Best of All Lookout is a short rainforest walk and viewing point in Springbrook National Park, reached from the end of Repeater Station Road. The track passes through a pocket of ancient Antarctic beech forest before opening onto views across the Tweed Caldera, Mount Warning and northern New South Wales. On a clear day, the panorama can extend towards Byron Bay and the coast. The walk is brief, but the beech trees and birdsong are part of the visit, not just the view at the end.
The forest walk
The track begins at the end of Repeater Station Road and leads through a small stand of Antarctic beech, or Nothofagus moorei. These cool-climate trees are a surviving link to the Gondwanan forests that once covered parts of the continent. Their presence here is unusual: this is a pocket of cool temperate rainforest within Springbrook National Park.
The walk is short, with one account putting it at about 15 minutes. Other descriptions give the return distance as roughly 600 metres, while visitors have also described a 350-metre walk to the lookout. The route is paved, but includes some incline and a few steps. Take your time if you need breaks, and note that the narrow path is not recommended for wheelchair users or people with significant difficulty walking.
Look along the track as well as ahead. The beech trees are the main feature, with moss-covered rocks and rainforest plants beside the path. The forest can smell especially fresh after rain. Birdsong is another reason to pause, and the area is known for the possibility of spotting an Albert’s lyrebird.
Views from the platform
At the end of the forest path, the lookout opens towards northern New South Wales. The panorama takes in the rugged remains of the Tweed shield volcano’s caldera, with Mount Warning, also known as Wollumbin, prominent in the distance. The mountain is the central volcanic plug left by erosion of the ancient volcano.
The view changes with the weather. On a clear day, the outlook can reach towards the coast and Byron Bay. Cloud and fog can obscure the ranges, particularly in winter, so a bright day gives you the best chance of seeing the full sweep. The lookout is a place to take in the landscape quietly; allow a little time at the platform before returning along the same track.
Planning your stop
Best of All Lookout is within the Springbrook Plateau section of Springbrook National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area. It suits a short stop on a Springbrook drive, especially if you want a rainforest walk without committing to a longer circuit.
Parking is limited, and weekend traffic can make the approach busier. Arriving early is a practical choice on those days. There are no toilets at the lookout, so use facilities elsewhere before setting out and bring drinking water and other provisions. Temperatures can fall along the path, so pack an extra layer. The walk is brief, but its incline and steps may not suit everyone.
Perguntas frequentes
How long is the walk to Best of All Lookout?
It is a short walk from the end of Repeater Station Road, described as about 15 minutes. Distance descriptions vary, from around 350 metres to roughly 600 metres return.
What can you see from Best of All Lookout?
The view looks across the Tweed Caldera towards Mount Warning and northern New South Wales. On a clear day, it can extend towards Byron Bay and the coast.
Is the track suitable for wheelchair users?
The path is narrow and has some incline and steps. It is not recommended for wheelchair users or people with significant walking difficulty.
Are there toilets at Best of All Lookout?
No. Plan to use facilities elsewhere on the drive before you visit.
