Jul 19, 2010

YARRAHAPPINNI NATIONAL PARK

Just an hour’s drive south of Coffs Harbour lays a monstrous peak that rises some 500 metres above sea     level. This peak known as Mount Yarrahappinni or Yarrabinni- which has an aboriginal meaning of ‘rolling Koloa’. 

Mount Yarrahappinni is visible from Coffs Harbour in the north and south to Port Macquarie.    Finding this pristine area is as simple as south 75km to Macksville, south another 5km and turn in at the Rosewood Road. A casual drive along here will see you passing farms and soon you winding towards the     summit. On a clear day the two lookouts have stunning views over Grassy Head towards the Pacific Ocean, and west towards the hinterland. Leaving here and heading into the valley it is possible to base yourself at Way Way Picnic area for the day. Free gas Bbqs and toilets are here for the pleasantries, as are several walks through stunning rainforests with Bangalow palms lining the creeks, tall white barked flooded gums are scattered through out the area. Keep a lookout for the animals that call this area home, from swamp wallabies, grey kangaroos, lace monitors, black cockatoos and countless other forms of bird life.

Not many hard 4wd tracks in this area, it is more of a simple getaway for the day, away from the hustle and bustle of life. Plenty of forest roads wind their way through the valleys and around the mountain. Plenty of exit roads offer you the chance to explore other areas that include Grassy Head, Scott's Point and Donnellyville.

DESTINATION
Yarrahappinni is situated on the Mid North Coast just 85km south of Coffs Harbour. The area known as Yarrahappinni is a large Mountain that rises some 498 metres above sea level. The mountain shadows the Pacific Highway to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.
TIMING
Being on the Mid North Coast Yarrahappinni has a sub tropical climate where in summer the rain forest canopies cool the hot summer sun, yet in winter it has a cool forest feel to it.
FUEL AND SUPPLIES
Both fuel and supplies are available locally, the main centre is Macksville, some 15 mins away.
HIGHLIGHTS
From the top of Mount Yarrahappinni on a fine day you can see as far north as Coffs Harbour and south towards Port Macquarie. Several walks lead you into pristine rainforests from the heart of the Mountain at Way Way picnic area.
USEFUL MAPS
Macksville......9436






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