Washpool World Heritage Trails

21-22 March. 2026

Distances

Event Overview

The Washpool and Gibraltar Range National Parks are part of the World Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.

The area showcases some of the most diverse and untouched forested landscapes in NSW.

Come explore stunning wilderness forests, towering granite outcrops and picturesque creeks.

Event Location: Mulligans Campground in Gibraltar Range National Park, NSW, 2370 (Google Maps)

Event Schedule

Saturday 21st March 2026 

7:00am to 7:45am – Bib collection and mandatory gear check for 50km Ultra

8:00am – Start of 50km Ultra

10:30am – 50km Ultra course cut-off at 14.2km Coombadjha Campground Aid Station (2 hours 30 minutes)

2:30pm – 50km Ultra course cut-off at 32.5km Boundary Falls Aid Station (6 hours 30 minutes)

2:30pm – 50km Ultra presentation

4:30pm – 50km Ultra course cut-off at 43.5km Mulligans Drive Aid Station (8 hours 30 minutes)

6:00pm – 50km Ultra course closure (10 hours total)

6:58pm – Sunset

Sunday 22nd March 2026

7:00am to 8:00am – Bib collection and mandatory gear check for 25km and 9km

8:00am – Start of 25km

8:15am – Start of 9km

9:15am – 25km course cut-off at 7km Mulligans Drive Aid Station (1 hour 15 minutes)

9:30am – 9km presentation

10:30am – 25km course cut-off at 13.1km Mulligans Drive Aid Station (2 hours 30 minutes)

10:30am – 25km presentation

10:30am – 9km course closure (2 hours 15 minutes total)

1:00pm – 25km course closure (5 hours total)

Bib collection, mandatory gear checks and presentations are all held at Mulligans Campground.

A race briefing will be held 10 minutes before the start of each race.

Parking & Camping

Parking

Parking Location: Mulligans Campground (Start/Finish line)

Note – Parking is very limited and carpooling is strongly recommended.

Camping Options

Mulligans Campground (Start/Finish Area) – Recommended

  • Free walk-in sites (Friday and Saturday night only)
    • No booking required
    • Undesignated sites
    • Separate male and female cold showers
    • Flush toilets
    • BBQ facilities
    • Swimming hole   
  • 20 Designated sites
    • Booking required via NPWS website
    • Same amenities as above

Other Campgrounds (30 minute drive) 

All designated sites must be booked through the NPWS website. Bookings open from 21 September 2025

Alternate Accommodation (1 hour drive)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have an Event Guide?

An updated 2026 Event Guide will be emailed to registered runners and available on our website at least one week before the event.

Washpool World Heritage Trails 2025 Event Guide is available for reference only.

Do you have medals or finishers items?

No medals are awarded.

Instead, all 2026 finishers will receive the popular Washpool finishers ‘hat’.

What are the prizes? 

Top 3 male and female in each distance receive:

  • Engraved Washpool World Heritage Trails glass
  • A Coffs Trail Runners 250ml soft flask
  • Washpool World Heritage Trails event stickers

When are the presentations?

50km Ultra Presentation: Saturday 2:30pm

9km Presentation: Sunday 9:30am

25km Presentation: Sunday 10:30am

All presentations take place next to the finish line at Mulligans Campground.

What are the age groups?

Age groups 50km Ultra: 18-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60+ years.

Age groups 25km & 9km: Under 18 years, 18-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years & 70+ years.

There are no age group prizes but results will display age groups which are calculated on day of the event.

What are the minimum ages on event day?

50km Ultra: 18 years

25km: 14 years

9km: 12 years

Can I get a refund or defer my entry? 

No refunds are available.

Deferrals to the 2027 event are allowed until 9:00am Monday 9th March 2026.

Can I change my distance or transfer my entry to another runner?

Distance changes (up or down) are allowed without admin charge at any time.

Upgrading your distance requires paying the price difference and no refunds are given for changing to a lower fee event.

No private transfers are allowed between runners. Spots go to the next person on the waitlist.

Transfers from the waitlist into the event or upgrading distances will incur an additional $3 admin fee.

For any changes, contact admin@coffstrailrunners.com

Our Green Commitment

The International Trail Running Association (ITRA) Green Charter aims to unite the trail running community in efforts to minimize the environmental impact of the sport. It provides practical guidelines for events to adopt eco-friendly practices. Coffs Trail Runners proudly support and adhere to the ITRA Green Charter. Our initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint can be found here: Coffs Trail Runners x ITRA Green Charter

Washpool and Gibraltar Range National Parks, part of the World Heritage Listed ‘Gondwana Rainforests of Australia’ and the Australian National Heritage List, feature diverse and pristine forested areas in NSW.

These parks boast granite boulders, expansive rainforests, tall trees, steep gorges, clear waters, and breathtaking wilderness scenery.

We ask that runners during the event or training:

  • Do not disturb wildlife
  • Stay on existing track to prevent soil erosion
  • Do not intentionally litter or be automatically disqualified
  • Be eco-responsible where possible 

'Trail Sisters' Approved

Coffs Trail Runners is proud to align to the Trail Sisters Approved Standards to support, enhance, and equalize women’s experience in trail racing. This commitment aims to increase women’s participation and awareness of their needs and expectations. In all our races, we will do the following:

1. Equal Podiums & Awards: Equal podium spots and awards for men and women, with inclusive imagery and event descriptions.
2. Women’s Specific Apparel & Swag: Women’s fit and sizing for all race shirts.
3. Menstrual Products at Aid Stations: Menstrual products available at all manned aid stations, with separate toilet and shower facilities at Washpool World Heritage Trails. If there are other needs (e.g. breastfeeding), please contact admin@coffstrailrunners.com
4. Women on the Starting Line: Women are invited to the front of the starting line, with equal media coverage.
5. Pregnancy & Postpartum Policy: Deferral available for all runners for all our races, regardless of their circumstances (e.g. pregnancy, injury).

50km Ultra

Key Information

The 50km Ultra starts at the historic Mulligans Hut and mostly follows the diverse Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage Walk in an anti-clockwise loop.

Runners experience a variety of stunning landscapes including the iconic Tree Fern Forest Walk, beautiful singletracks along Coombadjha Creek in Washpool National Park and the iconic Boundary Falls Lookout.

Entry fee for the 50km Ultra: $50

Minimum age on event day: 18 years

Total ascent & descent: 1,250m

2 ITRA Points and part of the ITRA National League

Six Foot Track Qualifying Time: Under 7 hours 40 minutes

Aid Stations & Drop Bags

All aid stations and the finish line will be stocked with:

Aid Station – Coombadjha Campground (14.2km)

  • Section Stats: 14.2km, +380m, -500m
  • Cumulative Stats: 14.2km, +380m, -500m
  • Course cut-off: 2 hours 30 minutes (10:30am)

  • Support Crew and Spectators: Yes, encouraged – 2WD accessible (Google Maps)

  • Mandatory to carry 1 litre of fluid (2 litres recommended but mandatory if forecasted over 23°C) out of the 14.2km aid station. You will be checked at the aid station.

  • Next section to the 32.5km aid station is remote with limited water. Do not drink from the creeks without treating the water.

  • Drop bag location: No
  • Toilet: Yes – unisex NPWS drop toilet
  • Phone reception: No

Aid Station – Boundary Falls (32.5km)

  • Section Stats: 18.3km, +600m, -410m
  • Cumulative Stats: 32.5km, +980m, -910m
  • Course cut-off: 6 hours 30 minutes (2:30pm)
  • Support Crew and Spectators: Yes, encouraged – 2WD accessible (Google Maps)
  • Drop bag location: Yes – optional and arranged on event day at bib collection. Recommended to use a Woolworths Chiller Shopping Bag or similar, no glass, clearly labelled with your name and bib number.
  • Toilet: Yes – one unisex NPWS drop toilet

  • Phone reception: No

Aid Station – Mulligans Drive (43.5km)

  • Section Stats: 11km, +200m, -210m
  • Cumulative Stats: 32.5km, +1,180m, -1,120m
  • Course cut-off: 8 hours 30 minutes (4:30pm)
  • Support Crew and Spectators: Yes, encouraged – 2WD accessible (Google Maps)
  • Drop bag location: No
  • Toilet: No

  • Phone reception: No

Finish – Mulligans Campground (50km) 

  • Section Stats: 11.9km, +70m, -130m
  • Cumulative Stats: 50km, +1,250m, -1,250m
  • Course cut-off: 10 hours (6:00pm)
  • Support Crew and Spectators: Yes, encouraged – 2WD accessible (Google Maps)
  • Drop bag location: Yes – optional and arranged on event day at bib collection. Recommended to use a Woolworths Chiller Shopping Bag or similar, no glass, clearly labelled with your name and bib number.
  • Toilet: Yes
  • Phone reception: No

Note: for environmental reasons, this is a ‘cupless’ event. No disposable drink cups will be available at aid stations or the finish line.

Mandatory Gear

Mandatory Gear

Mandatory Gear will be checked at bib collection and must be carried for the entire run:

  • Water bottles or hydration bladder with capacity to carry 1 litre of fluid. Mandatory, and will be checked at the aid station, that you carry 1 litre of fluid (2 litres recommended or mandatory if forecasted over 23c) out of the 14.2km aid station. 

  • 250 calories of emergency food that you do not intend to consume (e.g. 2 x muesli bars)

  • Fully charged mobile phone that is switched on with Emergency Plus app downloaded. It is only recommended (not mandatory) that you download an offline map of the course.

  • Snake bandage (recommended: AeroForm Snake Bite Bandage 10.5cm x 10.5cm)

  • Space blanket or light bivvy bag

  • Emergency whistle

  • Zip-lock bag for rubbish
  • Collapsible soft cup 150ml (recommended but not mandatory. This is a cup free event) 

Weather-Dependant Mandatory Gear

Participants will be notified at least 3 days prior to the event if the following items are required:

  • Warm headwear (Buff or Beanie or Balaclava) 

  • Waterproof jackets that is breathable with fully taped seams and a hood

  • Water bottles or hydration bladder with capacity to carry 2 litres of fluid if forecasted over 23c

Gear Checks & Penalties

Mandatory Gear will be checked at bib collection and must be carried for the entire run.

Random mandatory gear checks may occur at any time.

Failure to carry the required mandatory gear = disqualification.

50km Ultra Schedule

Saturday 21st March 2026 

7:00am to 7:45am – Bib collection and mandatory gear check for 50km Ultra

8:00am – Start of 50km Ultra

10:30am – Course cut-off at 14.2km Coombadjha Campground Aid Station (2 hours 30 minutes)

2:30pm – Course cut-off at 32.5km Boundary Falls Aid Station (6 hours 30 minutes)

2:30pm – 50km Ultra presentation

4:30pm – Course cut-off at 43.5km Mulligan Drive Aid Station (8 hours 30 minutes)

6:00pm – 50km Ultra course closure (10 hours total)

6:58pm – Sunset

25km

Key Information

The 25km course starts at the historic Mulligans Hut and follows the Little Dandahra Creek trail to Mulligans Drive.

Runners then go straight at Mulligans Drive onto Surveyors Creek Track and then turn lef to follow the World Heritage Walk in a clockwise loop. Runners go pass the turnoff to Dandahra Crags on the way back to Mulligans Drive.

Runners will then run back on the same Little Dandahra Creek trail, turn left over a bridge and follow the 9km course past the iconic Tree Fern Forest Walk in a clockwise direction.

Entry fee for the 25km: $25

Minimum age on event day: 14 years

Total ascent & descent: 450m

1 ITRA Point and part of the ITRA National League

Aid Stations

All aid stations and the finish line will be stocked with:

Aid Station – Mulligan Drive (7km)

  • Section Stats: 7km, +140m, -90m
  • Cumulative Stats: 7km, +140m, -90m
  • Course cut-off: 1 hour 15 minutes (9:15am)
  • Support Crew and Spectators: Yes, encouraged – 2WD accessible (Google Maps)
  • Drop bag location: No
  • Toilet: No
  • Phone reception: No

Aid Station – Mulligan Drive (13.1km)

  • Section Stats: 6.1km, +60m, -60m
  • Cumulative Stats: 13.1km, +200m, -150m
  • Course cut-off: 2 hour 30 minutes (10:30am)
  • Support Crew and Spectators: Yes, encouraged – 2WD accessible (Google Maps)
  • Drop bag location: No
  • Toilet: No
  • Phone reception: No

Finish – Mulligans Campground (25km) 

  • Section Stats: 11.9km, +250m, -300m
  • Cumulative Stats: 25km, +450m, -450m
  • Course cut-off: 5 hours (1:00pm)
  • Support Crew and Spectators: Yes, encouraged – 2WD accessible (Google Maps)
  • Drop bag location: Yes – optional and arranged on event day at bib collection. Recommended to use a Woolworths Chiller Shopping Bag or similar, no glass, clearly labelled with your name and bib number.
  • Toilet: Yes
  • Phone reception: No

Note: for environmental reasons, this is a ‘cupless’ event. No disposable drink cups will be available at aid stations or the finish line.

Mandatory Gear

Mandatory Gear

Mandatory Gear will be checked at bib collection and must be carried for the entire run:

  • Water bottles or hydration bladder with capacity to carry 1 litre of fluid.

  • Fully charged mobile phone that is switched on with Emergency Plus app downloaded. It is only recommended (not mandatory) that you download an offline map of the course.

  • Snake bandage (recommended: AeroForm Snake Bite Bandage 10.5cm x 10.5cm)

  • Space blanket or light bivvy bag

  • Emergency whistle

  • Zip-lock bag for rubbish
  • Collapsible soft cup 150ml (recommended but not mandatory. This is a cup free event) 

Weather-Dependant Mandatory Gear

Participants will be notified at least 3 days prior to the event if the following items are required:

  • Warm headwear (Buff or Beanie or Balaclava) 

  • Waterproof jackets that is breathable with fully taped seams and a hood

  • Water bottles or hydration bladder with capacity to carry 2 litres of fluid if forecasted over 23c

Gear Checks & Penalties

Mandatory Gear will be checked at bib collection and must be carried for the entire run.

Random mandatory gear checks may occur at any time.

Failure to carry the required mandatory gear = disqualification.

25km Schedule

Sunday 22nd March 2026

7:00am to 7:45am – Bib collection and mandatory gear check for 25km

8:00am – Start of 25km

9:15am – Course cut-off at 7km Mulligan Drive Aid Station (1 hour 15 minutes)

10:30am – Course cut-off at 13.1km Mulligan Drive Aid Station (2 hours 30 minutes)

10:30am – 25km presentation

1:00pm – 25km course closure (5 hours total) 

9km

Key Information

The 9km is a loop course starting at the historic Mulligans Hut and follows the iconic Tree Fern Forest Walk through rocky outcrops, spectacular cascades, ferny understorey and lush rainforest.

Hikers are permitted to enter the 9km.

Entry fee for 9km: $15

Minimum age on event day: 12 years

Total ascent & descent: 240m

1 ITRA Point and part of the ITRA National League

Aid Stations

Aid Stations

There are no aid stations on the 9km.

The finish line will be stocked with:

Finish – Mulligans Campground (9km)

  • Stats: 9km, +240m, -240m
  • Course cut-off: 2 hours 15 minutes (11:30am)
  • Support Crew and Spectators: Yes, encouraged – 2WD accessible (Google Maps)
  • Drop bag location: Yes – optional and arranged on event day at bib collection. Recommended to use a Woolworths Chiller Shopping Bag or similar, no glass, clearly labelled with your name and bib number.
  • Toilet: Yes
  • Phone reception: No

Mandatory Gear

Mandatory Gear

Mandatory Gear will be checked at bib collection and must be carried for the entire run:

Weather-Dependant Mandatory Gear

There is no weather-dependant mandatory gear for the 9km.

Gear Checks & Penalties

Mandatory Gear will be checked at bib collection and must be carried for the entire run.

Random mandatory gear checks may occur at any time.

Failure to carry the required mandatory gear = disqualification.

9km Schedule

Sunday 22nd March 2026

7:00am to 8:00am – Bib collection and mandatory gear check for 9km

8:15am – Start of 9km

9:30am – 9km presentation

11:30am – 9km course closure (2 hours 15 minutes total)