Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the stunning Gondwana Rainforest on the Carabeen walk in Werrikimbe National Park, near Walcha in Australia. This moderate grade 3, 1.8km circuit trail offers a self-guided tour through majestic yellow carabeen trees, towering blue gums, and vibrant wildflower landscapes. Ideal for family outings, the trail is accessible year-round with spring being the best time to witness the carabeen trees in full blossom. Extend your adventure by camping at the nearby Mooraback campground or challenge yourself with the 8hr Mesa trail.

Length:

1.8km

Duration:

1 hr

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 1097m

Min elevation: 1049m

Total Ascent: 56m

Start: Cobcroft picnic area

End: Cobcroft picnic area

Werrikimbe National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Glenferrie

From state capital: 501km

Latitude: -31.22973851

Longitude: 152.16062843799594

Overview

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Hike overview

Discover World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest on Carabeen walk, in Werrikimbe National Park. This short, family-friendly walk loops past majestic yellow carabeen trees, near Walcha. Starting from Cobcroft picnic area, this loop walk is a beautiful self-guided tour of Werrikimbe National Park's ancient rainforest diversity, suitable for all ages.

Listen for lyrebirds' mimicking calls as you stroll through tall open groves of New England blackbutt and eucalypts. Then dip into cool gullies where blue gums tower over an understorey of tree ferns. Scattered throughout are yellow carabeen trees, that give this track its name. Slow growing, yet often the forest's highest trees, their large, wide root buttresses straddle the forest floor and can extend 2-5m up the trunk.

Come in spring to see carabeen trees burst into flower with creamy white blossoms. It's also a great time to see wildflowers throughout the park, and spot the birds they attract. After your walk enjoy lunch at the picnic area. If you're feeling adventurous, Carabeen walk is easily combined with the longer Mesa trail, an ambitious 8hr hike for fit hikers.

Keen to explore more? Pitch your tent at Mooraback campground, among snow gum woodland. You'll wake refreshed and ready to discover more of the Mid North Coast hinterland, including neighbouring Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

Camping

Escape the crowds at Mooraback campground, near Walcha, tucked among the snow gums. Explore nearby walking tracks and enjoy the tranquility of this isolated spot. There are 5 campsites that allow you to camp with a tent, camper trailer, or beside your vehicle in a swag.

All campgrounds in NSW national parks require a booking. Check availability and restrictions here.

Trail features

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Walk map and GPX file
Carabeen Walk (1.8km)

Total distance: 1901 m
Max elevation: 1097 m
Min elevation: 1049 m
Total climbing: 56 m
Total descent: -56 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Werrikimbe National Park.

From Wauchope: Drive towards Beechwood on Beechwood Road. After approximately 6.5km, turn onto Bellangry Road and follow for approximately 18km to Bellangry. After Bellangry, the road is unsealed and becomes known as Hastings Forest Way. Follow Hastings Forest Way for about 30km through the forest to the park boundary, then continue on another 8km to the junction with Cockerawombeeba Road in the eastern precinct of the park. For more information, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Armidale, Bellbrook, Clybucca, Coonabarabran, Ellenborough, Eungai Creek, Gloucester, Kempsey, Nambucca Heads, Port Macquarie, Walcha

About the region

Werrikimbe National Park, near Port Macquarie and Walcha, offers walks through World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest, camping, picnicking, scenic drives and 4WD trails. If you're looking to get away from the crowds and explore pristine wilderness, then Werrikimbe National Park is the place for you.

Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, it's a unique natural landscape with ancient rainforest, tall eucalypt forests, pristine rivers, cascading waterfalls, rugged escarpment and deep gullies. In spring, the forests and heathland burst with colourful wildflowers. Visit for the day, or spend a few more enjoying the tranquility of secluded campgrounds, walking tracks, and picnic areas. With over 120 bird species, birdwatching is a fantastic activity to enjoy here. As you spy lyrebirds in the rainforest, you'll find a range of other forest birds such as eastern yellow robins and rufous fantails. If you're lucky, you might spot rare bird species like olive whistlers, rufous scrub-birds and sooty owls.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Werrikimbe National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

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 safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Carabeen Walk (1.8km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance