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.
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.
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
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.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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.
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.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Nightcap National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? 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
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.
