Trail summary
Hike overview
Exhilarating Goorgana walking track will, quite literally, take the most experienced mountain hikers to new levels. Taking in some of the most iconic peaks in the rugged western terrain in Nightcap National Park, this steep, challenging track is definitely not for the faint-hearted. This unmarked track leads from the lookout along Pholis Gap walking track and is best-suited to small groups of highly-skilled bushwalkers who can confidently navigate without directional signage. Taking in Mount Nardi, there are spectacular views to Wollumbin-Mount Warning in the north.
Goorgana walking track has overgrown patches, a maze of old logging tracks, and steep slopes which will challenge even the most skilled walkers. This World Heritage rainforest is teeming with wildlife for you to see, including peregrine falcons, long-nosed potoroos and pademelons.
Tips
It's advised to avoid the hotter months over summer and be mindful of shorter daylight hours in winter when planning your walk.
The weather in the 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 go bird watching
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.
Map and GPX file
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Lismore, Nimbin, Bangalow, Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads
Goorgana walking track is in the western precinct of Nightcap National Park. To get there: From Nimbin:Take Sibley Street and drive past Nimbin Bowling ClubTurn onto Gungas Street and continue for 1.5km, then turn right onto Tuntable Falls Road – signposted ‘Mount Nardi’.Travel a further 4.2km, past Upper Tuntable Falls Road intersection, where the road turns into Newton Drive.Continue for approximately 4.8km to the park entrance, and another 1km to Mount Nardi carpark. Parking Parking is available at Mount Nardi carpark.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
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.
About the region
Explore ancient World Heritage-listed rainforest in Nightcap National Park, near Lismore in north-eastern NSW. Ideal for a day trip or overnight adventure, you'll find great campgrounds, picnic areas, walks and stunning views.
Nightcap National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, is a dramatically beautiful park full of ancient rainforests, magical waterways and spectacular views.
The lush rainforest provides a home for the newly discovered nightcap oak as well as a number of threatened animal species, including Albert's lyrebird and Fleay's barred frog which takes shelter under leaf litter and makes an 'ok-ok-ok-ok-ok' after rain.
With easy access from Lismore and Nimbin, you can enjoy a picnic, bushwalk or overnight camping trip amid the park's escarpments, waterfalls and crystal clear creeks and enjoy incredible views of the 20 million year-old Wollumbin shield volcano.
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Nightcap National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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.