Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 1097m
Min elevation: 1049m
Total Ascent: 56m
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.
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.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1097 m
Min elevation: 1049 m
Total climbing: 56 m
Total descent: -56 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
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.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
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.
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: 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.
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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.





