Cudgen Lake
Cudgen Nature Reserve
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Cudgen Lake.
Getting there and parking
Cudgen Lake is in the central precinct of Cudgen Nature Reserve. It can be accessed via Cudgen Lake picnic area.
To get there:
- Follow the directions towards Cabarita Beach/Bogangar
- If driving south on Tweed Coast Road, turn right into Tamarind Avenue and follow into Willow Avenue, which continues to the picnic area and boat ramp.
- If driving east on Clothiers Creek Road, turn left into Poplar Avenue then left again into Tamarind Avenue and follow into Willow Avenue, which continues to the picnic area and boat ramp.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available in an asphalt carpark at the end of Willow Avenue, including 1 designated accessible parking spot. Bus parking is available.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Cudgen Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Venture off to explore the lake in your kayak or canoe and paddle along Cudgen Creek.
Spring
Enjoy a peaceful picnic at Cudgen picnic area, with spectacular views across the lake to Wollumbin.
Summer
Escape the holiday crowds and have fun swimming, sailing and paddling on Cudgen Lake.
Winter
Enjoy birdwatching on the lake and watch for migratory birds.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
18°C and 30°C
Highest recorded
42.9°C
Winter temperature
Average
8°C and 22°C
Lowest recorded
-1.4°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
February
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
820.4mm
Facilities
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
Boat ramp
Carpark
Step-free access
The picnic area next to the lake is flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over flat grass to get from the carpark to the facilities.
There's step-free access through the carpark to the boat ramp and lake.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
- The picnic area next to Cudgen Lake is flat and step-free. There's also step-free access through the carpark to the boat ramp and lake.
- There are no pathways at the picnic area – you'll need to cross over flat grass to reach the 3 picnic tables by the river.
- The asphalt carpark at the end of Willow Avenue has 1 accessible parking space.
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Operated by
- Murwillumbah office
- npws.tweedbyron@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Cudgen Nature Reserve in the North Coast region
Cudgen Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to flooding or high fire danger.