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Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park

Home > New South Wales > Outdoor | National Parks | Dinner | Camping | Walks
by Cris (subscribe)
Cris is an Organiser of the Group Hiking South East Qld and More on Meetup. Visit the website at https://www.meetup.com/HikingInSEQLDandMore/ is free to join all the activities posted on the hiking group.
Published May 10th 2021
A great lookout, an Aboriginal place and a stunning cascade
Great hike in the Basket Swamp National Park, which included Timbarra Trig Lookout, the Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal Place and Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls.

Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
The stunning Basket Swamp Falls. Photo by Author.


The hike is classified hard for the length and the steep sections on the trail. You have to have some hiking experience and some fitness to be able to enjoy the hike. Hiking boots or hiking shoes are strongly recommended. The hike is about 23 km long - allow 6 hours, including spending some time at the lookout and the waterfall. Lunch at the shed, after returning from the Aboriginal Place.

Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
On the trail to Timbarra Trig Lookout. Photo by Author.


I hiked Basket Swamp Loop on a beautiful day of autumn. The morning of the hike was a bit cloudy and cool but gradually, the sun started to pop out from the clouds. The first part of the afternoon was a bit sunny and the air had the chance to warm up.

The previous night, I camped in Bald Rock camping ground. In the morning, it was hard to get out of the warm sleeping bag since it was cold but then it was time to put the kettle on the camping stove to make a hot coffee. After breakfast, I drove to the trailhead in Basket Swamp National Park together with the group Hiking South East Qld And More.

We carpool to the start of the trail to reduce the number of cars. Our passenger spotted a young emu in the bush when travelling on Woollool Woolloolni Rd.

We hiked Basket Swamp Loop in an anti-clockwise direction, starting at the junction between Woollool Woolloolni Rd and Basket Swamp Rd. ,

Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
Climbing up the boulders typical of this area. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp National Park was created in January 1999 and it is located on the eastern fall of the northern section of the New England Tablelands of New South Wales, approximately 15 kilometres to the northeast of Tenterfield. With an area of 2,820 hectares, Basket Swamp National Park is a significant reserve within the northern New England Tableland biogeographical region.

Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
Peter helped the hikers climbing the boulders. Photo by Author.


It is an important wetland of heaths and sedges. It cleans, stores and slowly releases water throughout the year into local creeks that run into the coastal Clarence River system.

Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
Fernando on the top of the boulder. Photo by Author.


Basket Swam National Park is home to one threatened plant and nine rare plant species and there are a further twenty-six plant species of significance in the park. The park also supports a multitude of wildlife, including the endangered brush-tailed rock-wallaby and the vulnerable spotted-tailed quoll.

Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
Views from Timbarra Trig Lookout. Photo by Author.


The park is part of the former Jukambal tribal grounds, the Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal Place holds great significance to local Aboriginal people.

Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
Descending from the boulders. Photo by Author.


The park activities include recreational use of the park for scenic driving, horse riding, bird watching, access to Basket Swamp Falls and self-sufficient bushwalking. The park is in a remote location and provides other visitor opportunities in nearby national parks, state forests and the Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal Place.

Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
The Group descending from Timbarra Trig Lookout. Photo by Author.


Bring a medium day backpack with lots of water, especially if it's a hot day, 3 litres of water and snacks. You may consider packing sandwiches, fresh fruit, dry fruit, energy bars and small meals.

During summer, you can bring electrolytes to dissolve in water to compensate for the loss through perspiration.

Long sleeves and long trousers are preferable.

Put in your backpack first aid kit, insect repellent in form of cream, please avoid the spray since the aerosol created during the spraying is going to spread in the environment. Pack a raincoat, torch, tissues and phone. A GPS will be handy in this remote area.

Walk with family, friends or in a group. Never alone!

Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
The Group Hiking South East Qld And More exploring Basket Swamp National Park. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
Ascending the Aboriginal Place. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
There are so many beautiful green ferns. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
The Aboriginal Place. Photo by Author.

Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
Michael Burridge planned and organised the exploration to Basket Swamp National Park. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
The Aboriginal Place. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
Lunch at the shed. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
Creek crossing on the trail. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
Aspect of the trail. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
Flowers along the trail. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
All of suddenly the Basket Swamp Falls are in front of you. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
Upper Basket Swamp Falls. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
A billabong along the trail. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
The walk is about 23 km long, a great hike in the National Park. Photo by Author.


Direction to the trailhead

From Bald Rock National Park, Bald Rock Access Rd, Carrolls Creek NSW 2372, travel on Bald Rock Access Rd. Turn right into Mount Lindesay Rd and at the brown sign indicating Basket Swamp National Park turn left into Lindrook Rd. Then turn right into Woollool Woolloolni Rd and continue on the dirt road. The starting point is at the junction with the Basket Swamp Rd hike. Follow the sign for Aboriginal Place.

Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
The junction between Woollool Woolloolni Rd and Basket Swamp Rd is the start of the hike. Photo by Author.


From Tenterfield, follow signs to take Mt Lindsay Rd and turn off 15 km out of the brown sign indicating towards Basket Swamp National Park at Lindrook Rd. Follow the dirt road until you have to turn right at Woollool Woolloolni Rd. Follow this road until it joins with Basket Swamp Rd. The hiking route starts at the junction.

Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park,
Flowers along the trail. Photo by Author.


After the hike, there is the opportunity to have dinner in Tenterfield. Booking ahead may be required especially for large groups.

Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park, Tenterfield Tavern & Motor Inn 378 Rouse St, Tenterfield NSW 2372, Commercial Boutique Hotel 288 Rouse St, Tenterfield NSW 2372, Tenterfield Gourmet Pizza 236 Rouse St, Tenterfield NSW 2372,
In Tenterfield. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park, Tenterfield Tavern & Motor Inn 378 Rouse St, Tenterfield NSW 2372, Commercial Boutique Hotel 288 Rouse St, Tenterfield NSW 2372, Tenterfield Gourmet Pizza 236 Rouse St, Tenterfield NSW 2372,
In Tenterfield. Photo by Author.


Basket Swamp Loop Hike in Basket Swamp National Park, Timbarra Trig Lookout, Woollool Woolloolni Aboriginal place, Lower and Upper Basket Swamp Falls, New England Tablelands of New South Wales, Tenterfield, Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock National Park, Tenterfield Tavern & Motor Inn 378 Rouse St, Tenterfield NSW 2372, Commercial Boutique Hotel 288 Rouse St, Tenterfield NSW 2372, Tenterfield Gourmet Pizza 236 Rouse St, Tenterfield NSW 2372,
In Tenterfield. Photo by Author.


Related article by Author.

www.weekendnotes.com/basket-swamp-national-park

www.weekendnotes.com/hiking-camping-bald-rock-national

www.weekendnotes.com/bald-rock-national-park/194033

www.weekendnotes.com/discover-liston-nsw


The days prior to the hike make sure to check:

Weather website www.bom.gov.au

Park Alerts https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/main-range

Road Conditions https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au

Reference

www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/basket-swamp-national-park
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