views of waterfalls.
Also see
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Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk
Keep an eye out for birds and wildflowers on the 45km Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk through eucalypt forests, rainforests, wetlands and granite tors in the rugged Northern Tablelands.
-
Boundary Falls campground and picnic area
This contained campsite just off the main road between Glen Innes and Grafton offers great walks, picnic spots, barbecues, and a stunning natural waterfall right nearby.
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/walking-tracks/duffer-falls-walking-track/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Gibraltar Range National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions
Gibraltar Range National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, road damage, or high fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring the correct change and display your receipt.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Duffer Falls walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
7km return
Time
2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Short steep hills
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Rough track, many obstacles
Getting there and parking
Duffer Falls walking track is in Gibraltar Range National Park, near Boundary Falls campground and picnic area.
To get there from Glen Innes:
- Drive 63km east towards Grafton along the Gwydir Highway.
To get there from Grafton:
- Drive 97km west towards Glen Innes along the Gwydir Highway.
Boundary Falls campground and picnic area is located a short distance off the main road and is well sign-posted.
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at Boundary Falls campground and picnic area.
Facilities
- There are no bins so you’ll need to take all rubbish away with you.
- A single drop toilet is available at Boundary Falls campground and picnic area.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Prohibited
Generators
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.
Learn more
Duffer Falls walking track is in Gibraltar Range National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Lands of plenty
The European heritage of the park may be shorter, but look around and you'll find its traces clearly etched in the natural environment. Living around the range are direct descendants of graziers, lumberers and miners who made their livings here. Bullock teams and horses once struggled through the bush and granite tors, attempting to tame a landscape that today inspires for its wild ruggedness. Evidence of their work can be glimpsed at Mulligans campground and picnic area, where an aborted hydro-electric scheme from the 1900s is memoralised by a remaining hut and several weirs. Hikers on the wide-reaching Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk might also notice relics of pre-WWII tin and gold-mining operations in the Grassy Creek area.
- Dandahra Crags walking track Dandahra Crags walking track, in Gibraltar Range National Park, is a hiking route with scenic views and birdwatching opportunities.
- Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk Keep an eye out for birds and wildflowers on the 45km Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk through eucalypt forests, rainforests, wetlands and granite tors in the rugged Northern Tablelands.
World Heritage Area
Part of the Gondwana Rainforests Reserves of Australia, Gibraltar Range is listed on the World Heritage register for rainforest plants that have existed since Australia was part of the Gondwana super-continent. Gibraltar Range National Park is home to several threatened species of animal: the endangered giant barred frog, which can grow to the size of a small adult's hand; and glossy black cockatoos, under threat from a loss of breeding habitat. Feeding locations are very important to the continuing survival of the cockatoo.
- Dandahra Falls walking track Suitable for fit and experienced bushwalkers only, Dandahra Falls walking track in Gibraltar Range National Park offers impressive waterfall views in stunning World Heritage surrounds.
- Duffer Falls walking track Within easy reach of Glen Innes or Grafton and ideal for a day trip, Duffer Falls walking track offers waterfall views in the beautiful forest setting of Gibraltar Range National Park.
- Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk Keep an eye out for birds and wildflowers on the 45km Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk through eucalypt forests, rainforests, wetlands and granite tors in the rugged Northern Tablelands.
- Junction Spur walking track For experienced bushwalkers only, Junction Spur walking track in Gibraltar Range National Park will suit adventure seekers who want to get off the beaten track and explore the tablelands.
- The Needles walking track The Needles walking track offers jaw-dropping views of granite rock formations in Gibraltar Range National Park, near Glen Innes. Part of the Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk, it’s a great shorter walk option.
Years in the making
Long stewarded through history by Aboriginal people in the area, the Gibraltar Range continues to hold significance for contemporary descendants. The Range is rich in cultural sites and sacred places, with Aboriginal groups having moved regularly between the tablelands and coastal plains, conducting ceremonies and gathering food along the way.
- Dandahra Crags walking track Dandahra Crags walking track, in Gibraltar Range National Park, is a hiking route with scenic views and birdwatching opportunities.