A Natural Retreat for Walks, Bushwalks and Hikes in Northern NSW
Nestled just 30 kilometres north of Lismore in New South Wales, and around 730 kilometres from Sydney, Whian Whian State Conservation Area offers a rich and rewarding destination for those seeking a walk, bushwalk, or full-day hike through lush, ancient forests. The conservation area surrounds the western section of Nightcap National Park, and together, these adjoining reserves offer a stunning network of all trails that wind through one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the country.
From gentle trails to more demanding bushwalks, Whian Whian caters to every kind of outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re after a short walk to a creek, a swim beneath a waterfall, or a full day exploring deep rainforest gullies and ridgelines, the trails here provide plenty of options. Cyclists and horse riders are also well catered for, with shared paths threading through a landscape defined by kauri, bunya and hoop pines. Wildlife is part of the experience too—goannas, kookaburras, and possums are common sights, while the lucky and observant might spot a koala, a spotted-tailed quoll, or hear the fluted call of Albert’s lyrebird echoing through the forest.
One of the more popular spots to base yourself for a weekend of walks or hikes is Rummery Park campground. Once a forestry camp in the early 20th century, it’s now a peaceful setting for overnight stays, especially for bushwalkers heading off on the Historic Nightcap Track. This 18-kilometre route connects Mount Nardi to the campground, offering a remote, immersive journey through changing forest types and deep cultural heritage.
The seasonal changes here bring their own rewards. In autumn and winter, the cooler temperatures make it ideal for taking on longer bushwalks, with misty mornings and the sounds of the forest creating an atmospheric start to the day. Spring brings the wildflowers, with bottlebrush, wattle, and tea tree species blooming along creeks and ridgelines. Events like the Freedom Marathon add a buzz to the season. Come summer, locals and visitors alike head to Boggy Creek, where clear pools and shaded banks offer a welcome escape from the heat.
But there’s more to this landscape than meets the eye. Whian Whian is part of the traditional lands of the Widjabal people of the Bundjalung Nation, who have had a cultural connection to the area for thousands of years. Aboriginal use of the Nightcap Range dates back at least 4,000 years, and many significant sites continue to hold cultural importance today. The conservation area also holds a more recent history—timber-getters arrived in the 1830s, drawn by the red cedar trade, and forestry activity shaped many of the tracks we now walk today, including Peates Mountain Road, built during the Depression era.
As part of the World Heritage-listed Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia, Whian Whian shares in the region’s extraordinary biodiversity. Over 520 plant species thrive here across 10 different ecosystems, from warm temperate and subtropical rainforests to wet sclerophyll forests. The birdlife alone is enough to delight walkers and nature lovers, but the sheer variety of flora and fauna is what makes this conservation area truly special.
Want to find the best trails in Whian Whian State Conservation Area for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.
