Washpool National Park
Park World Heritage rainforest park with diverse rainforest habitats
A New South Wales national park of rainforests, creeks and walking tracks; visitors hike, camp and explore old‑growth forest and waterfalls in a relatively remote setting.
Washpool National Park is a protected area in northern New South Wales that conserves pockets of rainforest, eucalypt forest and rugged sandstone country. It is recognised for its relatively remote and intact vegetation.
The park offers walking and bushcraft opportunities across forested ridges, river valleys and gorges rather than developed recreational infrastructure. Birdwatching and remote bushwalking are common activities in the park.
The park was established to protect significant natural communities and remains managed for conservation and low-impact recreation. Over time it has been incorporated into broader regional conservation planning.
Washpool National Park lies inland in northern New South Wales among dissected sandstone country and forested ridgelines; access is by rural roads and forest tracks from nearby regional towns.
- Access and walking: Remote walking tracks and rugged forest terrain mean many visitors plan multi-day trips and take suitable maps and supplies.
How to Get to Washpool National Park #
Washpool lies northwest of Grafton and is accessed from roads around Glen Innes and Gibraltar Range depending on the route. The park’s entrances are remote; a map and planning are needed. From Grafton it is a few hours’ drive; 4WD may be required for some park tracks.
Tips for Visiting Washpool National Park #
- Take the Cathedral Rocks walking trail for dramatic granite tors and panoramic valley views - it's one of the park's best short hikes.
- Avoid the hottest months for extended hikes; wet eucalypt forests can be slippery and some tracks are remote.
- If aiming for rare fauna like the Hastings River mouse, book guided walks with park rangers or local eco-guides.
Best Time to Visit Washpool National Park #
Autumn through spring is ideal for hiking and wildlife watching; check for track closures after heavy rain.
Weather & Climate near Washpool National Park #
Washpool National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1061 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (154 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).
