Butterleaf National Park

Butterleaf National Park is located in the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales, Australia, approximately 35 km northeast of Glen Innes. This small and remote park lies within a rugged and forested area, part of the Great Dividing Range, and is characterized by its pristine environment and lack of developed infrastructure. The park was established in 1999 to conserve its high biodiversity, which includes a mix of wet and dry forest ecosystems. Butterleaf National Park also provides protection for many rare and threatened species. Historically, the region has been important to the local Aboriginal people, whose connection to the land is evident in the surrounding area. Parking facilities within Butterleaf National Park are minimal due to its remote and undeveloped nature. There are no formal parking areas or visitor facilities, and access to the park is often via unsealed roads, best suited for 4WD vehicles. There are no entry fees for visitors, but preparation is essential for those planning to visit, given the park’s isolated location. The park is home to a wide variety of native wildlife, with eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats commonly seen. Birdlife is abundant, with species like the yellow-tailed black cockatoo, the satin bowerbird, and the wedge-tailed eagle often spotted. The park’s thick forests provide habitat for many reptiles, including lace monitors and various snake species. Butterleaf National Park features lush wet sclerophyll forests, with towering eucalyptus trees like the mountain gum and messmate stringybark, alongside rainforest pockets. The understorey is rich with ferns and wildflowers, particularly in the spring months. Notable features include the park’s rugged ridgelines and deep gullies, which offer dramatic views. No public transport services are available, so visitors must drive, typically accessing the park from Glen Innes via local dirt roads. The park’s isolation makes it a haven for those seeking a quiet, natural escape.