Warrell Creek
Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park
Overview
Warrell Creek offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and fishing, with nearby places to picnic and secluded camping sites
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.
It takes very little effort to escape the hustle and bustle in Gaagal Wanggaan National Park. On quiet days, when fishing boats are few, you’ll have the estuary almost to yourself. Bring binoculars for a bit of birdwatching in the rainforest: white-faced herons and egrets like to forage through the mangroves, and sea eagles often cycle overhead, coming to rest in a plum pine tree or snow wood.
For something a little more vigorous, take advantage of Warrell Creek by canoeing or kayaking from one of the three access points in the park. Weir Reserve and Gumma Crossing Reserve both have boat ramps; Warrell Creek picnic area offers access as well as picnic tables to turn your paddle into a full-day excursion. Bring lunch and settle down to listen to the wading birds, or pack a fishing rod and try your luck in the creek.
Almost any time of year is a great time to visit, though late summer and early autumn can be slightly rainy – it’s a good idea to check the weather before you set out. Also, stay upstream of the creek junction with Nambucca River, where tidal currents can be dangerous.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/canoeing-paddling-experiences/warrell-creek/local-alerts
Park info
- in Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park in the North Coast region
Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Warrell Creek.
Getting there and parking
Warrell Creek runs along the western boundary of Gaagal Wanggaan National Park. There are three canoe access points reachable by vehicle:
- The boat ramp at Weir Reserve, on South Pacific Drive at Scotts Head township.
- Warrell Creek picnic area, via South Pacific Drive and South Beach access trail from Scotts Head township.
- The boat ramp at Gumma Crossing Reserve, via Gumma Road and Boultons Crossing Road from Macksville.
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)
Weather restrictions
- 4WD required in wet weather
Parking
Parking is available at Weir Reserve at Scotts Head, Boultons Crossing campground and Warrell Creek picnic area. There is no designated disabled parking.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Spring
Go beach walking along ‘Gaagal Wanggaan,' the original Gumbaynggirr name for Forster or South Beach.
Summer
Explore the cool retreat of Warrell Creek by kayaking or canoeing, then settle down for a barbecue at Warrell Creek picnic area.
Winter
Wander through the coastal forest on dune sand, enjoying the birdlife and wildflower display.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
19°C and 26.7°C
Highest recorded
43.3°C
Winter temperature
Average
8.3°C and 19.3°C
Lowest recorded
-3.2°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
404.6mm
Facilities
Toilets
- Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)
Boat ramp
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
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.
Learn more
Warrell Creek is in Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
An insect paradise
Making up the bulk of the dry land in the park, sand dunes and dry forests of banksia, blackbutts and scribbly gums encourage a rich undergrowth of shrubs and grasses. Flowers bloom in late winter and early spring, and this attracts a variety of insects and butterflies, including the black grass-dart butterfly. Gaagal Wanggaan is also home to an array of bird species, including white-bellied sea eagles, ospreys, white-faced herons, azure kingfishers and black-necked storks, as well as the endangered little tern.
- Warrell Creek Warrell Creek offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and fishing, with nearby places to picnic and secluded camping sites
Enduring Aboriginal culture
Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park has tremendous cultural significance for the Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal community of Nambucca Valley, with sites that demonstrate continuous use of the area for thousands of years. Gumbaynggirr People used the lands and waterways for sustenance and ritual practices; they continue to use it today, passing knowledge through generations. In recognition of this living heritage, the national park is jointly managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Aboriginal Traditional Owners. Their contribution and knowledge of the area is central to the management of the park and to educating visitors on Aboriginal culture.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)
The curious pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird and has the longest bill of any bird in the world. These Australian birds are found throughout Australian waterways and the pelican uses its throat pouch to trawl for fish. Pelicans breed all year round, congregating in large colonies on secluded beaches and islands.
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Superb fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus)
The striking blue and black plumage of the adult male superb fairy wren makes for colourful bird watching across south-eastern Australia. The sociable superb fairy wrens, or blue wrens, are Australian birds living in groups consisting of a dominant male, mouse-brown female ‘jenny wrens’ and several tawny-brown juveniles.
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Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
Of the 2 species of kookaburra found in Australia, the laughing kookaburra is the best-known and the largest of the native kingfishers. With its distinctive riotous call, the laughing kookaburra is commonly heard in open woodlands and forests throughout NSW national parks, making these ideal spots for bird watching.
Plants
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Cabbage palm (Livistona australis)
With glossy green leaves spanning 3-4m in length and a trunk reaching a height of up to 30m, the cabbage tree palm, or fan palm, is one of the tallest Australian native plants. Thriving in rainforest margins along the east coast of NSW, in summer this giant palm produces striking spikes of cream flowers which resemble cabbages.
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Black sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis)
The black sheoak is one of a number of casuarina species found across the east coast of Australia and nearby tablelands. Growing to a height of 5-15m, these hardy Australian native plants can survive in poor or sandy soils. The barrel-shaped cone of the black sheoak grows to 10-30mm long.