Guy Fawkes River National Park is a large and secluded wilderness area of rugged and scenic river systems that provides a habitat for an extensive bird and animal population. With over 40 different vegetation communities, 28 threatened plant species and 24 threatened fauna species, the national park is regarded as a biodiversity hotspot.
At the eastern edge of the New England Tablelands, the Guy Fawkes River cuts a deep zig zag gorge north along the line of an ancient fault. The narrow ridges drop steeply from the plateau edge into the valley, with seasonal waterfalls plummeting into the depths.
Created in 1972, the national park covers an area of 105,937, much of which is remote declared wilderness area. The park offers excellent opportunities for campers and for experienced and well-equipped bushwalkers to completely immerse themselves in the unspoilt natural environment.
Brush-tailed rock wallabies and hunting wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons may be spotted from Misty Creek Lookout and other cliff-top lookout points.
Campers can set up their tent at the creek-side Chaelundi Camping Area or Dalmorton Camping Area further north, and bushwalkers can stay overnight at the more remote Jordans Camping Area, which has walk-in access only.
Walking tracks include the walk to Lucifers Thumb via Chaelundi Falls (4.8km return) from the Chaelundi Camping Area and the longer Escarpment Track, which meanders along the gorge rim, providing glimpses to the river 700m below (8km to Spring Gully Picnic Area, 5km return via the road).
One of the most accessible spots in the park from where you can take in the views across this wild and scenic gorge country is Ebor Falls, located at the head of the Guy Fawkes River Gorge. There’s a picnic area here, as well as at Spring Gully and Chaelundi.
Things to see and do
- Bushwalking: Several walking tracks and overnight hikes allow you to walk along the escarpment and gaze down across a vast, secluded wilderness valley.
- Picnicking: Excellent picnic spots at Ebor Falls, Spring Gully and Chaelundi Rest Area, which is wheelchair accessible.
- Waterfall: Cliff-top viewing platforms and a short walking track offers great views of the spectacular two-tier cascade at Ebor Falls, at the south end of the park.
- Camping: Creek-side camping at Chaelundi Camping Area where grey kangaroos and echidnas are often encountered and at Dalmorton Camping Area in the north. Walk-in access only to the more remote Jordans Camping Area.
- Lookouts: Incredible views from Misty Creek Lookout, Guy Fawkes Lookout, Ebor Falls viewing platform and several other spots in the park and along walking tracks.
- Bird spotting: Among the birds you may see in the park are the powerful owl, a threatened species still found here, wedge-tailed eagles, peregrine falcons, yellow and brilliant flame robins, thornbills and treecreepers.
Getting There
Guy Fawkes River National Park is 60km west of Dorrigo. To reach Chaelundi Rest Area, turn off the Armidale-Grafton Road at Hernani or Dundurrabin. Watch for timber trucks on roads in this area. Some routes into the park are along dirt roads. Ebor Falls is 46km west of Dorrigo along Waterfall Way.
Enquiries
For further information, contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service - Dorrigo Plateau Area Office on (02) 6657 2309 or visit the
National Parks information page.
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