National park · Australia
Washpool National Park
Enter free — no park entry fee; drive 72 km east of Glen Innes on the Gwydir Highway, turn off at Coachwood Drive, and walk the Coombadjha loop (1–2 h) or the longer Washpool Walk; go Oct–Apr, start before 10:00 in summer.Enter free — no park entry fee; drive 72 km east of Glen Innes on the Gwydir Highway, turn off at Coachwood Drive, and walk the Coombadjha loop (1–2 h) or the longer Washpool Walk; go Oct–Apr, start before 10:00 AM in summer.Enter free — no park entry fee; drive 45 mi east of Glen Innes on the Gwydir Highway, turn off at Coachwood Drive, and walk the Coombadjha loop (1–2 h) or the longer Washpool Walk; go Oct–Apr, start before 10:00 in summer.Enter free — no park entry fee; drive 45 mi east of Glen Innes on the Gwydir Highway, turn off at Coachwood Drive, and walk the Coombadjha loop (1–2 h) or the longer Washpool Walk; go Oct–Apr, start before 10:00 AM in summer.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
587 km²227 sq mi
approximate
Established
1983
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–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
- 587 km²227 sq mi
- About 587 km²; boundaries extended in 1999 (check).
- Established
- 1983
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Washpool protects the largest natural rainforest in New South Wales, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage site. It sits on the Gwydir Highway between Glen Innes and Grafton, next to Gibraltar Range National Park to the south. There is no entry fee; you pay only for camping or the Four Bull Hut. Most visitors come for the Coombadjha area — a short loop through coachwood forest and a longer walk to Washpool Creek.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 1986Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.
- Special national site · 2007Added to the Australian National Heritage List.
Size and age
587 km²227 sq mi · national park since 1983
About 587 km²; boundaries extended in 1999 (check).
Why go
- The largest natural rainforest in New South Wales, protected since 1983.
- World Heritage Gondwana rainforest — coachwood, brush box and Antarctic beech.
- Short walks from the Coombadjha day-use area suit a half-day stop on the Gwydir Highway.
- Quiet compared with coastal parks; you may have the trail to yourself mid-week.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanWettest month; leeches and muddy tracks
- FebRain; warm and humid
- MarRain easing; mild
- AprCool, clear; good walking
- MayDry, crisp mornings
- JunCold nights; frost possible
- JulColdest; dry and clear
- AugCold, dry; windy on ridges
- SepMild, dry; wildflowers
- OctWarm days, low rain
- NovWarm; storms build
- DecHot and humid; afternoon storms
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainforest birds (lyrebird, bowerbird, pigeons)Mar–May, Sep–Nov | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Leeches on wet tracksDec–Mar | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes |
| Frost and cold morningsJun–Aug | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Glen Innes
Gwydir Highway (B76) east about 72 km, then left onto Coachwood Drive and 2–3 km to the park.Gwydir Highway (B76) east about 45 mi, then left onto Coachwood Drive and 1.2–1.9 mi to the park.
50 min
From Grafton
Gwydir Highway west about 88 km to the Coachwood Drive turnoff.Gwydir Highway west about 55 mi to the Coachwood Drive turnoff.
70 min
From M1 Pacific Motorway
Exit at Glenugie, then about 13 km to the turnoff.Exit at Glenugie, then about 8.1 mi to the turnoff.
From Four Bull Hut
Turn off between Tenterfield and Glen Innes at Bolivia or Sandy Flat, about 25 km in, then Mt Spirabo Road.Turn off between Tenterfield and Glen Innes at Bolivia or Sandy Flat, about 16 mi in, then Mt Spirabo Road.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Coombadjha area | Day-use area, campgrounds and the main walking tracks. | Open; no fee. |
| Washpool Wilderness | Remote forest and creek country away from the highway. | Walk-in only; no facilities. |
| Four Bull Hut area | A separate corner of the park with the heritage hut. | Booked guests; reached via Mt Spirabo Road. |
Sketch map
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | vehicle | No entry fee for Washpool National Park (check). |
| Bellbird Campground | Free | night | 17 sites; book and pay through NSW National Parks (check). |
| Coombadjha Campground | Free | night | Book through NSW National Parks (check). |
| Four Bull Hut | AUD 129 | night | 2026 estimate; check-in 14:00, check-out 10:00; book ahead. |
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
Four Bull Hut permit or guide
Park rules
- No entry fee
- Day use is free; pay only for camping or the hut (check).
- Camping
- Only in Bellbird or Coombadjha campgrounds, booked in advance.
- Fires
- Check current fire bans before lighting anything; total fire bans apply in summer.
- Dogs and pets
- Not allowed in the national park.
- Litter
- Take all rubbish out; bins are limited.
Where to stay
In the park
Bellbird Campground
17 sites with toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and a carpark.
In the park
Coombadjha Campground
Small campground near the day-use area.
In the park
Four Bull Hut
Heritage hut, about A$129 a night; check-in 14:00, check-out 10:00.Heritage hut, about A$129 a night; check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 10:00 AM.
Near the park
Glen Innes
Town motels and pubs about 50 min west.
Safety
Wet, muddy tracks medium
Cold and wind medium
Remote roads medium
Bushfire high
Accessibility
- The Coombadjha day-use area and short loop have some boardwalk and firm surfaces.
- Longer tracks are rough and muddy; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked tracks to protect rainforest roots and understorey.
- Carry out all rubbish; there are few bins.
- Book campgrounds in advance so numbers stay within capacity.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Washpool National Park?
Nothing for day visits — there is no entry fee. You pay only if you camp (Bellbird or Coombadjha, booked through NSW National Parks) or stay at Four Bull Hut, about A$129 a night (2026 estimate).
What are the best hikes in Washpool National Park?
The Coombadjha loop (1–2 h, easy) is the short rainforest circuit from the day-use area. The Washpool Walk (3–4 h, moderate) goes further to Washpool Creek. Both start near the Coombadjha area off Coachwood Drive.
When is the best time to visit Washpool National Park?
April, May, September and October are the most reliable: mild, drier and clear. January is the wettest month, and June–August nights are cold, often near 2°C.
Do I need a permit to camp?
Yes — book Bellbird or Coombadjha campground online through NSW National Parks before you arrive. Four Bull Hut also needs a booking.
How do I get to Washpool National Park?
From Glen Innes, drive east about 72 km on the Gwydir Highway (B76), then turn left onto Coachwood Drive and continue 2–3 km. From Grafton it is about 88 km west. Four Bull Hut is reached separately via Mt Spirabo Road.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Pets are not allowed in the national park.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Sources
- officialNSW National Parks — Washpool National Park
- officialNSW National Parks — Washpool National Park map (PDF)
- officialNSW National Parks — Four Bull Hut
- officialNSW National Parks — Bellbird Campground
- officialNSW National Parks — Coombadjha Campground
- officialUNESCO World Heritage Centre — Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
- secondaryWikipedia — Washpool National Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Washpool National Park, revision 5339857 (CC BY-SA 4.0)