Historic Nightcap walking track is a 18km, grade 4 hike located in the Whian Whian State Conservation Area, New South Wales. The hike should take around 1-2 days to complete.
Hike overview
Head along Historic Nightcap walking track to experience a World Heritage rainforest with breathtaking escarpment views across Nightcap National Park. This 18km track is popular with experienced walkers looking for a remote wilderness adventure. With the option to camp overnight at Rummery Park campground, west to east is the easiest way to take this scenic walk, but you can easily start at either end of the track. During the 1800s and 1900s, sections of Historic Nightcap walking track were traversed by travellers and postal workers making their way between Lismore and Murwillumbah. There's plenty to see along the way, so remember to pack your camera and capture shots of rock orchids brightening the path, and wildlife such as the long-nosed potoroo, brush turkey and Albert's lyrebird, who call the area home.
Route and GPX file
If you have a GPX or KML file for this hike and are happy to share it, please upload your file here.
Tips
It's advisable to contact the local NPWS office when planning an overnight or extended walk to get the best information on the track, weather conditions and possible closures.
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Historic Nightcap walking track can become boggy when it rains.
It's a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.
The weather in the area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you're well-prepared for your visit.
This walking track is in a remote location; bring appropriate clothing and equipment, and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.
This walking track is suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking.
Groups of 3-5 people are recommended, with at least one experienced bushwalker in the group.
A Personal Locator Beacon is advisable, but should only be used in a life-threatening situation.
There are camping facilities at Rummery Park.
It's a good idea to pack sunscreen and remember to take a hat.
You're encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
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.
Trail location
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Getting there
Historic Nightcap 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 onto Newton Drive.Continue for approximately 4.8km to the park entrance, and another 1km to Mount Nardi carpark.From the eastern park entrance (via Rosebank):Take Minyon Drive, past Minyon Falls picnic area, over the causeway.Continue along Minyon Drive until you reach the Peates Mountain Road intersectionTurn right onto Peates Mountain Road - the track is approximately 100m to the north (approximately 4km).From the southern park entrance on Nightcap Range Road (via Dunoon):Continue north up Nightcap Range Road to the top of the rangeTurn left onto Peates Mountain Road - the track is approximately 100m north (approximately 5km). Parking Parking is available at Mount Nardi carpark.
Gallery
If you have any 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.
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Gear to consider

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Let someone know
Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Fill in an online trip intentions form to privately send important details about your adventure to your emergency contact. They can then inform emergency services if you don’t return on time.
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.
0 Reviews on “Historic Nightcap walking track (18km)”
The road from rummery Park to peats Mt is closed to traffic so allow time to walk that section too