4 Days Plateau Highlights World Heritage Parks: New England and Dorrigo
Refreshing swim on a hot day
DAY 1: Cathedral Rock NP [LD]).
Walking through open eucalypt woodland to climb the granite boulders of Cathredral Rock, one of the highest points on the New England Tableland, we are rewarded with great views all around. The perfume of flowering shrubs, orchids and wildflowers permeates the park in early summer. We stay in a simple cabin in nearby New England NP, which we rent exclusively.
Granite Tors in Cathedral Rock
National Park
DAY 2: New England NP – Lyrebird / Cascades Walk [BLD].
In New England NP, enjoying the early morning vista - rugged wilderness against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean in the distance - we hear about the significance of the place for the Aborigines. We walk through snow gum woodland and heath down into cool temperate rainforest with its moss-clad Antarctic beeches. Climbing up to a rocky plateau, the densely forested valleys and ridges stretch before the eye. If we are keen, we can walk on to the cascading upper Five Day Creek, whose magic stays with us on the drive back to our cabin.
Itinerary 4 days
DAY 3: Dorrigo NP Wonga Walk / Blackbutt Track [BL].
We enjoy a day in Dorrigo NP, walking in lush subtropical rainforest on a journey back in time. Along the way, learning about the changes and the continuity of this ecosystem over millions of years, enables us to look at this natural wonder through different eyes than those of the hurried tourist. As this track is fairly popular and sealed, we offer an alternative for those who prefer a natural path. The Blackbutt Track meanders through warm temperate rainforest and awesome eucalypt forest. We pass a number of waterfalls, which invite for a swim on hot summer days. Our tours always allow ample time for such pleasures.
Day 1 & 2 as before DAY 3: Guy Fawkes River NP - Lucifers Thumb - Mount Hyland Nature Reserve[BLD]
The deep canyon of Guy Fawkes River cuts through the centre of the park and stretches over 100km from south to north. In the morning, strolling out to cliffs imaginatively named "Lucifers Thumb", we may spot the rare Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies sunbaking on these rocks. After a leisurely lunch snack on the banks of the Chaelundi River, we continue to the nearby Mount Hyland Nature Reserve. The loop walk onto Mt Hyland is short but worthwhile for its ancient huge trees. For the night, we retreat to the remote and beautiful Mt Hyland Wilderness Lodge. DAY 4 as DAY 3 (Dorrigo National Park) of the 3-day variation
