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Cathedral Rock National Park

Cathedral Rock National Park — Cathedral Rock](/au/attractions/nsw/cathedral-rock) National Park protects a spectacular landscape of enormous granite tors and boulders…

National Park in New South Wales

National ParkState
Ben ColeWritten by Ben Cole

2 active weather warnings

Bureau of Meteorology
  • Extreme
    Severe Weather WarningAustralian Capital Territory, Central Tablelands, Hunter, Illawarra, Mid North Coast, Northern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, South Coast, South West Slopes and Southern Tablelands forecast districts BoM details
  • Moderate
    Sheep Graziers WarningCentral Tablelands, Northern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains and Southern Tablelands forecast districts BoM details

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About Cathedral Rock National Park

[Cathedral Rock](/au/attractions/nsw/cathedral-rock) National Park protects a spectacular landscape of enormous granite tors and boulders rising dramatically from grassy subalpine woodlands south of Dorrigo. The Cathedral Rock formation itself comprises a series of massive granite outcrops accessible via a 5.5 km circuit walk that rewards hikers with extraordinary 360-degree panoramas over the [New England](/au/places/nsw/new-england) tablelands and coast. The park is part of the Greater Gondwana Rainforests boundary region.

About

[Cathedral Rock](/au/attractions/nsw/cathedral-rock) National Park protects a spectacular landscape of enormous granite tors and boulders rising dramatically from grassy subalpine woodlands south of Dorrigo. The Cathedral Rock formation itself comprises a series of massive granite outcrops accessible via a 5.5 km circuit walk that rewards hikers with extraordinary 360-degree panoramas over the [New England](/au/places/nsw/new-england) tablelands and coast. The park is part of the Greater Gondwana Rainforests boundary region.

History & Significance

Cathedral Rock National Park protects a significant granite tor landscape in the New England region of NSW. The dramatic granite formations were shaped by geological processes over millions of years and rise dramatically from subalpine woodlands. The park is part of the Greater Gondwana Rainforests boundary region, recognised for its ecological and scenic values.

Warnings

Rock Scrambling Sections Require Care — Not Suitable For Children Without SupervisionNo Water At Rock Formations — Carry PlentyRemote — Limited Services In Area

Getting There

Map of Cathedral Rock National Park

Drive 70 km east of Armidale via Waterfall Way (Grafton Road). Turn south on Guy Fawkes Road at Ebor, then 8 km to Barokee picnic area. Armidale is 570 km north of Sydney.

Parking

Free parking available at Barokee picnic area. Capacity and accessibility details not specified — arrive early on weekends. No overflow car park information provided.

Visitor Tips

  • Cathedral Rock is best combined with nearby New England National Park (30 km north) for a full day exploring the New England tableland landscapes.

Quick Facts

At a Glance

The Place

Significance
State

Plan Your Visit

Entry
Free
Duration
2–4 hours
Best Time
Spring–Autumn (September–May); avoid extreme summer heat
Hours
{"sunday":{"open":"00:00","close":"23:59"},"monday":{"open":"00:00","close":"23:59"},"tuesday":{"open":"00:00","close":"23:59"},"wednesday":{"open":"00:00","close":"23:59"},"thursday":{"open":"00:00","close":"23:59"},"friday":{"open":"00:00","close":"23:59"},"saturday":{"open":"00:00","close":"23:59"}}

Location

Area
Ebor

Good to Know

Best for ages 8+; rock scrambling sections require adult supervision for younger children

Highlights

Massive Granite Boulder Formations360-Degree Panoramic ViewsNative Heath And Subalpine WoodlandExcellent Raptor WatchingRemote New England Tablelands Scenery

Activities

HikingRock ScramblingPhotographyBirdwatchingCamping

Family & Visitor Info

Ages
Best for ages 8+; rock scrambling sections require adult supervision for younger children
Shade/Cover
Limited shade
Pram Friendly
No

Food & Drink

Picnic AreaBYO Food OK

No water at rock formations — carry adequate water and supplies. Barokee picnic area available for rest stops.

Features

Not available:Wheelchair Accessible
Not available:Dog Friendly
Not available:Pram/Stroller Friendly
Not available:Camping Available
Not available:Tours Available
Not available:Guided Walks
Not available:Swimming Allowed
Not available:Lockers Available

Facilities

Barokee Picnic AreaPit ToiletsBasic CampingParkingWalking Tracks

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