Red Cedar Loop in Border Ranges National Park is a short and accessible rainforest walk that delivers far more than its modest distance suggests. At just 750 metres return, this Grade 2 track is suitable for most walkers and usually takes around 35 minutes at an easy pace. It is an ideal option if you are travelling with family, easing into a longer day of exploring, or simply looking for a quiet immersion in subtropical rainforest without committing to a long hike.
From the first few steps, the track draws you into cool, shaded forest where the air feels softer and the light filters down through layers of green. The path is well formed and easy to follow, winding gently through lush vegetation. Keep an eye out for birdlife, as this section of the park is known for its diversity. Even if you are not a keen birdwatcher, the calls echoing through the canopy add to the sense that you are moving through a living, breathing ecosystem.
The highlight comes at the end of the loop, where you stand at the base of a towering red cedar rising about 48 metres into the canopy. Estimated to be up to 1000 years old, this giant has survived logging that once reshaped much of the region. Early European settlers targeted red cedars because they often grew along creek lines, making it easier to float the logs downstream to sawmills and ships. This particular tree escaped that fate, likely because it stood just far enough from the water’s edge. Seeing it in person gives you a quiet sense of perspective. Its immense trunk and height are difficult to grasp until you are standing beneath it.
Take a moment to look closely at the bark and branches. You may notice epiphytes clinging to the trunk, including bird’s nest ferns, orchids and staghorns. These plants draw moisture and nutrients from the air and surrounding debris rather than from the tree itself, forming part of the layered complexity that defines rainforest environments. It is worth slowing down here, not just for photos, but to notice how many species rely on the shelter of a single ancient tree.
Red Cedar Loop may be short, but it leaves a lasting impression. It offers a tangible connection to both natural history and human impact, wrapped into an easy and rewarding walk. If you find yourself wanting more time on the track, you can extend your outing by linking up with the nearby Helmholtzia Loop for a longer rainforest experience.
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
- Fill your fuel tank before heading to the park. There are no service stations within Border Ranges National Park, and the nearest fuel is located in Kyogle, Woodenbong, Nimbin or Rathdowney. Distances between towns can be greater than expected, particularly if you are taking back roads.
- Check the weather forecast before you leave and be prepared for rapid changes. Conditions in this region can shift quickly, with fog, heavy rain and temperature drops all possible, even when coastal areas appear calm. Carry appropriate layers, wet weather protection and extra water.
- Bring binoculars if you are interested in birdwatching. The subtropical rainforest supports a diverse range of species, and many are easier to spot high in the canopy than at ground level.
Total distance: 715 m
Max elevation: 766 m
Min elevation: 755 m
Total climbing: 22 m
Total descent: -22 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Border Ranges National Park.
Red Cedar Loop is located in the eastern precinct of Border Ranges National Park, with access via Kyogle in northern New South Wales. From Kyogle, travel north along Summerland Way for approximately 14 kilometres to the small village of Wiangaree. At Wiangaree, turn right onto Lynches Creek Road and continue east for about 12 kilometres until you reach Forest Road. Turn right again and follow Forest Road for 4.5 kilometres to the park boundary.
From here, continue along Tweed Range Scenic Drive for 6.5 kilometres until you see Brindle Road clearly signposted on the left. Turn onto Brindle Creek Road and drive for just under 2 kilometres to reach Brindle Creek carpark, where the Red Cedar Loop walk begins.
Be aware that buses carrying more than 22 passengers and trailers longer than 7 metres are not permitted on Tweed Range Scenic Drive. Parking is available at Brindle Creek carpark.
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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