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If you love lush forests, mountain views and quiet campsites, a Border Ranges National Park camping weekend is a fantastic escape from Brisbane. It’s about a three-hour drive south, just across the Queensland border in northern New South Wales. This article shares our experience hiking and camping in Border Ranges National Park, with practical tips to help you plan your own trip.
Why visit Border Ranges National Park
Although it’s a beautiful drive, it takes a while to reach Border Ranges National Park from Brisbane. If you haven’t yet explored closer rainforest national parks like Springbrook or Lamington, those might be easier for a quick getaway.
But the reward of driving further is the tranquillity. Away from the well-known national parks, we met very few people and often had entire lookouts and trails to ourselves. That sense of remoteness made the trip even more special. The forest feels incredibly alive yet peaceful – and the scenic drive through the park is an experience on its own.
The narrow dirt road winds through lush forest with stunning viewpoints. A 2WD vehicle is usually fine, but you’ll be more comfortable in a 4WD. Take it slow – not only to look after the road, but also to spot the many birds nearby and protect wildlife.
Even if hiking isn’t your thing, don’t miss the short walk to the Pinnacles Lookout. The panoramic view is breathtaking and gives you a great sense of the area’s geology. From the lookout, you can clearly see the enormous 40-kilometre-wide Tweed volcano caldera, with Wollumbin (Mount Warning) rising in the middle.
Best hikes in Border Ranges National Park
There are many walks in the park, from short rainforest loops to full-day adventures. We explored two of the most rewarding tracks.
Brindle Creek Walk (6 km or 12 km return)
This trail takes you deep into the rainforest, with easy creek crossings and two lovely waterfalls.
We walked the full 12 km return, taking just over four hours with plenty of breaks – including a long lunch by the creek. If you’re short on time, you can turn around at Selva Falls, a beautiful waterfall about one hour from the Brindle Creek picnic area.
A few brave friends tried swimming, but the water temperature – just above 10°C – quickly reminded them this wasn’t a tropical dip! If you’re keen for a quick refresh, Evans Falls (before Selva Falls when starting from Brindle Creek) is a good spot to climb down to the water.
Responsible travel tip: Did you know your sunscreen can pollute the water and harm animals? The best way to protect your body from the sun is to cover it with long sleeves and pants. If you do have to use sunscreen, choose a mineral one (like zinc) to avoid harmful substances (see the full list here) and apply it at least 20 minutes before entering the water.
Bar Mountain Circuit (4 km return)
We hiked Bar Mountain Circuit the next day and loved the change of scenery. The walk down to the lookout took us about 45 minutes, with great views over the Scenic Rim and the valley below. The climb back up was faster – around 35 minutes at a steady pace.
Although rated Grade 3, the track was a bit trickier than expected. There were slippery patches and fallen trees from a recent storm, which made it feel wilder and more adventurous. The dense vegetation gave the impression that few people had been there recently.
Interpretive signs at the start of the walk tell the story of this ancient landscape, taking you back to Gondwana, around 180 million years ago. They also compare the forest’s age with European history – a nice reminder of how old these rainforests truly are.
Border Ranges National Park camping
We spent the night at Sheep Station Creek campground, and it was one of our favourite Border Ranges National Park camping spots.
It now costs ~$25 for two people (plus park entry fees at $8 per vehicle) and must be booked online. Our site was spacious, with a fire pit and a picnic table – everything you need for a perfect night under the stars.
The best moment? Waking up to the sound of a koala eating breakfast right above our tent. I don’t think a morning in nature gets much better than that.
There’s another smaller campsite at Forest Tops, if you prefer something quieter, but we found Sheep Station Creek ideal for a first visit.
Responsible travel tip: Support the local community on your way. We bought our meat from a butcher in Beaudesert instead of stocking up at the city supermarket. You’ll often find fresh produce or firewood for sale on the roadside too.
What to bring to Border Ranges National Park
If you’re camping in Border Ranges National Park, make sure you come prepared. Here are a few things you’ll need to pack:
- Firewood – bring your own, as it’s not available at the campground.
- Water – there’s no water, so plan ahead and bring enough for your stay.
- Ropes – some sites don’t allow pegs, so ropes are handy for securing your tent or tarp.
- Warm gear – winter nights can be very cold up there, so pack layers and a good sleeping bag.
Where is Border Ranges National Park?
Border Ranges National Park lies in northern New South Wales, right along the Queensland border, inland from the coast. It’s part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.
From Brisbane, the drive takes just over three hours, following scenic country roads through the Scenic Rim .
Have you been to Border Ranges National Park? Share your experience or favourite walk in the comments below!
