Maxwells Flat campground

Cottan-Bimbang National Park

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Overview

Set amid regenerating rainforest, you’ll find plenty of grassy patches to set up camp or picnic under the trees at Maxwells Flat campground. 

Maxwells Flat campground is in the south-east portion of Cottan-Bimbang National Park, along Causeway Road. It's a great spot to escape and unwind by the creek. 

It makes an ideal base to explore the natural, rugged, and remote diversity of the park's landscapes. For the adventurous, traces of colonial heritage with reminders of the gold mining era and timber harvesting can be found. Those with a four-wheel drive can explore the popular Cells Creek mining area.

At night, get cosy by the campfire and absorb the peaceful ambience of the nearby bubbling Doyles River.

Bookings are required. Book online or call 1300 072 757.

These maps give a basic overview of park attractions and facilities, and may not be detailed enough for some activities. We recommend that you buy a topographic map before you go exploring.

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Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/maxwells-flat-campground/local-alerts

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All the practical information you need to know about Maxwells Flat campground.

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Learn more

Maxwells Flat campground is in Cottan-Bimbang National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A potential World Heritage Area

Waterfall, Cottan-Bimbang National Park. Photo: John Spencer

Rainforest makes up 40% of Cottan-Bimbang National Park, with subtropical rainforest in the centre around the catchment of Cells Creek, and warm temperate rainforest and dry rainforest of myrtle further out. Because of this diverse ecosystem, Cottan-Bimbang has been nominated for inclusion in the Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage Area.

Aboriginal tracks

Maxwells Flat campground, Cottan-Bimbang National Park. Photo: John Spencer

The name 'Cottan-Bimbang' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'walking stick palm', referring to a plant which can be found scattered throughout the national park. Echoes of Aboriginal occupation can also be seen in the routes used by early explorers and settlers, which were probably first used by Aboriginal people to travel between the coast and tablelands.

Colonial settlers, gold, and bushrangers

Myrtle Scrub Scenic Drive, Cottan-Bimbang National Park. Photo: John Spencer

Cottan-Bimbang has a rich past filled with colonial settlers and convicts. The famed explorer John Oxley first travelled through the area in 1818, on his way to the coast. In fact, the first convict road linking Port Macquarie to Walcha went through here; keep an eye out for stonework remnants buried in the undergrowth. Loggers came not long after in their search for cedar, the Red gold. Regular gold was sought here too Cells State Conservation Area, deep in the park, contains relics of early mining. And just to top off a dramatic, event-filled history, the bushranger Jimmy Governer (Jimmy Backsmith) travelled through the area with his brother before being captured closer to Port Macquarie.

  • Myrtle Scrub scenic drive Myrtle Scrub scenic drive is a 14km alternative driving route to the highway straight through scenic views of Cottan-Bimbang National Park, tracing a trail past old-growth wet eucalypt forest and rainforest.

The largest population of parma wallabies

Parma Wallaby, Cottam-Bimbang National Park. Photo: Phil Spark

Explore Cottan-Bimbang National Park and you may be fortunate enough to spot the shy parma wallaby in the area. The largest population of parma wallabies reside within Cottan-Bimbang National Park. Approximately half the park is made up of native old-growth forest, making it ideal for a refreshing bushwalk, or just as a means to escape into nature.

  • Myrtle Scrub scenic drive Myrtle Scrub scenic drive is a 14km alternative driving route to the highway straight through scenic views of Cottan-Bimbang National Park, tracing a trail past old-growth wet eucalypt forest and rainforest.

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  • Koala. Photo: Lucy Morrell

    Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

    One of the most renowned Australian animals, the tree-dwelling marsupial koala can be found in gum tree forests and woodlands across eastern NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as in isolated regions in South Australia. With a vice-like grip, this perhaps most iconic but endangered Australian animal lives in tall eucalypts within a home range of several hectares.

  • Australian brush turkey, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

    Australian brush turkey (Alectura lathami)

    The Australian brush turkey, also known as bush or scrub turkey, can be found in rainforests along eastern NSW. With a striking red head, blue-black plumage and booming call, these distinctive Australian birds are easy to spot while bird watching in several NSW national parks.

  •  Superb lyrebird, Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    Superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae)

    With a complex mimicking call and an elaborate courtship dance to match, the superb lyrebird is one of the most spectacular Australian animals. A bird watching must-see, the superb lyrebird can be found in rainforests and wet woodlands across eastern NSW and Victoria.

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