The Pinnacles lookout with Blackbutt lookout on the far right
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Tweed Range Scenic Drive Border Ranges National Park

4.7
·232 reviews·Gradys Creek, Australia

Explore lush rainforests, breathtaking lookouts, and abundant wildlife on the scenic Tweed Range drive.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Clearer views, easier driving

CrowdLow
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The Pinnacles lookout with Blackbutt lookout on the far right

Tweed Range Scenic Drive Border Ranges National Park

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Clearer views, easier driving

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore lush rainforests, breathtaking lookouts, and abundant wildlife on the scenic Tweed Range drive.

4.7
(232 reviews)

"The views are spectacular from all lookouts and the rainforest walks are amazing!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 AWD/4WD Recommended

While 2WD can manage in dry weather, AWD/4WD offers a smoother ride on rougher sections of the scenic drive.

💰 Exact Change for Fee

The $8 park entry fee requires exact change. Come prepared to avoid delays.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spectacular Lookouts

Spectacular Lookouts

Various points along the scenic drive

Breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and valleys. Don't miss Pinnacle Lookout for dramatic cliffside vistas.

Rainforest Walking Trails

Rainforest Walking Trails

Throughout the park

Immerse yourself in lush rainforests on well-maintained tracks, from short family-friendly loops to longer, more challenging hikes.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Sheepstation Creek Campground and trails

Spot curious native wildlife like pademelons and diverse bird species in their natural habitat, especially around camping areas.

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Planning Your Visit

Road Conditions & Vehicle Choice

The Tweed Range Scenic Drive features mostly unsealed roads, with some sections being rough. While many visitors manage in standard 2WD vehicles during dry weather, an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or 4WD is recommended for a smoother experience and to navigate potential tougher patches. Check weather conditions before you go, as rain can significantly impact road quality.

Park Fees & Facilities

A park fee of $8 is payable, requiring exact change. Facilities include drop toilets, which are generally clean and well-maintained, with handwashing water available. Picnic areas are plentiful, and some offer open fire cooking facilities. Booking campsites online in advance is essential for overnight stays.

Best Times

When
Dry season mornings
Why
Clearer views, easier driving
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
After rain (with caution)
Why
Lush greenery, waterfalls
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 AWD/4WD Recommended

While 2WD can manage in dry weather, AWD/4WD offers a smoother ride on rougher sections of the scenic drive. Reddit

💰 Exact Change for Fee

The $8 park entry fee requires exact change. Come prepared to avoid delays. Reddit

🥾 Sturdy Walking Shoes

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for exploring the rainforest trails and lookouts. Reddit

🧺 Pack Picnic Provisions

Enjoy the scenic picnic spots by bringing your own food and drinks, or utilize fire cooking facilities. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 AWD/4WD Recommended

While 2WD can manage in dry weather, AWD/4WD offers a smoother ride on rougher sections of the scenic drive. Reddit

💰 Exact Change for Fee

The $8 park entry fee requires exact change. Come prepared to avoid delays. Reddit

🥾 Sturdy Walking Shoes

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for exploring the rainforest trails and lookouts. Reddit

🧺 Pack Picnic Provisions

Enjoy the scenic picnic spots by bringing your own food and drinks, or utilize fire cooking facilities. Reddit

⚠️ Watch Young Children

Some lookouts have unfenced cliff edges; supervise children closely. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(232 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the spectacular views from the lookouts and the immersive rainforest walking tracks. The park is well-maintained, offering great picnic spots and abundant wildlife, particularly around the campgrounds. While the unsealed roads can be rough, many find them manageable, especially in dry weather.

"Fantastic , loved it , the views are spectacular from all lookouts
All wheel drive , but rough in parts
Drop toilet s , all clean not bugs & water to wash your hands.
Ready enjoyed the short walk s we did.
Met up with others doing the 3 hour walks who loved it as well
Great places to picnic, we took provisions to cook on open fire, wonderful
Had family with us who hadn’t been before, they loved it to"

Jacque De Vincenzo

"Loved it! We drove our standard 100 series landcruiser through without any issue. Passed some 2wheel drive vehicles on the trail that where doing fine (dry weather). Great drive, great views. Amazing bit of country to see"

dayne hobart

"Such a well maintained park, amazing walking tracks and an absolutely breathtaking view. I was amazed how much wildlife there was when camping at Sheepstation Creek, Pademelons were playing around the camp grounds until dawn, and the birds were very curious and would come sit in the tree close to us. AMAZING!!!"

Mandi Moo

What People Like

Spectacular lookout views
Beautiful rainforest walks
Abundant wildlife

What People Dislike

Rough road sections
Unfenced lookouts

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Tweed Range Scenic Drive is accessed from various points, often via Kyogle or Murwillumbah. The roads are primarily unsealed, with some rough patches. An AWD or 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially after rain, though 2WD can manage in dry conditions. Reddit

The drive is mostly on dirt roads, with some sections described as rough. It's known as the 'rainforest way' and offers a scenic journey through the park. Reddit

While many visitors have driven it successfully in standard vehicles during dry weather, an All-Wheel Drive or 4WD is advisable for a more comfortable experience and to handle potentially rougher sections. Reddit

The scenic drive winds through Border Ranges National Park. Access points can vary depending on your starting location, but it's a well-known route for exploring the park's interior. Reddit

Driving times can vary significantly depending on road conditions and how often you stop to enjoy the views. Allow ample time to explore the lookouts and short walks. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is a park fee of $8. It's important to have exact change ready as payment is typically made on-site. Reddit

While day visits don't usually require booking, overnight camping at spots like Sheepstation Creek does. It's recommended to book campsites online in advance. Reddit

Border Ranges National Park is generally accessible during daylight hours for day visits. Specific campground access might have different rules, so check with the park authorities if planning an overnight stay. Reddit

No, the park fee requires exact cash payment. Ensure you have $8 in coins or small notes. Reddit

Standard national park rules apply. Be aware of road conditions, especially after rain, and check for any fire bans or alerts before your visit. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Popular walks include the Brindle Creek loop (1km, family-friendly) and the short walk to Blackbutt Lookout. Pinnacle Lookout (300m walk) offers stunning but exposed views. Reddit

Yes, the park has numerous great picnic areas. Some even offer open fire cooking facilities, making it a wonderful spot for a meal amidst nature. Reddit

Visitors often report seeing pademelons, especially around Sheepstation Creek campground, and a variety of curious birds. Reddit

Yes, there are two good camping spots, including Sheepstation Creek. These require online booking in advance. Reddit

Campgrounds typically have drop toilets that are kept clean, and water is available for handwashing. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lookouts, such as Blackbutt and Pinnacle, offer dramatic panoramic shots of the rainforest and valleys. The rainforest trails themselves provide opportunities for capturing lush, green scenery and unique flora. Reddit

Early mornings often provide soft light and potential for mist in the valleys, enhancing the atmospheric beauty. Late afternoons can also offer beautiful golden hour light. Reddit

Keep an eye out for native wildlife like pademelons and diverse bird species. The intricate details of the rainforest flora, moss-covered trees, and ferns are also excellent subjects. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views from the lookouts. A macro lens can be useful for detailed shots of rainforest flora. Consider a telephoto lens for wildlife photography. Reddit

Be mindful of unfenced cliff edges at lookouts like Pinnacle. Always stay on marked trails and be aware of your surroundings, especially when focusing on your camera. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Border Ranges National Park is a fantastic destination for families. The Brindle Creek loop is a perfect short walk for little legs, with fun natural obstacles like tree roots and mossy stones to navigate. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as the picnic areas are ideal for a family lunch. Remember to supervise children closely, especially near lookouts with unfenced edges like Pinnacle Lookout. The chance to spot pademelons and birds can be a highlight for kids, making the camping experience at Sheepstation Creek particularly memorable. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

The Tweed Range Scenic Drive itself is the main attraction for road trippers. The mostly unsealed road offers an adventurous driving experience, with the recommendation for an AWD or 4WD to fully enjoy it. Plan for frequent stops at the numerous lookouts to break up the drive and capture stunning photos. The drive is a journey through lush rainforest, offering a sense of remoteness and natural beauty. Ensure you have enough fuel and provisions, as services are limited within the park. Reddit

🏕️ Campers

For an immersive experience, camping at Sheepstation Creek is highly recommended. Visitors rave about the wildlife encounters, with pademelons often seen playing around the campgrounds. The campsites offer a peaceful retreat into nature. Remember that online booking is essential for securing a spot. Facilities include clean drop toilets and water for handwashing. Enjoy cooking over an open fire if permitted and available at your site. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Scenic Drive

The Tweed Range Scenic Drive is the heart of Border Ranges National Park, offering a journey through diverse rainforest landscapes. The road is predominantly unsealed, with sections that can be rough, particularly after rain. While many visitors report success driving standard 2WD vehicles during dry periods, an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or 4WD is highly recommended for a more comfortable and secure experience. It allows for better traction and handling on uneven surfaces and potential muddy patches. Always check local weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out, as the park can experience significant rainfall.

This scenic drive is not just about the journey; it's about the numerous stops that make it memorable. Lookouts like Blackbutt and Pinnacle offer breathtaking panoramic views, showcasing the vastness of the Border Ranges. These are perfect spots for photography and soaking in the natural beauty. The drive also provides access to various walking trails, ranging from short, family-friendly loops like the Brindle Creek walk to more challenging hikes for experienced trekkers. These trails allow you to immerse yourself in the ancient rainforest, with opportunities to see unique flora and fauna.

Planning your visit is key to maximizing your experience. The park has essential facilities like drop toilets and picnic areas, some equipped with open fire cooking capabilities. For those wishing to stay overnight, camping at designated sites like Sheepstation Creek is available, but requires advance online booking. Remember to carry exact change for the $8 park entry fee. The combination of scenic driving, hiking, and wildlife spotting makes the Tweed Range Scenic Drive a rewarding adventure for nature lovers.

Exploring Border Ranges National Park's Trails

Border Ranges National Park is a hiker's paradise, offering a variety of trails that cater to different fitness levels and interests. The Brindle Creek loop is a fantastic option for families, a short 1km walk that features charming wooden footbridges and the chance for kids to scramble over mossy roots and stones. It’s an accessible way to experience the rainforest's magic.

For those seeking more dramatic vistas, the walk to Pinnacle Lookout is a must-do. While only 300m, it leads to a breathtaking viewpoint with sheer cliff drops. Visitors are cautioned to keep a close eye on children here, as the track is not fully fenced along its entire length. Blackbutt Lookout is another easily accessible spot, requiring minimal walking from the parking area, and still offering spectacular views. These trails are well-maintained, making them enjoyable for most visitors.

Beyond the short walks, the park offers longer, more challenging hikes for those who want to delve deeper into the rainforest. These longer treks allow for a more immersive experience, with opportunities to discover hidden waterfalls and observe a greater variety of wildlife. Always wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, carry water, and be prepared for changing weather conditions when exploring the trails. Reddit

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