Chichester State Forest (Allyn River)

Walking track:Yes
Walking track: Yes
Designated horse track:No
Designated horse track: No
Four wheel driving tracks: Yes
4WD tracks: Yes
Designated cycling track:No
Designated cycling track: No
Power boats / boat ramp:No
Power boats / boat ramp: No
Camping:Yes
Designated camping area: Yes
Two wheel driving:Yes
Two wheel drive access: Yes
Caravan site:No
Caravan site: No
Cabin or hut:No
Accommodation: No
Picnic area:Yes
Picnic area: Yes
Toilets:Yes
Toilets: Yes
Fireplace/BBQ:Yes
Fireplace/BBQ: Yes
Canoeing/kayaking:No
Canoeing/kayaking: No
Wheelchair access:No
Toilets & wheelchair access: No

Recreation areas in the State forests of the Lower Barrington Tops are focused in Chichester State Forest, accessed via Dungog or Gresford. Chichester is divided into two distinct areas, the western side centred on the Allyn River and the eastern side centred on the Telegherry River.

Access to sites around Allyn River is via Dungog or Gresford, about 2 hours drive from Newcastle or 3.5 hours from Sydney. Coming from Gresford, the road crosses a number of causeways that may be impassable during periods of heavy rain.

For access to sites along Telegherry River, take Chichester Dam Road from Dungog and turn right into Wangat road to get into the forest. Recreation sites can be accessed from Wangat, Middle Ridge Frying Pan Road.

Forests in this area have been harvested for timber for many decades – some for over 150 years. The forests you see today are regrowth forests which means they have been harvested many times over and grown back. Today's forest management practices protect biodiversity, soil and water quality and cultural heritage sites while also allowing for sustainable timber production. NSW State Forests – here today, here tomorrow. Find out more about sustainable forest management.

Buy a Map

Allyn River Forest Park

The Allyn River Forest Park is a great base for swimming, bushwalking, relaxing or four-wheel-driving. The nearby swimming hole at Ladies Well is a cool refreshing swimming hole that is perfect for a dip in the warmer summer months.

Toilets area:Yes
Toilet : Yes
BBQ:Yes
Fireplace/BBQ : Yes

 

Peach Tree Park

A small picnic spot on the opposite bank of the river from the larger Allyn River Forest Park. This park is the start of the short but popular Allyn River Rainforest Trail. A small picnic spot on the opposite bank of the river from the larger Allyn River Forest Park.

White Rock

A delightful spot to sunbake or paddle in the cool, crystal clear waters of the Allyn River.

Toilets area:Yes
Toilet : Yes

Old Camp

Old Camp is positioned closest to the Allyn River with shady, spacious camp sites. Nearby, Dobbie Rim is a grassy clearing perfect for families or groups. A little further from the river is Pademelon Park, with its large, secluded sites divided by trees. This site is recommended to groups of campers who wish to have a good time without disturbing other campers and forest visitors.

Toilets area:Yes
Toilet : Yes
BBQ:Yes
Fireplace/BBQ : Yes

Mount Allyn

A spectacular lookout offers 360 degree views of the forests, park and wilderness of the Barrington Tops. Follow Mount Allyn Road through dry eucalypt forest at lower altitudes to cool temperate Antarctic beech forest and then into open grassy forest. The return distance from the main road is 28 kilometres. Note: The road up to Mount Allyn can become slippery in wet weather and may be seasonally closed due to snowfalls.

Lookout:Yes
Lookout: Yes

Ladies Well

A picturesque swimming spot with cascades where you can bask on warm rocks or swim in the cool Allyn waters. Please note that no camping is allowed.

Swimming:Yes
Swimming : Yes

Dobbie Rim

Picnic Area.

Pademelon Park

A little further from the river is Pademelon Park, with its large, secluded sites divided by trees. This site is recommended to groups of campers who wish to have a good time without disturbing other campers and forest visitors.

Toilets area:Yes
Toilet : Yes