Botanic walk is a great way to discover the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. You can learn the names of some unique trees and ferns on this short stroll across the Wilson River from the picnic area. Designed to bring people in close contact with the environment, it's the perfect place to stretch your legs on a Mid North Coast road trip. Don't be put off by the Grade 5 rating, it's suitable for all level of adventurers, especially small children or those who are less mobile.
Glossy green palms dominate the terrain, and the scent of cedar wood and yellow carabeen follow you as you make your way through an ever-changing display of vegetation and wildflowers. Prefer a more challenging walk? The equally beautiful Palm Grove walk and Waterfall walk also leave from Wilson River picnic area. Both take you through abundant forest characterised by the large buttressed trees, Bangalow palms, vines, birds nest ferns and staghorns.
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Wilson River picnic area can become boggy when it rains
This park is in a remote location, so please ensure you're well-prepared and bring appropriate clothing and equipment.
There is limited/no mobile reception in this park
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.
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Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Willi Willi National Park.
Botanic walk is in the Wilson River precinct of Willi Willi National Park. To get there:From Kempsey:Take the Armidale Road from West KempseyAfter 35km turn onto Carrai Road at Toorooka near WillawarrinTurn onto Coachwood Road at KookaburraFrom Wauchope:Take the Beechwood Road to BeechwoodThen turn onto Bellangary RoadTurn onto Hastings Forest WayTurn into Wilson River Road to reach the picnic area Parking Parking is available at Wilson River picnic area.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Beechwood, Comboyne, Ellenborough, Frederickton, Kempsey, Kendall, Macksville, Nambucca Heads, Port Macquarie, South West Rocks, Wauchope
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