Comboyne State Forest wilderness guide
State Forest · NSW

Comboyne State Forest

Comboyne State Forest offers a rich mix of native forest and plantations on the Comboyne Plateau, providing excellent hiking, wildlife viewing, and tranquil nature experiences in New South Wales.

State ForestApproximately 18,000 acres4+ Trails

Designation

State Forest

Total Wilderness Area

Approximately 18,000 acres

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Comboyne State Forest

Comboyne State Forest offers a rich mix of native forest and plantations on the Comboyne Plateau, providing excellent hiking, wildlife viewing, and tranquil nature experiences in New South Wales.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Comboyne State Forest is located on the Comboyne Plateau, east of the Mid North Coast in New South Wales, Australia. Spanning diverse terrain, it features native dry and wet sclerophyll forest alongside areas of commercial pine plantations. The forest is characterized by rolling hills, fertile soils, and a mild climate, supporting a variety of flora and fauna including several threatened species. Historically, the region was inhabited by the Biripi people, and it retains cultural significance alongside its forestry and conservation values. Visitors to Comboyne State Forest can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as bushwalking, mountain biking, bird watching, and picnicking. The forest’s trails pass through tall eucalypt stands and pockets of rainforest, offering scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife like lyrebirds, kookaburras, and wallabies. Notable features include the nearby Comboyne Plateau lookout areas and small waterfalls found along walking tracks. While there are limited developed camping facilities, the area attracts visitors seeking peaceful day visits or overnight stays in dispersed bush camping spots. Comboyne State Forest’s combination of native vegetation and plantation areas highlights the balance between commercial forestry and conservation. Its easy access from towns like Taree and Wauchope makes it a favored destination for locals and visitors interested in exploring a less crowded natural environment on the NSW coast. The forest is managed by the NSW Forestry Corporation, which promotes sustainable timber harvesting along with public recreational use and habitat protection.

Field Guide · State Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Comboyne State Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Scenic walks through native eucalypt forest and pockets of rainforest✦ Opportunities to observe lyrebirds and other native Australian wildlife✦ Mountain biking trails weaving through plantation and native forest areas✦ Quiet picnic spots surrounded by nature within the forest
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Comboyne State Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Comboyne State Forest
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Comboyne State Forest
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Comboyne State Forest
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Comboyne State Forest
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Comboyne State Forest
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Comboyne State Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access; no permits required for day use.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Comboyne State Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Comboyne State Forest Bush Camping

Primitive, dispersed camping allowed in designated areas; no developed campsites or facilities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Comboyne State Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Comboyne, New South Wales
⌖ 4.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Comboyne, New South Wales

Comboyne is a tranquil highland town offering peaceful hikes, birdwatching, and nature photography on the Comboyne Plateau. With forests, waterfalls, and quiet camping, it’s perfect for travelers seeking low-key outdoor escapes in New South Wales.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Elands, New South Wales
⌖ 5.05 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Elands, New South Wales

Elands is a tranquil rural town in New South Wales' Southern Highlands ideal for outdoor lovers seeking quiet hikes, birdwatching, and gentle mountain biking amid beautiful bushland and farmland.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Brimbin, New South Wales
⌖ 15.55 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Brimbin, New South Wales

Brimbin, NSW, offers a serene adventure playground for paddlers, bushwalkers, and nature lovers. With peaceful rivers, lush reserves, and rugged trails, it’s a perfect spot for quiet camping and outdoor thrills close to the Northern Rivers region.

Autumn and Spring
Explore Town
Kew, New South Wales
⌖ 19.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kew, New South Wales

Kew, New South Wales is a peaceful rural town offering outdoor lovers access to gentle hiking, bird watching, and fishing amid farmland and nearby forests. It’s an ideal low-key base for exploring regional natural areas and quiet country life.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Herons Creek, New South Wales
⌖ 20.23 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Herons Creek, New South Wales

Herons Creek, NSW, offers peaceful river kayaking, quiet hiking trails, and rich birdwatching in a relaxed rural setting. Just inland from Laurieton, it’s a perfect spot for adventurers seeking calm and nature.

Autumn and Spring
Explore Town
Taree, New South Wales
⌖ 20.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Taree, New South Wales

Taree is a calm riverside town in NSW known for its relaxing paddling routes, gentle hiking trails, and rich birdlife. Ideal for travelers looking to enjoy nature outdoors without the crowds.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Comboyne State Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Port Stephens: Dolphins, Dunes and a Day of Coastal Adrenaline
ADVEXPEDITION
Port Stephens, NSW
DolphinADV Bookable

Port Stephens: Dolphins, Dunes and a Day of Coastal Adrenaline

An 11‑hour day trip from Sydney that combines 4WD sandboarding on huge Stockton Beach dunes with a dolphin‑watching cruise in the Port Stephens marine playground—this guide distills the logistics and must‑know details for the Colourful Day Trip.

DolphinPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Up Among the Eucalypts: The Big High Ropes Course at Lake Innes
ADVEXPEDITION
Lake Innes, New South Wales
AttractionADV Bookable

Up Among the Eucalypts: The Big High Ropes Course at Lake Innes

A 2–3 hour treetop ropes course operated by WildNets that lifts participants up to 20 meters across ziplines and suspended bridges; this guide explains what to expect and key logistics.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Soul Surfing’s Family Group Lesson: Port Macquarie Waves for All Ages
ADVEXPEDITION
Port Macquarie, New South Wales
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Soul Surfing’s Family Group Lesson: Port Macquarie Waves for All Ages

A private, family-focused surf lesson in Port Macquarie for ages 5 and up — up to two hours of instruction with equipment provided, useful for families planning a shared first-time surf experience.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip