National park · Australia
Border Ranges National Park
Entry is free; the only cost is A$24.60/night camping. Drive the 64 km (40 mi) Tweed Range Scenic Drive for the Pinnacle and Blackbutts lookouts, walk the 1.6 km (1 mi) Booyong Track, and go on a clear weekday morning — the escarpment road is gravel and slow.Entry is free; the only cost is A$24.60/night camping. Drive the 40 mi (64 km) Tweed Range Scenic Drive for the Pinnacle and Blackbutts lookouts, walk the 1 mi (1.6 km) Booyong Track, and go on a clear weekday morning — the escarpment road is gravel and slow.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
317 km² (122 sq mi)122 sq mi (317 km²)
approximate
Established
1979
Best months
Apr–May, Aug–Oct
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Area
- 317 km² (122 sq mi)122 sq mi (317 km²)
- About 317 km² at gazettal; the park adjoins Lamington National Park across the Queensland border (check current boundary).
- Established
- 1979
- Best months
- Apr–May, Aug–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Border Ranges National Park protects 317 km² of the McPherson and Tweed ranges on the New South Wales side of the Queensland border, gazetted in 1979 and added to the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage property in 1986. It is the NSW half of the same volcanic landscape as Lamington and Springbrook: escarpment lookouts over the Tweed Valley to Wollumbin, stands of Antarctic beech at their northern limit, and a 64 km gravel loop, the Tweed Range Scenic Drive, that links the campgrounds, picnic areas and short walks. Entry is free; the only cost is camping at A$24.60 a night. It is a day trip from the Northern Rivers or an overnight stop for walkers, not a multi-day destination in itself.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 1986Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia property, Shield Volcano group.
Size and age
317 km² (122 sq mi)122 sq mi (317 km²) · national park since 1979
About 317 km² at gazettal; the park adjoins Lamington National Park across the Queensland border (check current boundary).
Why go
- Free entry: no park fee, no booking, no gate.
- The 64 km (40 mi) Tweed Range Scenic Drive crosses subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate rainforest in one loop.The 40 mi (64 km) Tweed Range Scenic Drive crosses subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate rainforest in one loop.
- The Pinnacle and Blackbutts lookouts give the classic view over the Tweed Valley to Wollumbin (Mount Warning).
- Antarctic beech stands reach their northern limit here, with the beech orchid flowering in spring.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulGo
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanWet season; storms and leeches
- FebWettest stretch; road mud
- MarRain easing; green forest
- AprClear, mild; good walking
- MayDry, cool nights
- JunCold mornings; frost at Forest Tops
- JulColdest; clearest views
- AugDry, crisp; wildflowers start
- SepBeech orchid; mild days
- OctWarm, clear; spring growth
- NovWarmer; afternoon storms build
- DecHot, humid; storm risk
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown-backed lyrebirdApr–Aug · Most vocal in the cooler months; listen rather than look. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Beech orchid floweringSep–Oct · Strong fragrance in spring in the Antarctic beech stands. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Possums and gliding possumsAll year · Dusk and night are the best chance; a torch helps. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| LeechesDec–Mar · Wet-season hazard on shaded tracks; wear long socks and check after walking. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Kyogle
Sealed road to the park edge, then the gravel Tweed Range Scenic Drive; allow extra time for the slow sections.
1–1.5 h
From Murwillumbah
Via Uki and the southern approach to the Tweed Range Scenic Drive.
1–1.5 h
From Brisbane
Drive south over the border, then approach from the Queensland side or via Kyogle.
2.5–3.5 h
Open the page →
From Northern Rivers plan
Where to base yourself between Byron Bay, Lismore and the border ranges.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Tweed Range Scenic Drive | The 64 km (40 mi) gravel loop through rainforest, with lookouts and picnic spots along it.The 40 mi (64 km) gravel loop through rainforest, with lookouts and picnic spots along it. | Open to vehicles; gravel, narrow and slow. |
| Pinnacle and Blackbutts lookouts | Escarpment views over the Tweed Valley to Wollumbin and the caldera rim. | Short walks from the car parks. |
| Forest Tops area | Campground and the start of the Booyong Track, high on the range. | Open; camping booked online. |
| Sheepstation Creek | Lower campground with the Palm Forest, Rosewood Loop and Booyong tracks nearby. | Open; camping booked online. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
5 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Park centre and lookouts are approximate, for orientation only; use the official park map for driving.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | vehicle | No entry fee for NSW national parks; you pay only for camping (check). |
| Forest Tops campground | AUD 24.6 (≈ US$17) | night | 3 sites; book online before you drive in. |
| Sheepstation Creek campground | AUD 24.6 (≈ US$17) | night | 25 marked sites; book online. |
| Vehicle access | Free | vehicle | No toll or gate on the Tweed Range Scenic Drive. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
Camping permit or guide
Drone use permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- A$24.60≈ US$17
- A$24.60≈ US$17
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on NSW National Parks — Border Ranges National Park before you go.
Park rules
- Stay on tracks
- Rainforest regrowth is fragile; do not cut across the beech stands or fern gullies.
- No dogs
- Pets are not allowed in the park, including in vehicles on the scenic drive.
- Fires
- Use only provided fireplaces where signs allow; total fire bans apply in dry weather.
- Drones
- Not allowed without NSW National Parks permission (check).check
- Food and water
- Bring everything you need; there are no shops or reliable water in the park.
Where to stay
In the park
Forest Tops campground
3 sites beside the Booyong Track; A$24.60 per night, book online.
In the park
Sheepstation Creek campground
25 marked sites; A$24.60 per night, good base for the lower walks.
Near the park
Kyogle and Murwillumbah
Motels, pubs and holiday rentals 1–1.5 h from the park.
Safety
Gravel road after rain medium
Remote country and no phone signal medium
Leeches and ticks low
Summer storms and heat medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Lookouts and picnic areas along the scenic drive are reached by short, mostly level walks from car parks.
- The Booyong, Palm Forest and Rosewood tracks are uneven forest paths; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
- The gravel scenic drive is slow and rough in places; a standard car is usually fine in dry weather (check).
Visiting lightly
- Book camping online so numbers stay within the site limits.
- Carry out all rubbish; there are no bins in the park.
- Keep to the formed tracks to protect Antarctic beech roots and fern gullies.
- Support the villages on the range edge for fuel and food rather than driving in unprepared.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Border Ranges National Park?
Nothing. There is no entry fee for NSW national parks, so day visits to Border Ranges are free. The only charge is camping: A$24.60 per night at Forest Tops or Sheepstation Creek, booked online in advance.
What are the best hikes in Border Ranges National Park?
For most visitors the short walks win: the Booyong Track from Forest Tops (about 1.6 km return through Antarctic beech) and the short walk to Pinnacle Lookout for the Tweed Valley view. From Sheepstation Creek, the Palm Forest walking track and Rosewood Loop are longer, muddier forest walks.
When is the best time to visit Border Ranges National Park?
April to October is the driest and clearest stretch, with September and October best for the beech orchid and mild walking. December to March is hot, humid and stormy, and the gravel scenic drive is at its worst after heavy rain.
Do I need a 4WD for the Tweed Range Scenic Drive?
Usually not in dry weather, but the 64 km loop is gravel, narrow and slow, and can be slippery or corrugated after rain. Check conditions and drive to the weather rather than the schedule.
Can I camp in Border Ranges National Park?
Yes, at two campgrounds: Forest Tops (3 sites) and Sheepstation Creek (25 marked sites), both A$24.60 per night and booked online. There are no shops, so bring food, water and fuel.
Is Border Ranges National Park the same as Lamington National Park?
No. They adjoin across the New South Wales–Queensland border and both sit in the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage property, but Lamington is in Queensland and Border Ranges is in New South Wales, with separate access roads.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialNSW National Parks — Border Ranges National Park
- officialNSW National Parks — Forest Tops campground
- officialNSW National Parks — Sheepstation Creek campground
- officialUNESCO World Heritage Centre — Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
- secondaryWikivoyage: Border Ranges National Park, revision 5311991 (CC BY-SA 4.0)