Big Scrub loop walking track is a 1.5km, grade 3 hike located in Nightcap National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 45 minutes to complete.
Hike overview
Big Scrub loop walking track offers the chance to experience some of the most magnificent subtropical rainforest in NSW. Part of Nightcap National Park, near Lismore, it's a popular track for community and school groups, with excellent birdwatching opportunities, crystal clear creeks and lush vegetation. From the shallow creek crossing, the track is clearly marked with orange markers so you'll stay on-path. You'll see enormous fig trees, giant stinging trees and yellow carabeen towering above, forming part of the rainforest canopy. Beneath the forest giants are lush bangalow palms, black bean and maidens blush, while jackwood and lawyer vine form the understorey. There's an abundance of birdlife all year round, including Albert's lyrebirds, brush turkeys and rainforest pigeons.
Route and GPX file
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Tips
To access this walk, you'll need to walk through shallow water across a causeway. The crossing can become impassable after or during heavy rainfall.
The track can become hard to follow in places, so please follow the track markers and orange triangles to keep to the track.
The weather in the area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you're well-prepared for your visit.
It's a good idea to take insect repellent, particularly for repelling leeches.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Trail location
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Getting there
To Gibbergunyah Range Road access. On entering Nightcap National Park, from Dunoon:Take Dunoon Road north for approximately 3.6km and turn left onto Rocky Creek Dam RoadContinue for approximately 1.5km and turn left onto unsealed Gibbergunyah Range RoadDrive for 1km, across several cattlegrids, to the park gate.You'll need to walk an additional 300m from the park entry gate, as Gibbergunyah Range Road is closed to public vehicles. However, the road is accessible to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Park entry points Gibbergunyah Range Road access See on map Parking Parking is available at the open area adjacent to the information sign. Please do not park in front of the gate.
Gallery
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About the region
Explore ancient World Heritage-listed rainforest in Nightcap National Park, near Lismore in north-eastern NSW. Ideal for a day trip or overnight adventure, you'll find great campgrounds, picnic areas, walks and stunning views.
Nightcap National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, is a dramatically beautiful park full of ancient rainforests, magical waterways and spectacular views.
The lush rainforest provides a home for the newly discovered nightcap oak as well as a number of threatened animal species, including Albert's lyrebird and Fleay's barred frog which takes shelter under leaf litter and makes an 'ok-ok-ok-ok-ok' after rain.
With easy access from Lismore and Nimbin, you can enjoy a picnic, bushwalk or overnight camping trip amid the park's escarpments, waterfalls and crystal clear creeks and enjoy incredible views of the 20 million year-old Wollumbin shield volcano.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.