Gibraltar Range National Park
Park New South Wales park with rainforest and granite escarpments
A New South Wales park known for high-elevation eucalyptus and pockets of rainforest, granite outcrops and waterfalls. Hikers, birders and campers use its walking trails, lookouts and quiet picnic spots within the Gondwana Rainforests network.
Gibraltar Range National Park is a protected area in north-eastern New South Wales on the Great Dividing Range that preserves high-elevation plateau country and remnant rainforest. The park is included in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area for its ancient plant communities.
Key features include stands of cool-temperate and warm-temperate rainforest in sheltered gullies and open granite plateaus with lookouts. Recreational opportunities focus on walking, birdwatching and basic campground facilities, with a network of short trails and scenic viewpoints.
The park was set aside to protect representative Gondwanan rainforest and associated upland habitats and has been managed for conservation and low-impact recreation. Vegetation communities here are considered significant for their ecological continuity with ancient Gondwana flora.
Gibraltar Range National Park lies on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, on the Great Dividing Range in north-eastern NSW.
- World Heritage status: Forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and protects remnants of ancient rainforest ecosystems.
- Recreation highlights: Popular for walking, birdwatching and camping, with several short walks and lookout points offering views of the range and rainforest canopy.
What to See #
- Rainforest areas: Extensive stands of cool-temperate and warm-temperate rainforest occupying gullies and sheltered slopes, home to ancient plant communities typical of Gondwanan origins.
- Plateau and lookouts: Open plateau country, granite outcrops and lookouts that provide panoramic views over the surrounding Great Dividing Range and the park's escarpments.
How to Get to Gibraltar Range National Park #
By car from Glen Innes (approx. 40 minutes) or Grafton (approx. 1.5 hours); the A15 and Clarence Way provide access to park entrances and trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Gibraltar Range National Park #
- Drive the Clarence Way and park near access points for short walks to waterfalls and lookouts.
- Visit Cathedral Rock early in the morning for light on the granite tors and to avoid weekend day-trippers.
- Check for park alerts: sections can be closed after heavy rain due to track damage or flooding.
Best Time to Visit Gibraltar Range National Park #
Gibraltar Range National Park in New South Wales is known for dramatic granite outcrops such as Cathedral Rock, rainforest pockets and diverse birdlife.
Weather & Climate near Gibraltar Range National Park #
Gibraltar Range National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 3°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1085 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (153 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).