Where

Boorganna Nature Reserve in North Coast

Distance

5km return

Time suggested

1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min

Grade

Grade 4

What to
bring

Drinking water, hat, sunscreen

Please note

• Leeches may be encountered. To help prevent contact, apply insect repellent and wear long trousers. Check your clothing frequently and flick off any leeches.
• There are stinging trees near the walking track. Visitors are advised not to touch the leaves or brush up against the tree.
• The weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit.
• Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch

While in Boorganna Nature Reserve, be sure to take the trip out along Rawson Falls walk, which you can follow all the way down to the very base of the waterfall, with its deep, tranquil plunge pool at the bottom.

For your effort, you’ll be rewarded with absolutely spectacular views of the 40m high falls and the diverse surrounding vegetation; you can see all six types of forest that make up the reserve from here. In spring, look out for the beautiful flowering orange blossom and spotted cinnamon orchids, while in autumn, the brightly coloured fungi of the forest can be quite remarkable to see.

A trip to the waterfall, with a relaxed lunch at the picnic area and a refreshing dip at the bottom of the falls, makes for a perfect day trip. The track is even signposted along the way with interesting facts about the rainforest and its history.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Maps and downloads

Learn more

A natural haven

Boorganna Nature Reserve has one of the most botanically diverse environments you're likely to encounter in NSW, with 6 types of forest, including subtropical, warm temperate, gully rainforest and wet and dry sclerophyll forest. The reserve forms part of the Tapin Tops/Killabakh regional wildlife corridor which protects a number of vulnerable species, including yellow-bellied gliders, long-nosed potoroos, parma wallabies, rufous scrub birds and Stephen's banded snake. Other unique animals recorded here include the spotted-tailed quoll, red-necked pademelon, swamp wallaby, and long-nosed bandicoot. Around 85 bird species also call this area home, including 2 vulnerable owls (the masked owl and sooty owl), and other threatened species such as rose robins, yellow-throated scrub wren, crimson rosellas, superb lyrebirds and scarlet honeyeaters.

Preserving for the future

Boorganna Nature Reserve is the second-oldest nature reserve in NSW and an important reminder of the extensive rainforest that once covered the entire Comboyne Plateau. Its deep red fertile soils are ideal for the rainforest and moist hardwood forests that grow here. In 1904, a small area around Rawson Falls was dedicated to the preservation of native flowers and public recreation.

Traditional Aboriginal lands

The traditional Aboriginal custodians of the reserve and surrounding area are the Birpai People, who once used the rainforests for a variety of important cultural purposes, such as gathering plants and animals for food and medicine. The origin of the name 'Boorganna' is uncertain, though it is thought that it refers to either the mahogany or lilly pilly trees that thrive in this area. The name 'Comboyne' is derived from 'Wambuyn', meaning 'the place of kangaroos', and indeed you're likely to spot many of these fascinating native creatures bounding along the plateau, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Winged paradise

Be sure to bring your binoculars, because bird watching is one of the reserve’s most rewarding activities, thanks to the 85 species that call this area home. In addition to two vulnerable owls (the masked owl and sooty owl), other threatened species that find sanctuary here include rose robins, yellow-throated scrubwren, crimson rosellas, superb lyrebirds, scarlet honeyeaters, and many more.