Carrai National Park

Carrai National Park is located in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, about 90 km west of Kempsey. This remote and rugged park sits within the Great Dividing Range, encompassing 25,676 hectares of diverse terrain, including dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and dense forests. The park was established in 1999 to protect its unique ecosystems, including significant areas of rainforest and old-growth forests. It holds cultural importance for the Dunghutti people, the traditional custodians of the land. The park’s rich natural and cultural history is reflected in its preserved landscapes and the protection of key species. Parking facilities in Carrai National Park are minimal, as the park is largely undeveloped and remote. Access is typically via unsealed roads, and 4WD vehicles are recommended. Visitors can park in informal areas along the park’s tracks or near campgrounds. There are no entry fees, but camping within the park requires preparation and self-sufficiency due to the lack of facilities. Carrai National Park is home to a range of wildlife, including eastern grey kangaroos, koalas, and swamp wallabies. The park’s extensive rainforest areas also support bird species like the lyrebird, sooty owl, and regent bowerbird. Reptiles, including goannas and several snake species, are commonly found. The park’s flora is varied, with large sections of subtropical and temperate rainforest, eucalyptus forests, and heathland. Common plant species include blackbutt, tallowwood, and tree ferns, with areas of unique vegetation such as giant stinging trees and rare rainforest orchids. Key features of the park include the Carrai Plateau, which offers expansive views, and its network of streams and rivers, which flow into the Macleay River system. Public transport is not available to Carrai National Park, so visitors must drive, usually accessing the park from Kempsey or nearby localities via rough, unsealed roads. Photo Credit: NSW Government