Washpool World Heritage Trails

The 14th Washpool World Heritage Trails will be held on:

Sunday 24th March 2024

About Coffs Trail Runners

Coffs Trail Runners Inc is an not-for-profit incorporated association organised by volunteers through a Committee and governed by a Constitution.

We take pride in the fact that we successfully organise low-key, low-cost races that are community focussed and feature epic courses.

Find more information on Coffs Trail Runners here

Event Overview

The Washpool and Gibraltar Range National Parks have incredible variety, from world heritage listed rainforests to clear rivers flowing through flowering high country heathlands, dramatic granite outcrops and wild river gorges.

The area also features an extensive network of well formed trails to make it ideal trail running and great natural campsites.

This event is listed and insured by AURA and supported by National Parks & Wildlife Service.

Please note that we are a ‘cupless’ event and there will be no disposable drink cups available at Checkpoints.

Our Green Commitment

The International Trail Running Association (ITRA) Green Charter seeks to encourage the trail running community to join forces, working together to reduce the environmental impact of our sport. It lists practical step[s event organisers can take to be more eco-responsible.

We are proud to support and align to the ITRA Green Charter. Steps we are taking to reduce our environmental footprint are found here: Coffs Trail Runners x ITRA Green Charter

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

The parks encompass some of the most diverse and least disturbed forested country in NSW with stunning landscapes of granite boulders, expansive rainforests, tall tree, steep gorges, clear waters and magnificent scenery over wilderness forests.

We ask that runners during the event or training:

  • Do not disturb wildlife
  • Stay on exisiting track to avoid soil erosion
  • Do not litter or an automatic disqualification will occur
  • Be eco-responsible where possible 

Event Schedule

Saturday 23rd March 2024 – optional

16:00 to 18:00 – optional pre-race bib collection, social catchup and chit-chat, see the course maps, ask questions of past finishers and Event Director at Mulligans Hut Group Camping Area.

Sunday 24th March 2024

06:30 – Registration for all distances opens at the picnic shelter at Mulligans Hut Group Camping Area

06:50 – 50km race briefing at Mulligans Hut

07:00 – Start of 50km at Mulligans Hut

07:50 – 25km race briefing at Mulligans Hut

08:00 – Start of 25km at Mulligans Hut

08:50 – 9km race briefing at Mulligans Hut 

09:00 – Start of 9km at Mulligans Hut

Presentations occur immediately after the top 3 men and women finish in each distance.

Top 3 in all distances will get a Washpool World Heritage Trails shirt or singlet.

We will have medals for all finishers of all distances.

Camping & Accommodation

Camping is located at:

  • 20 Designated sites Mulligans Hut Camping Ground (recommended) in Gibraltar Range National Park. This is a short walk the start line and has kitchen, shower and toilet facilities, a great swimming hole, picnic tables and BBQ facilities. Book through NPWS website. 
  • 20 Undesignated sites in the Group Camping Area at Mulligans Hut (recommended) in Gibraltar Range National Park. This is at the finish line and has kitchen, shower and toilet facilities, a great swimming hole picnic tables and BBQ facilities. Book undesignated sites at Group Camping Area when you register for the event. 
  • 17 Designated sites at Bellbird Campground in Washpool National Park (30 minute drive to start) with toilets, picnic tables and BBQ facilities. Book through NPWS website. 
  • 3 Designated sites at Coombadjha Campground in Washpool National Park (30 minute drive to start) with toilets, picnic tables and BBQ facilities. Book through NPWS website. 
  • 8 Designated sites at Boundary Falls Campground in Gibraltar Range National Park (30 minute drive to start) with toilets, picnic tables and BBQ facilities. Book through NPWS website. 

Alternate accommodation can be found at Glen Innes or the Mann River Caravan Park.

Getting to the start line

All events start at the Mulligans Hut Picnic Area in the Gibraltar Range National Park.

Gibraltar Range National Park is located off the Gwydir Highway approximately 1.5 hours west of Grafton or 1 hour east of Glen Innes.

Where possible, runners are requested to carpool as parking is limited at Mulligans Hut.

50km Course

Course Description

The 50km course starts at the historic Mulligans Hut and for the most part, proceeds anti-clockwise in a loop course following the remote Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage Trail. Beginning in Gibraltar Range National Park, the 50km course starts by following the iconic Tree Fern Forest Walk and then crossing the Gwydir Highway into Washpool National Park.

After taking in the beautiful singletracks along Coombadjha Creek, the 50km then passing through a variety of landscapes along the Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage Trail to loop back to the start.

Cost for the 50km is $50

Walking the whole 50km course is not allowed.

Total ascent: 1,400m.

Total descent: 1,400m

2 ITRA Points and part of the ITRA National League

Male 50km Race Record: Tait Hearps 3:49:31 (2023)

Female 50km Race Record: Hannah McRae 4:40:18 (2017)

Checkpoints

  • Checkpoint 9km – Gwydir Highway crossing (water, coke, lollies and food)

  • Checkpoint 15km – Moogem Bridge (water point only)

  • Checkpoint 35km – Gwydir Highway Crossing (water, coke, lollies and food + access to a drop bag if desired). Course cut off at 35km is 6 hours.

  • Checkpoint 44km – eastern side of Mulligan Drive crossing (water, coke and lollies)

One drop bag can be access at the Checkpoint at 35km.

Drop bag arranged on the day when you register at the picnic shelter at Mulligans Hut Group Camping Area.

Please note that we are a ‘cupless’ event and there will be no disposable drink cups available at Checkpoints.

50km Schedule

Saturday 23rd March 2024 – optional

16:00 to 18:00 – optional pre-race bib collection, social catchup and chit-chat, see the course maps, ask questions of past finishers and Race Director at Mulligans Hut Group Camping Area.

Sunday 24 March 2023

06:30 – Registration opens at the picnic shelter at Mulligans Hut Group Camping Area

06:50 – Race briefing and random draw prize for the 50km Ultra

07:00 – Start 50km at Mulligans Hut

13:00 – course cut off at 35km / CP2 after 6 hours

16:00 – course closes after 9 hours

Mandatory Gear

Mandatory Gear will be checked at registration desk and must be carried:

  • Snake bandage

  • 500 calories of nutrition (e.g. 3 x muesli bars or 2 x 500ml of Trail Brew). 

  • Capacity to carry 1 litre of water. Please note that we are a ‘cupless’ event and there is no drink cups available at Checkpoints.

  • Charged phone with Capra app and 50km course downloaded (preferred) or carry a charged phone as well as carrying 50km Race Map that you print.

  • Space blanket

25km Course

Course Description

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

Runners go straight at the Mulligans Drive crossing onto Surveyors Creek Track and do an anti-clockwise loop, pass the turnoff to Dandahra Crags on the World Heritage Walk and back to Mulligans Drive crossing.

Runners then run back on the same track they went out on that follows Little Dandahra Creek before turning right over a small bridge and completing the 9km course in a clockwise direction.

Cost for the 25km is $25

Total ascent: 470m

Total decent: 470m

1 ITRA Point and part of the ITRA National League

Male 25km Race Record: Mike Carroll 1:48:29 (2018)

Female 25km Race Record: Clare Palmer 1:58:19 (2016)

Checkpoints

All checkpoints will have water, coke and lollies located at:

    • Checkpoint 6.6km – eastern side of Mulligan Drive crossing

    • Checkpoint 14km – eastern side of Mulligan Drive crossing.

Please note that we are a ‘cupless’ event and there will be no disposable drink cups available at Checkpoints.

25km Schedule

Saturday 23rd March 2024 – optional

16:00 to 18:00 – optional pre-race bib collection, social catchup and chit-chat, see the course maps, ask questions of past finishers and Race Director at Mulligans Hut Group Camping Area.

Sunday 24 March 2023

06:30 – Registration opens at the picnic shelter at Mulligans Hut Group Camping Area

07:50 – Race briefing at Mulligans Hut and random draw prize for the 25km 

08:00 – Start 25km at Mulligans Hut

Mandatory Gear

Mandatory Gear will be checked at registration desk and must be carried:

    • Snake bandage
    • 250 calories of nutrition (e.g. 2 x muesli bars or 1 x 500ml of Trail Brew)
    • Capacity to carry 1 litre of water. Please note that we are a ‘cupless’ event and there is no drink cups available at Checkpoints.
    • Charged phone with Capra app and 25km course downloaded (preferred) or carry a charged phone as well as carrying 25km Race Map that you print.
    • Space blanket

    9km Course

    Course Description

    The 9km course is a looped course.

    It starts at the historic Mulligans Hut and follows the iconic Tree Fern Forest Walk besides streams, across cascades, through ferny understorey and rainforest.

    Cost for 9km is $10

    Total ascent: 240m

    Total descent: 240m

    Male 9km Race Record: Keelan Birch 40:17 (2021)

    Female 9km Race Record: Katie Porra 46:52 (2017)

    Checkpoints

    There are no Checkpoints on the 9km course.

    9km Schedule

    Saturday 23rd March 2024 – optional

    16:00 to 18:00 – optional pre-race bib collection, social catchup and chit-chat, see the course maps, ask questions of past finishers and Race Director at Mulligans Hut Group Camping Area.

    Sunday 24 March 2023

    06:30 – Registration opens at the picnic shelter at Mulligans Hut Group Camping Area

    08:50 – Race briefing at Mulligans Hut and random draw prize for the 9km race / family outing / walk

    09:00 – Start 9km race / family outing / walk at Mulligans Hut

    Hikers are permitted to enter the event.

    Mandatory Gear

    Mandatory Gear will be checked at registration desk and must be carried:

    • Snake Bandage
    • Charged phone with Capra app and 9km course downloaded (preferred) or carry a charged phone as well as carrying 9km Race Map that you print.

    Volunteer

    Washpool World Heritage Trails is organised entirely by volunteers! The event would not occur without help from Coffs Trail Runners Committee or on the day volunteers.

    We will offer a FREE race entry to Washpool World Heritage Trails 2024 or Rumble in the Jungle 2024 or to anyone who volunteers as listed below.

    Fill out the volunteer form below and claim your FREE race entry. 

    Sunday 24th March - select what you can help with