A vast protected forest in northeastern New South Wales preserving ancient rainforests of global ecological importance.
At a glance
Washpool National Park spans 58,678 hectares of largely uncut forest in the New England region, roughly 520 kilometres north of Sydney. The park contains two campgrounds and ranks among New South Wales’s largest intact forests. It forms part of the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History
Established in 1983, Washpool National Park was created to protect the exceptional plant and animal populations inhabiting the Washpool and Gibraltar Range forests. The park now functions as a crucial conservation area within the broader Gondwana Rainforest ecosystem. Management falls to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
What you see
Ancient subtropical and temperate rainforests dominate the landscape, featuring dense canopy and rich understory vegetation. The park’s terrain reflects millions of years of undisturbed forest growth. Two designated campgrounds provide visitor access to this wilderness environment.
Cultural significance
Washpool National Park represents a living archive of Gondwana’s ancient forests, which covered much of the Southern Hemisphere in the distant past. Its biodiversity and ecological systems warrant recognition as a World Heritage Site. The park serves as both a scientific resource and a refuge for endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
Key facts
- Location: New England region, New South Wales, Australia
- Area: 58,678 hectares (145,000 acres)
- Distance from Sydney: approximately 520 kilometres north
- Established: 1983
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes (as part of Gondwana Rainforest of Australia)
- Manager: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
- Coordinates: −29.35°S, 152.33°E
Practical information & getting there
The park is located inland from Grafton in northeastern New South Wales. Two campgrounds provide accommodation for visitors. Contact NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for current conditions, access details, and visitor facilities.
Sources & resources
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