Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the serene beauty of Australia's lush rainforests on the Rainforest Loop, a 600m Grade 4 Circuit walk, perfect for seasoned hikers. In a tranquil, seldom-trodden path, it offers a unique gallery of bird's nest ferns, epiphyte orchids, and an accessible strangler fig near the carpark end. The trail's highlight is a remote lookout platform with breathtaking views of Diamond Head, promising solitude and serenity in the heart of nature's green cathedral.

Length:

600m

Duration:

30 mins

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Captain Cook Bicentennial Dr

End: Captain Cook Bicentennial Dr

Dooragan National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: North Brother

From state capital: 363km

Latitude: -31.65700451

Longitude: 152.7771266

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

Similar

Region

2,078 views

Hike overview

Rainforest loop is a relatively relaxed walk leading to the furthest end of the loop, where a small remote lookout platform looks back at Diamond Head. On the southern side of the loop, the rainforest - with its suspended gallery of birds nest ferns - plunges you into an amazing green cathedral. Surprisingly few people use this track, so the casual picnic visitor to the lookouts could easily find a little piece of solitude and serenity in the cool harmony of the rainforest here.
The highlight of taking this walk is really the gallery of birds nest ferns, epiphyte orchids, and other plants on the southern part of the loop walk. There's also an amazing and accessible example of a strangler fig close to the track, near the carpark end of the southern side of the loop walk.
Take a virtual tour of Rainforest loop captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Tips

At times, as with anywhere in the bush, ticks, leeches, and other biting insects may be about, and it's a good idea to wear light-coloured clothing and insect repellent if you're sensitive to such bites.
There is reasonable mobile phone reception in this park
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.

Gallery

Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!

Click to view form >>

Submitting your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.

Walk map and GPX file
Rainforest Loop Walk (600m)

Share your GPX file

It looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one to share, please email it to me! I’ll verify it against official maps before adding it to help other hikers have a safer, easier experience. Thanks for contributing to a better hiking resource.

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Dooragan National Park.

To Summit picnic area. On entering Dooragan National Park:Enter the park via Captain Cook Bicentennial Drive, just north of the main part of Laurieton.Travel 5km up Captain Cook Bicentennial Drive to Summit picnic area (there’s a carpark at the terminal end of this dead-end road access point)Enter Rainforest loop from the western side of the picnic area, opposite the toilet block and shelter shed.Either ends of this loop walk are about 30m apart, off the edge of the western picnic area. Park entry points Summit picnic area See on map Parking Parking is available at Summit picnic area. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited at times

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Bonny Hills, Kendall, Kundabung, Lake Cathie, Laurieton, North Haven, Port Macquarie, Wauchope

About the region

Dooragan National Park in the North Coast region
Dooragan National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Dooragan National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Rainforest Loop Walk (600m)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

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.

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Rainforest Loop Walk (600m)