Discover the Trails of Mount Royal National Park
Mount Royal National Park offers a remarkable opportunity for camping, hiking, and picnicking within the World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest, located near the town of Singleton in New South Wales, approximately 200 kilometres north of Sydney. This park, which is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, showcases a unique ecosystem that includes a diverse range of bird and animal species that have remained largely unchanged from their fossilised ancestors. Among its inhabitants are several threatened and vulnerable species, such as the Hastings River mouse, parma wallaby, rufous scrub-bird, paradise riflebird, and the glossy black-cockatoo.
Visitors to Mount Royal National Park can take advantage of the Youngville campground, which serves as an excellent base for exploration. From this location, numerous challenging walking tracks lead to the summits of impressive rock formations like Pieries Peak, making it essential to wear sturdy hiking boots. The park features a variety of forest and vegetation types, including shrubland, tall open forest, wet eucalypt forest, mid-altitude grassy forest, and lush rainforest.
The park has much to offer throughout the year, with each season presenting its own highlights. Spring is the ideal time to undertake the hike to Pieries Peak, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area. In summer, the Youngville picnic area provides a cool spot for barbecues, while winter brings the blooming of orchids, making a walk to Carrow Brook particularly rewarding.
For those planning a visit, driving directions from Singleton are straightforward. Travel north along the New England Highway, turn right onto Bridgeman Road at Dunolly, and after approximately 15 kilometres, veer left into Mount Royal Road at Carrowbrook. Continue along this unsealed road for about 7 kilometres to reach the park’s entry points.
Whether you prefer hiking, bushwalking, or simply enjoying all trails in the area, Mount Royal National Park promises an enriching experience. Want to find the best trails in Mount Royal National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.