Willi Willi

Willi Willi National Park is a subtropical rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest park in the Macleay Valley hinterland of New South Wales, located in the ranges between Kempsey and Walcha. Covering approximately 20,110 hectares, the park protects significant areas of subtropical rainforest, warm temperate rainforest, and tall wet sclerophyll forest on the escarpment ranges above the Macleay Valley. The park contributes to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.

Willi Willi National Park supports diverse rainforest and wet forest wildlife. The superb lyrebird is abundant in the moist forest gullies. Yellow-bellied gliders and greater gliders inhabit old-growth forest. The platypus occurs in permanent streams. Diverse rainforest birds including the Wompoo fruit-dove are present. The park's remote escarpment character provides refuge for sensitive species.

Subtropical rainforest dominates the lower slopes and sheltered gullies. Warm temperate rainforest with coachwood fills the moist aspects. Tall wet sclerophyll forest with blue gum and flooded gum covers the mid slopes. Subalpine woodland occurs at the highest elevations. The vegetation ranges from subtropical to subalpine.

The park is underlain by Permian sedimentary rocks of the New England Orogen, with metamorphic rocks in the deeply incised valleys. The escarpment conditions create high rainfall supporting the diverse forest communities.

Warm temperate to warm subtropical climate. Annual rainfall approximately 1,200 to 2,000 millimetres on the escarpment. Mild summers, cool winters.

The Dunghutti people are the traditional custodians of the Macleay Valley. The escarpment ranges were important seasonal territory.

Willi Willi National Park was established as part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area conservation network.

Remote walking through subtropical and warm temperate rainforest. Birdwatching for lyrebirds and rainforest species. The park's remote character attracts experienced walkers.

Very limited facilities. Access via roads from Kempsey. Kempsey provides visitor services. Approximately 440 kilometres north of Sydney. A national parks pass applies.

The park's World Heritage values require ongoing protection. Lantana control in accessible areas. Wildlife connectivity to adjacent protected areas is maintained.