Toonumbar National Park

Toonumbar National Park is located in northeastern New South Wales, Australia, in the Northern Rivers region. The park is about 30 km west of the town of Kyogle and approximately 120 km southwest of the coastal city of Lismore. It sits within the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, making it a tranquil retreat with easy access from several nearby towns like Casino and Woodenbong. The park was established in 1995 as part of efforts to protect the subtropical rainforest that forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area. The park is located on land traditionally belonging to the Githabul people, who have strong cultural and spiritual connections to the area. Parking facilities in Toonumbar National Park are relatively simple, with parking areas located near key sites such as the Iron Pot Creek campground and the starting points for several walking tracks. No entry fees are required to visit the park, but visitors are asked to follow parking rules and be mindful of the limited space. The park supports a rich variety of wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as the red-legged pademelon and the long-nosed potoroo. Birdwatchers will find a haven here, with sightings of species like the regent bowerbird, powerful owl, and wedge-tailed eagle being common. Platypuses are sometimes spotted in the park's creeks. The native flora of Toonumbar National Park includes ancient rainforests with towering hoop pines, brush box trees, and ferns. The lush forest also features giant stinging trees and a wide variety of orchids and native shrubs. Notable features include the scenic Toonumbar Dam and peaceful picnic areas, as well as several bushwalking tracks offering views of the rainforest and surrounding hills. Public transport is not available directly to the park, so visitors are advised to travel by car. Photo Credit: Robert Ashdown