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Cathedral Rock National Park
High on the New England Tablelands, east of Dorrigo, Cathedral Rock National Park is the perfect place for a relaxing day trip or camping holiday. The park features sub-alpine heathlands, wildflowers, tall eucalypt forests and giant granite tors.
The magnificent granite boulders are the subjects of many photographs, while a scramble to the top of these giant outcrops is rewarded with fantastic views of the surrounding tablelands. At 1584 metres above sea level, nearby Round Mountain is the highest point on the New England Tablelands.
The variety of eucalypts and wildflowers attracts an abundance of birds, including rose robins, flycatchers and pardalotes. Grey kangaroos and swamp wallabies are often seen feeding on the heathland plants and mosses around the Barokee Rest Area in the late afternoon.
Bushwalkers will enjoy exploring the park’s walking tracks. There are four to choose from: Cathedral Rock Track (5.8km circuit/2.5hrs), Woolpacks Rocks (7.4km return/3hrs), Warrigal Track (1km circuit/30mins) and the more serious Barokee – Native Dog Creek (10.4km one way).
Secluded camping is available amid tall banksias and eucalypts at Barokee Camping Area while Native Dog Creek Camping Area is a more spacious site, ideal for caravans and trailers. No bookings are required, but overnight camping fees apply.
Things to see and do
- Bushwalking: Choose from four walks, ranging from an easy half-hour stroll to a serious 10km traverse of the National Park.
- Rock-hopping: Scramble to the summit of Cathedral Rock and enjoy magnificent 360 degree views.
- Camping or picnicking: Enjoy an hour, a day or a weekend relaxing at Barokee or Native Dog Camping Area.
- Bird watching: Marvel at the prolific birdlife attracted to the park’s eucalypts and wildflowers.
Getting There
Cathedral Rock National Park is 60km west of Dorrigo and 70km east of Armidale. There are two main access points. From Dorrigo, turn off the Waterfall Way 4km past Ebor onto Round Mountain Road, a narrow gravel road leading to Barokee Camping Area (8km), which is close to the foot of Cathedral Rock. Or from the Waterfall Way 3km past Ebor, continue onto Guyra Road for another 10km to get to Native Dog Camping Area.
Enquiries
For further information about Cathedral Rock National Park, contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service - Dorrigo Plateau Area Office on (02) 6657 2309 or visit: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
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