The Bar Mountain circuit is a short and rewarding walk that offers a genuine taste of the Border Ranges without demanding a full day on the trail. At just 4 kilometres, this Grade 3 hike in Border Ranges National Park in New South Wales usually takes around two hours to complete, making it an ideal option if you are looking for something relaxed yet memorable.
The walk begins at the Bar Mountain picnic area and follows the ridge towards the western escarpment. From the outset, you are surrounded by towering eucalypts, their tall trunks filtering the light and creating that quiet, layered feel so typical of this part of the state. The track gently undulates as it winds along the ridge, offering glimpses of the forest below and a steady sense of anticipation as you approach the lookout.
Bar Mountain Lookout is the highlight. From here, the landscape opens wide across Collins Creek and the surrounding wilderness, with Mount Lindesay and Mount Barney rising prominently on the horizon. This is World Heritage listed rainforest country, and on a clear day the depth and scale of the view is striking. It is the kind of place where you naturally slow down, whether that means sitting quietly, sharing lunch, or pouring a cup of tea from a thermos while taking it all in.
When you are ready to head back, the return journey follows the ridge to the picnic area, passing rocky outcrops and more of that dense, lush vegetation that defines the Border Ranges. It is an easy walk overall, but like many ridge tracks it can be uneven in places, so sturdy footwear and a steady pace will make it more comfortable. For a relatively short circuit, it delivers a strong sense of place and a reminder of how special this corner of northern New South Wales really is.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
- The road to Bar Mountain picnic area is generally a well maintained gravel surface and suitable for most vehicles in dry conditions. After periods of heavy rain, particularly between December and May, sections can become rough, corrugated or slippery, so drive to conditions and allow extra time.
- Check local park alerts before you leave, especially during the wetter months, as temporary closures or access restrictions can occur after sustained rainfall.
- Wildlife is common along this road, particularly at dawn and dusk, so reduce speed and stay alert in low light conditions.
Total distance: 3883 m
Max elevation: 1143 m
Min elevation: 899 m
Total climbing: 276 m
Total descent: -278 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Border Ranges National Park.
The Bar Mountain circuit begins at the Bar Mountain picnic area in the eastern section of Border Ranges National Park. Access is via the Tweed Range Scenic Drive.
From Kyogle Road, turn onto Williams Road at Lillian Rock, then follow this until you reach Creegan Road. Creegan Road becomes Tweed Range Scenic Drive as you continue towards the park. Once you enter the national park, travel approximately 7 kilometres along the scenic drive to reach the picnic area, where the trailhead is clearly signposted.
In dry conditions, the road is generally suitable for 2WD vehicles. However, during or after wet weather, a 4WD vehicle is recommended as sections can become slippery and more difficult to navigate. Parking is available at the Bar Mountain picnic area.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Bonalbo, Kyogle, Lismore, Mount Warning, Murwillumbah, Nimbin, Rathdowney, Richmond Range, Stokers Siding, Tumbulgum, Uki, Woodenbong
Border Ranges National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, protecting an expanse of ancient subtropical rainforest near Murwillumbah in northern New South Wales. This is a landscape shaped by deep time, where remnants of the supercontinent Gondwana survive in the form of towering trees, rare plant species and diverse wildlife. Walking here feels like stepping into an older world, one that has remained largely untouched compared to much of Australia’s cleared and modified country.
The park offers a range of ways to explore, whether you prefer short rainforest walks, longer hikes, cycling routes or scenic drives. Tweed Range Scenic Drive, part of the broader Rainforest Way, winds through the park and links many of its highlights. It is an easy way to experience changing forest types, open lookouts and quiet picnic areas, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take a closer look. Short tracks such as the Palm Forest walk provide a gentle introduction to the dense subtropical rainforest, while longer options like the Booyong walk from Sheepstation Creek campground allow you to spend more time under the canopy.
Lookouts scattered throughout the park reveal the dramatic crater escarpment that defines this region. On clear days you can see across rolling forested ridges to Wollumbin Mount Warning and, in the distance, towards the coast. After rain, waterfalls swell and mist drifts through the valleys, adding another layer of atmosphere. Photographers are often drawn to the interplay of light and shadow in the rainforest, where massive buttressed trees, lush ferns and tangled vines create rich textures at every turn.
Border Ranges is easily reached from Kyogle and Lismore, making it suitable for a long day trip. If you prefer to take your time, several campgrounds within the park offer a simple but memorable way to stay overnight. Falling asleep to the sound of the forest and waking to birdsong adds another dimension to the experience, and allows you to enjoy the early morning light before most visitors arrive.
Looking for more walks in or near Border Ranges National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Border Ranges National Park
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