North-west of Dorrigo, Chaelundi National Park has the largest old-growth forest in northern NSW, with fun places to go biking, swimming, picnicking and camping.

You’d be forgiven for thinking the ‘great outdoors’ actually meant the rugged landscape of Chaelundi National Park.

Bike and walking trails zigzag across spectacular views to the river. Crisp, fresh scents soak the air as you approach sparkling waterfalls and creeks. In the afternoon, a spacious camping area provides the perfect spot for a sausage sizzle by the pretty riverbank.

You’re never really alone either – the forest echoes with wildlife curious enough to join your exploration of deep gullies and old forests that scratch their way through the terrain; frogs, rock wallabies, owls and koalas all add to this diverse forest experience.

The park includes important uses by past communities; scattered artefacts map the ridgelines as traditional travelling routes of local Aboriginal people. Evidence also remains of the bygones of gold and timber industries.