The Gondwana Rainforests, which include the most extensive area of subtropical rainforests in the world tell a story older than time itself. Queensland’s official website says: “Before humans, before the dinosaurs, even before Australia, there was Gondwanaland.” If you needed more incentive to explore this expansive part of the country, a new multi-day walk is coming to the rainforests and it’s set to rival the Daintree region. The state government is putting nearly $57 million towards the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk.
“The rainforest at Dorrigo National Park is even more spectacular than the Daintree. I’m proud to say that with this magnificent new 46 kilometre walk, we’ll be happily tempting domestic and international tourists away from Queensland,” Minister for Environment James Griffin said.
“I want everyone who comes to our NSW national parks as a visitor to leave as a conservationist. This world-class Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk helps us achieve that.”
Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk
Treasurer Matt Kean said the four-day walk will increase accessibility and attract up to 200,000 visitors per year. Spanning 46 kilometers, the trail will go through the remarkable Gondwana Rainforest on the state’s mid-north coast.
Along with the walking track, visitors can expect walker’s hut precincts, new camping areas, three suspension bridges and a new Arc Rainforest Centre. A highlight of the Rainforest Centre will be a hanging boardwalk overlooking the World Heritage rainforest where the walk will commence.
“The Dorrigo project will be one of the first of its kind to combine two new, world class nature-based attractions — the Arc Rainforest Centre and the multi-day walk.” Stuart Ayres, Minister for Tourism said. He added that the walk will provide access for all abilities to the Gondwana rainforest.
The Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk is one of many exciting projects under the NSW government’s vision. Also on the horizon are new ferry wharves and a potential New York style highline for Circular Quay. Read more about it here. Additionally, the government has announced plans for a 91-kilometer continuous waterfront pathway which will link the Opera House and Parramatta.
Read more about the multi-day walk coming to the Gondwana rainforests here.