Cascades walking track is a 5.7km, grade 4 hike located in the New England National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 3 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
This gorgeous and tranquil 5.7km walk (return) takes viewers down along the beautiful valley below Wrights lookout walking track past cascades and waterfalls, alongside giant king ferns and mossy boulders. Five Day Creek, along Cascades walking track, is one of the most beautiful rainforest streams in New South Wales. Visitors have described doing this walk as like being in another world, filled with vivid green moss, liverworts and lush ferns. It stands in stark contrast to the nearby dry, low heath covered, rocky outcrop of Wrights lookout. Wander slowly and find fascinating fungi along the way.
You may hear the deep calls of the brown pigeon or see flocks of white-headed or topknot pigeons searching for rainforest fruits. An enormous variety of invertebrate animals live in the park and may be encountered on this walk - the most famous of which is the living fossil velvet worm, or 'peripatus', as it's commonly known. Rather like a velvety caterpillar, it can be found in moist places under fallen timber and in sphagnum moss. It has changed little from its ancestor - one of the first creatures that moved onto land 540 million years ago.
Route and GPX file
This hike is missing a route map and GPX file. If you have one for this hike, please upload your .gpx or .kml file here.
Tips
The weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you're well-prepared for your visit.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch
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.
Gear you might need
As well as including the Ten Essentials, my planning, food and packing checklists provide an summary of things to consider on your day, overnight and multi-day hikes. Every person and every hike is different, so customise your kit according to your needs. Download your free checklists here >>
Location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Getting there
To Robinsons Knob trail carpark. Cascades walking track is in the Point lookout precinct of New England National Park. To get there:Turn onto Point Lookout Road from the Waterfall Way halfway between Armidale and DorrigoContinue for approximately 10kmTurn right just after the park entrance and park at the Robinsons Knob trail carpark. Park entry points Robinsons Knob trail carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Robinsons Knob trail carpark.
Let someone know before you go
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
About the region
Located in the Northern Tablelands of NSW, New England National Park is a place of spectacular beauty and pristine wilderness. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, it offers visitors an unforgettable holiday experience or a peaceful weekend getaway.
Discover the ancient world sealed in Gondwana rainforest, wander through snow gum forests dotted with crimson rosellas, and see breathtaking views from the Great Escarpment on one of the many walking tracks. Walks range from an easy 200m stroll to multi-day hikes through remote wilderness.
Experience sensational sunrises and breathtaking views stretching over forested valleys all the way to the coast from Point lookout. Pack a picnic and spend a few hours admiring the spectacular view before you.
Gallery
If you have any great photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.
Does this hike info need updating? maybe the route, features or access conditions have changed? Suggest an edit here.
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.