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Tree Fern Forest walking track

Gibraltar Range National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Tree Fern Forest walking track.

Track grading

Grade 3

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

9.2km loop

Time

3 - 4hrs

Quality of markings

Sign posted

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Tree Fern Forest walking track starts from Mulligans campground in Gibraltar Range National Park. To get there:

  • From Glen Innes, drive 68km east towards Grafton along the Gwydir Highway.
  • From Grafton, drive 92km west towards Glen Innes along the Gwydir Highway.
  • Drive along Mulligans Drive for 9km to the campground. 9km of these roads are unsealed.

Road quality

  • Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Mulligans campground.

Best times to visit

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

Spring

The most popular time of the year to visit, spring sees the park erupt into a vibrant display of wildflowers, including the Gibraltar waratah.

Summer

Take in an early morning bushwalk before the day heats up, then cool down in one of the many waterways, like the Little Dandahra Creek.

Winter

It can be below freezing at night, but the daytime temperatures make this the best time of the year to take in some of the longer treks like the Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

13°C and 24.1°C

Highest recorded

35°C

Winter temperature

Average

1°C and 13.2°C

Lowest recorded

-8.9°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

January

Driest month

August

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

258.4mm

Facilities

  • Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, barbecues and car parking are available at Mulligans campground, near the start of this walk.
  • Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it's a good idea to bring your own.
  • There are no bins, you’ll need to take all rubbish away with you.

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).

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.

Water activities

Beaches, rivers and lakes in NSW national parks offer lots of opportunities for water activities. Please take care in the water and find out how to help your family and friends stay safe around water.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Prohibited

Cycling

Cycling is not permitted on this walk. If you’d like to cycle in the park, you can do so along World Heritage Walk and management trails.

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.

Tree Fern Forest walking track

Operated by

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