# Washpool National Park

Washpool National Park is a New South Wales national park in the Eastern New England region along the Gwydir Highway. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.

## Understand

Washpool National Park covers an area of approximately 587 km$^2$ (227 sq mi). The nature reserve includes the largest natural rainforest in New South Wales.
To the south lies the Gibraltar Range National Park.

### History

The national park was established in 1983 as a means of protecting an area that would've been lost to logging. Three years later in 1986, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, along with several parks in the area (including Gibraltar Range just to the south). The boundaries of the park were later extended in 1999. In 2007, it was finally added to the national heritage list (yes – the park really did gain world heritage before national heritage!).

### Climate

Summer temperatures vary between 14°C and 26°C, while winter temperatures vary between between 2°C and 15°C. Bring a good jacket with you as the wind is often very misty. During the summer months, you'll also find that the park can get very rainy, particularly in January. The winter months are much drier.

### Visitor information

* Park website
* Park map

## Get in

The only way to get into the Coombadjha Area (where all but two of the park's points of interests are) is via the Coachwood Drive turnoff from the Gwydir Highway (B76). Once at the turnoff, continue straight for about 2–3 km until you've arrived at the park.
To get to the turnoff, continue on Gwydir Highway east from Glen Innes for 72 km (45 mi) (which takes approximately 50 minutes). Closer to the turnoff (which will be on your left) you will see signs clearly directing you towards Washpool National Park. This is instead 88 km (55 mi) west (approx 70 min) if you're coming from Grafton and an extra 13 km (8.1 mi) from the M1 Pacific Motorway exit at Glenugie.
The main exception is Four Bull Hut, which has no road connection to the rest of the park. Instead, there is a turnoff midway between Tenterfield and Glen Innes at either Bolivia or Sandy Flat – from the turnoff continue for about 25 km in and then follow Mt Spirabo Rd. Signs will guide you through.

## Fees and permits

There is a daily fee of $8 for the core of the park.

## See and do

* -29.4692152.31711 Coachwood Pool Lookout, Coombadjha Track. A lookout next to a generally very clear pool. It's a popular kingfisher (very colourful orange bird) breeding ground, which draws in birdwatchers. The clear waters also make the pool suitable for swimming (though do mind that it rains a fair bit during summer where temperatures are higher). The lookout is along the Coombadjha Nature Stroll, a very easy 1.4-km loop track. (updated Mar 2025)
* -29.4852152.32252 Granite Lookout, Granite Lookout Road. A lookout with some great wilderness views as you overlook the Gibraltar Range. Getting to the lookout is rather easy and only requires a 400-metre walk via the Granite Walking Track, though surfaces may be uneven. Once you're at the lookout, there are benches overlooking the scenery and a picnic area. (updated Mar 2025)
* Washpool Walking Track is an 8.5-km loop trail, though moderately difficult. It passes through some awesome rainforests, but can be time-intensive. A much shorter 1-km loop is also there if you're short on time.

## Buy, eat and drink

You must bring your own supplies to the park as there are none within. The nearest town with supplies is Glen Innes, over an hour away.

## Sleep
### Lodging

* -29.2757152.14231 Four Bull Hut, 461 Four Bull Trail, Forest Land, ☏ 1300 072 757 (domestic). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. $129.15/night. (updated Mar 2025)

### Camping

* -29.4738152.31542 Bellbird Campground. (updated Mar 2025)
* -29.4714152.32123 Coombadjha Campground. (updated Mar 2025)