Waterfall walk
Willi Willi National Park
Overview
This medium-difficulty trail, not too far from Kempsey, walks you through flourishing World Heritage-listed rainforest of Willi Willi National Park. You can also picnic by waterfalls and swim in a natural pool.
- Where
- Willi Willi National Park in North Coast, Country NSW
- Distance
- 7.2km return
- Time suggested
- 3hrs 30min - 4hrs 30min
- Grade
- Grade 5
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- There is limited mobile reception in this park
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
On Waterfall walk you’ll pass a magnificent strangler fig, through sub-tropical and warm temperate rainforest, to a sparkling waterfall and plunge pool where you can cool off with a refreshing swim after your walk.
Glossy green palms, brightly coloured fungi and delicate orchids line your path, and there are informative signs for those interested in the history of the area. Swimming is encouraged during your visit - the fertile rainforest ensures a warm, humid climate throughout the year, and the waterfall pool is an idyllic place to cool off on a warm day.
This medium difficulty walk leaves from Wilson River picnic area, where comfortable amenities include a shelter shed with large picnic tables for a relaxing barbecue. Easier trails like the scenic Botanic walk and Palm Grove walk also begin from here for those looking for a more casual post-picnic stroll.
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/waterfall-walk/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 Willi Willi National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions
Willi Willi National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Waterfall walk.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
7.2km return
Time
3hrs 30min - 4hrs 30min
Quality of markings
No directional signage
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Gentle hills
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Waterfall walk is in the Wilson River precinct of Willi Willi National Park. To get there:
From Wauchope:
- Take the Beechwood Road to Beechwood
- Then turn onto Bellangary Road
- Turn onto Hastings Forest Way
- Turn into Wilson River Road to reach the picnic area
From Kempsey:
- Take the Armidale Road from West Kempsey
- After 35km turn onto Carrai Road at Toorooka near Willawarrin
- Turn onto Coachwood Road at Kookaburra
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Wilson River picnic area can become boggy when it rains.
Parking
Parking is available at Wilson River picnic area.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Will Willi National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Spring
Birds are plentiful in the rainforest so it's a great time for birdwatching.
Summer
Meander along the cool Waterfall walk where you can take a refreshing swim.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
26°C and 28°C
Highest recorded
42.2°C
Winter temperature
Average
16°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
-5.1°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
July
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
234.6mm
Facilities
Drinking water is not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
Maps and downloads
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.
Learn more
Waterfall walk is in Willi Willi National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
An ancient story
Today’s lush rainforests are direct relations of the ancient forests of Gondwana within the Antarctic Circle. Around 80 million years ago, the ancestral continent broke up and Australia started moving north, which eventually reduced most of the rainforests to a narrow strip along south-eastern Australia. As well as World Heritage-listed rainforests, the park protects a diversity of vegetation, including old growth eucalypt forests and open heath. This diverse vegetation provides food and shelter for a medley of creatures; small ground mammals and bats, the endangered Hastings River mouse, the yellow-bellied glider. Australia’s largest marsupial carnivore, the spotted-tailed quoll, also calls Willi Willi home.
- Botanic walk A short stroll not far from Wauchope, Botanic walk heads through World Heritage rainforest and is great for birdwatching and relaxing with the family over a picnic.
Ground beneath our feet
The geology of Willi Willi National Park is for the most part mudstone, sandstone and conglomerate, making the terrain exceptionally steep and rugged. These rocks are more resistant to erosion than the sedimentary beds, making them the cause of such rippled landscapes and the spectacular angles of the park.
- Hastings Forest Way touring route See Gondwana rainforest, go camping, birdwatching and enjoy amazing scenery on a scenic drive through Hastings Forest Way touring route near Port Macquarie and Wauchope.
- Waterfall walk This medium-difficulty trail, not too far from Kempsey, walks you through flourishing World Heritage-listed rainforest of Willi Willi National Park. You can also picnic by waterfalls and swim in a natural pool.
- Wilson River picnic area Wilson River picnic area near Wauchope is the ideal place to begin your driving or walking adventures. Bring a picnic, explore rainforests on a walking track and swim near the waterfall.
The land provides balance
The name Willi Willi National Park is derived from the local Dunghutti Aboriginal word 'willai' meaning possum. The repetition of the word indicates a plural form translating roughly as “many possums”. Dunghutti Aboriginal Nguloongooras (wise elders) would perform secret ‘increase rituals’ on sacred mountain tops such as Kemps Pinnacle, near the western boundary of the park, to extend their food supply. Placing limits on certain species during seasonal variations allowed for a natural increase in food resources. It was the wish of their great deity, Woormprahl, for them to create this balance with nature.