Falcorostrum Loop Walking Track in Border Ranges National Park is a short and rewarding walk through cool temperate rainforest, where ancient Antarctic beech trees rise from a soft carpet of leaf litter and moss. At just 650 metres return and graded 3, it is an easy stroll that usually takes around 30 minutes, making it ideal for families or anyone wanting a gentle introduction to this remarkable landscape.
The track begins at the Bar Mountain picnic area and winds through one of the largest stands of Antarctic beech in the park. Here, at one of the highest accessible points in Border Ranges National Park, you are walking at roughly the same elevation as the summit of Wollumbin Mount Warning. The air feels cooler and heavier with moisture, and the forest has a quiet, almost ancient presence. Some of these beech trees are believed to be up to 2,000 years old, their broad trunks textured with age and draped in moss, lichens and epiphytes. Clinging to their bark are falcorostrum orchids, found nowhere else, adding another layer of significance to this already special place.
Cool temperate rainforest is rare within the park, existing only in a few sheltered pockets where altitude and moisture combine to create the right conditions. As you follow the loop, look closely at the forest floor and you may see signs of Albert’s lyrebird. This shy but remarkable bird is common in the area, often scratching through leaf litter in search of insects. Early morning or overcast days offer the best chance of a sighting, so it is worth bringing binoculars and moving quietly. Even if you do not see one, you may hear its elaborate display song echoing through the trees, sometimes its own rich calls, sometimes a clever imitation of other species.
Despite its short length, Falcorostrum Loop offers a genuine sense of immersion in an ancient ecosystem. It is the kind of walk that invites you to slow down, notice detail, and appreciate how different this high altitude rainforest feels compared to the drier forests below. Take your time, look up into the canopy, and let the atmosphere of this place settle in.
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.
- Fill your fuel tank before driving to the park. The closest service stations are in Kyogle, Woodenbong, Nimbin and Rathdowney, and distances between towns can be greater than they appear on the map.
- Check the forecast before you leave and prepare for rapid weather changes. Conditions at higher elevations can be cooler, wetter and windier than surrounding areas, so pack extra layers and wet weather protection even on fine days.
- Bring binoculars if you are interested in birdwatching. The park is known for its rainforest species, and early mornings or overcast conditions often provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Total distance: 624 m
Max elevation: 1143 m
Min elevation: 1124 m
Total climbing: 20 m
Total descent: -21 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Border Ranges National Park.
Falcorostrum Loop Walking Track is located in the eastern precinct of Border Ranges National Park, with access from Bar Mountain picnic area.
If you are travelling from Murwillumbah, head southwest along Kyogle Road to Lillian Rock, then turn right onto Williams Road. Continue for 2.5 kilometres before joining Creegans Road and following it for 6 kilometres to the park boundary. From there, drive a further 7.5 kilometres along Tweed Range Scenic Drive to reach Bar Mountain picnic area.
From Kyogle, travel north on Summerland Way for approximately 14 kilometres to Wiangaree. Turn right onto Lynches Creek Road and follow it east for 12 kilometres to Forest Road. Turn right into Forest Road and continue for 4.5 kilometres to the park boundary. From the boundary, follow Tweed Range Scenic Drive for around 25 kilometres to Bar Mountain picnic area.
Parking is available at Bar Mountain picnic area, with the trailhead located nearby.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Bonalbo, Kyogle, Lismore, Mount Warning, Murwillumbah, Nimbin, Rathdowney, Richmond Range, Stokers Siding, Tumbulgum, Uki, Woodenbong
Border Ranges National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, protecting an expanse of ancient subtropical rainforest near Murwillumbah in northern New South Wales. This is a landscape shaped by deep time, where remnants of the supercontinent Gondwana survive in the form of towering trees, rare plant species and diverse wildlife. Walking here feels like stepping into an older world, one that has remained largely untouched compared to much of Australia’s cleared and modified country.
The park offers a range of ways to explore, whether you prefer short rainforest walks, longer hikes, cycling routes or scenic drives. Tweed Range Scenic Drive, part of the broader Rainforest Way, winds through the park and links many of its highlights. It is an easy way to experience changing forest types, open lookouts and quiet picnic areas, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take a closer look. Short tracks such as the Palm Forest walk provide a gentle introduction to the dense subtropical rainforest, while longer options like the Booyong walk from Sheepstation Creek campground allow you to spend more time under the canopy.
Lookouts scattered throughout the park reveal the dramatic crater escarpment that defines this region. On clear days you can see across rolling forested ridges to Wollumbin Mount Warning and, in the distance, towards the coast. After rain, waterfalls swell and mist drifts through the valleys, adding another layer of atmosphere. Photographers are often drawn to the interplay of light and shadow in the rainforest, where massive buttressed trees, lush ferns and tangled vines create rich textures at every turn.
Border Ranges is easily reached from Kyogle and Lismore, making it suitable for a long day trip. If you prefer to take your time, several campgrounds within the park offer a simple but memorable way to stay overnight. Falling asleep to the sound of the forest and waking to birdsong adds another dimension to the experience, and allows you to enjoy the early morning light before most visitors arrive.
Looking for more walks in or near Border Ranges National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Border Ranges National Park
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