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Cathedral Rock National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Cathedral Rock National Park.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    From Armidale:

    • Drive east on Barney Street, which soon becomes Grafton Road and later Waterfall Way (all State Route 78) for 70km, passing through Argyle and Wollomombi.
    • To access Barokee campground, take the Round Mountain Road turnoff on the left and after 8km of narrow gravel road, turn right into the campground.
    • To access Native Dog campground, which is in the northern section of the park, continue for a few more kilometres along Waterfall Way (78) until it intersects with Guyra Road and then turn left. After 10km, the entrance is on the left and there is a short gravel road into the campground.

    From Dorrigo:

    • Drive west on Grafton Road/Waterfall Way (State Route 78) for 50km, passing through the village of Ebor, until the road intersects with Guyra Road.
    • To access Barokee campground, which is in the central section of the park, turn left at the intersection with Guyra Road to remain on Waterfall Way (78). A couple of kilometres later, turn right into Round Mountain Road. After 8km of narrow gravel road, turn right into the campground.
    • To access Native Dog campground, continue straight ahead onto Guyra Road. After 10km, the entrance is on the left and there is a short gravel road into the campground.

    Park entry points

    Parking

    Road quality

    • Unsealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

    Best times to visit

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

    Autumn

    Within the tall, moist forest, kangaroos poise in the mist amongst granite boulders as morning light streams through the canopy,making this the ideal time of year to capture that perfect photograph.

    Spring

    Feast your eyes on this season's wildflower displays, when heath shrub and ground plants show you what they're really made of. Bring your walking shoes and a macro lens.

    Summer

    The relatively high altitude of the park offers cool respite from the summer heat of the region's western slopes and coastal lowlands.

    Winter

    Rug up and come prepared as winter temperatures plunge overnight. The rewards for braving the cold are sparkling frosty mornings and clear sunny days. Winter is also the peak time for the male lyrebird to call with most intensity as he courts a mate.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    11.5°C and 23°C

    Highest recorded

    32.8°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    1°C and 11°C

    Lowest recorded

    -7°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    January

    Driest month

    June

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    84mm

    Facilities

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

    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).

    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.

    Cathedral Rock National Park

    Contact

    • in the Country NSW region
    • Cathedral Rock National Park is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • More

    Nearby towns

    Dorrigo (55 km)

    Dorrigo is a serene country town and the gateway to Dorrigo National Park. Its close to the edge of the escarpment above the Bellingen Valley.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Armidale (75 km)

    During autumn the parks and gardens around Armidale show their beautiful colours. Enjoy a drive along the Waterfall Way, stopping at waterfalls and craggy gorges in the rugged countryside.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Guyra (113 km)

    Fishing in one of Guyra's numerous and beautiful streams is a great way to relax and get back to nature. You might land a big trout, too! If you're looking for more active pursuits, you're within easy reach of a number of scenic national parks, where rock climbing, kayaking horseriding and bushwalking are just some of your options.

    www.visitnsw.com