Cottan-Bimbang National Park

Cottan-Bimbang National Park is located in New South Wales, Australia, about 80 km east of Walcha and 130 km west of Port Macquarie. The park lies in the Northern Tablelands region, offering a remote and scenic escape within the rugged terrain of the Great Dividing Range. Nearby towns include Yarrowitch and Wauchope. The park was established in 1999 to preserve the diverse ecosystems of the area, including rainforests, woodlands, and unique high-altitude environments. Historically, the park has been an important area for the local Indigenous people, and remnants of early European settlement, such as old logging trails, are still visible today. Cottan-Bimbang National Park offers several parking facilities at key sites like Maxwell’s Flat, with other small parking areas near trailheads and picnic spots. Parking is free throughout the park, and visitors are allowed to camp in designated areas near some parking zones. However, parking spaces are limited, particularly during peak hiking and camping seasons. The park is home to a wide array of native wildlife, including common species like eastern grey kangaroos and red-necked wallabies. It also shelters rarer animals such as the brush-tailed rock-wallaby and the spotted-tail quoll. Bird species like the powerful owl and satin bowerbird are commonly spotted, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The flora of Cottan-Bimbang National Park includes rich rainforest vegetation and dry sclerophyll forests. Tall eucalypts like New England blackbutt and tallowwood dominate the landscape, while temperate rainforests feature giant stinging trees and lush tree ferns. Notable features of the park include the historic Hastings-Macleay Stock Route, used during the 19th century, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the dense forests and valleys. Due to the park's remote location, public transport is not available, so visitors must rely on private vehicles to explore the park's natural beauty. Photo Credit: John Spencer