Mount Matheson Loop

Downloads GPX PDF

Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	Nightcap. (-28.5438617,153.2892629)
Mode	Car
Directions	From Nimbin Road, Nimbin, head east along Cullen Street; After 650m, turn right on to Sibley Street Nimbin. After another 500m, continue straight along Tuntable Falls Road Nimbin. After another 1km, turn right on to Tuntable Falls Road Nimbin. After another 3.6km, continue straight along Newton Drive Nimbin. After another 6.8km, turn right on to Nightcap. After another 20m, come to the trackhead on Nightcap.

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start (from, Nightcap) by heading north-east along the Historic Nightcap Track. There is a parking area here. There is a parking area is at the start.
	After another 550m, (at the 3-way intersection, with & Historic Nightcap Track) bear right, to follow the Historic Nightcap Track.
	After another 500m, (at the 3-way intersection) continue straight, to stay on the Historic Nightcap Track. After another 450m, cross the metal grid bridge.
	After another 100m, (at the 3-way intersection, with Historic Nightcap Track & Mount Matheson Loop) turn left (taking the first option to the left), to follow Mount Matheson Loop. After another 70m, pass Mount Matheson a summit, a summit (10m on the left).
	After another 700m, (at the 3-way intersection, with Mount Matheson Loop & Historic Nightcap Track) bear right, to follow the Historic Nightcap Track.
	After another 500m, (at the 3-way intersection) bear left, to stay on the Historic Nightcap Track.
	After another 550m you come to the end, Nightcap.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	3.4km
Time	1 hr 30 mins to 2 hrs

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Murwillumbah Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
  
  Monday 21 July
  
  21°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, becoming less likely in the late afternoon and evening. Winds southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the late afternoon. Daytime maximum temperatures between 18 and 21.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Far North Coast: No Rating
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 10:30am to 1:10pm, UV Index predicted to reach 3 [Moderate]
  
  Tuesday 22 July
  
  10°C → 21°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog in the north. Medium chance of showers, most likely from the late morning. Light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 9 and 12 with daytime temperatures reaching around 20.
  
  Wednesday 23 July
  
  12°C → 22°C
  Showers increasing.
  80% chance of rain
  0 → 6mm
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 10 and 13 with daytime temperatures reaching around 20.
  
  Thursday 24 July
  
  9°C → 22°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. The chance of morning fog inland. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 8 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching around 20.
  
  Friday 25 July
  
  8°C → 22°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Saturday 26 July
  
  11°C → 22°C
  Showers.
  90% chance of rain
  4 → 20mm
  
  Showers.
  
  Sunday 27 July
  
  10°C → 21°C
  Shower or two then sunny.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Shower or two then sunny.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Nightcap National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Protestors Falls walking track closed
  Protestors Falls walking track will be affected by closures from 29 April to 1 August 2025 for maintenance works to replace the footbridge. There will be no public access from the end of the elevated boardwalk platform. Terania Creek picnic area will remain open.
  Closure may be extended due to weather events. Please follow all signs and directions of NPWS staff. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, email or call Alstonville NPWS office on 02 6627 0200.
  
  Closed areas: Nightcap Range Road closed in both directions
  Nightcap Range Road is closed to traffic in both directions due to a major landslip associated with the 2022 flood event. The closure affects the section of Nightcap Range Road between Rummery Road intersection and Telephone Road trailer parking area.
  Access to Minyon Falls and Rummery Park is via Minyon Falls Road only.
  An estimated repair date has not been determined. For more information, please email or call Richmond River NPWS on 02 6672 0200.
  
  Safety alerts: North Rocks Road closed
  North Rocks Road is closed until 30 July 2025. The road is currently unsafe to traffic. This closure maybe extended, and any extension will be posted as soon as possible.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Alstonville area office on 02 6627 0200.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

Other Journeys Discover nearby and similar journeys

Some of the information and maps on this page was generated using data from the awesome © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Please see how you can embed some widgets, access data and other stuff to that might be helpful.

Weather Forecast

Alerts