National park · Australia

Border Ranges National Park

Entry is free; the only cost is A$24.60/night camping. Drive the 64 km Tweed Range Scenic Drive for the Pinnacle and Blackbutts lookouts, walk the 1.6 km 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 Tweed Range Scenic Drive for the Pinnacle and Blackbutts lookouts, walk the 1 mi Booyong Track, and go on a clear weekday morning — the escarpment road is gravel and slow.

Not field-verifiedUNESCO World Heritage 1986Some areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026

Map to the park

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Directions

From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

317 km²122 sq mi

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 km²122 sq mi; 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 km²122 sq mi · 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 Tweed Range Scenic Drive crosses subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate rainforest in one loop.The 40 mi 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

12-month verdict

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

Seasons shift by weeks each year

Wildlife and nature calendar for Border Ranges National Park
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

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

Zones of Border Ranges National Park
Zone	What is there	Access
Tweed Range Scenic Drive	The 64 km gravel loop through rainforest, with lookouts and picnic spots along it.The 40 mi 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

Approximate — not for navigation

Park centre and lookouts are approximate, for orientation only; use the official park map for driving.

1Forest Tops campground · Sleep≈-28.387, 153.064Map ↗
2Sheepstation Creek campground · Sleep≈-28.413, 153.023Map ↗
3Pinnacle Lookout · Viewpoint≈-28.370, 153.020Approximate.Map ↗
4Blackbutts Lookout · Viewpoint≈-28.380, 153.040Approximate.Map ↗
5Kyogle · Town≈-28.620, 152.998Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

ViewpointsEasy3–5 hTweed Range Scenic Drive64 km of gravel through subtropical and cool temperate rainforest; stop at the lookouts and picnic areas. Slow going after rain.

TrailsEasy45 min–1 hBooyong TrackAbout 1.6 km return from Forest Tops through Antarctic beech forest; the easiest taste of the park.

ViewpointsEasy30–45 minPinnacle Lookout walkShort walk to the escarpment edge for the Tweed Valley and Wollumbin view; best in the morning before cloud builds.

TrailsModerate1–1.5 hPalm Forest walking trackFrom Sheepstation Creek through palm and rainforest; muddy after rain.

TrailsModerate1.5–2 hRosewood LoopLoop from Sheepstation Creek; watch for leeches in the wet months.

WildlifeEasyDawn or duskRainforest wildlife spottingPossums, gliders, echidna diggings and the brown-backed lyrebird; mammals are hard to see in dense forest.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

AUD ranges · check

Fees for Border Ranges National Park
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	night	3 sites; book online before you drive in.
Sheepstation Creek campground	AUD 24.6	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

No permit or pass needed for day visits in NSW national parks.

Camping permit or guide

Book Forest Tops or Sheepstation Creek online through the NSW National Parks booking service before arrival.

Drone use permit or guide

Permission required from NSW National Parks; drones are generally not allowed (check).

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more

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

Drive the Tweed Range Scenic Drive slowly; sections are narrow and can be slippery or corrugated. Check road conditions before setting out.

Remote country and no phone signal medium

Tell someone your plan, carry water and food, and do not rely on a mobile in the valleys.

Leeches and ticks low

Wear long trousers and socks in the wet months; check yourself after walking.

Summer storms and heat medium

From December to February, walk early and be off the escarpment by mid-afternoon.

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