Way Way Creek Road drive
Yarriabini National Park
Overview
Winding through the tall rainforest, across creeks, this picturesque car touring route provides an ideal family day trip or a spectacular day cycling through the park.
- Where
- Yarriabini National Park in North Coast
- Distance
- 17km loop
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- There is limited mobile reception in this park
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch
Winding its way through the tall rainforest, across bubbling creeks, this picturesque drive makes an ideal family day trip and peaceful way to escape the holiday crowds.
Take a scenic drive in the forest, followed by an afternoon in The Pines picnic area. Enjoy the vibrant colours of the wildflowers by the roadside in spring and the striking views along the way.
Why not bring your mountain bike and cycle through the park? Stop for a moment, take a break and look into the rainforest to see ferns, lianas and orchids.
Can't get enough of this spectacular natural setting? Why not take a short detour and drive up to Yarriabini lookout, where you'll be overwhelmed with magnificent views to the Macleay River estuary and Trial Bay.
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/driving-routes/way-way-creek-road-drive/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Yarriabini National Park in the North Coast region
Yarriabini 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 Way Way Creek Road drive.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Way Way Creek Road drive is in the northern precinct of Yarriabini National Park. To get there:
- From Macksville, follow the Pacific Highway south for approximately 5.5km
- Turn left into Albert Drive and left right into Rosewood Road
- Continue on Rosewood Road for 5km until it becomes Way Way Creek Road
- At the end of Way Way Creek Road turn left into Scotts Head Road which connects back to the Pacific Highway.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Yarriabini National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Take your mountain bike along Way Way Creek Road and feel the refreshing air in the forest.
Spring
Enjoy a scenic drive along Way Way Creek Road, with its bubbling creek crossings and vibrant green forest.
Summer
Enjoy a picnic under the shade and wander through the cool rainforest at The Pines picnic area.
Winter
Admire the colourful banksias in flower along Tower Road as you head up to Yarriabini lookout to see spectacular views of Macleay Valley.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
18°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
41.7°C
Winter temperature
Average
11°C and 19°C
Lowest recorded
4°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
702.6mm
Facilities
- You'll need to bring your own drinking water
- Firewood is not supplied and may not be collected from the park
Maps and downloads
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.
If you're travelling through a national park or reserve on a public road you can have pets inside your vehicle. However, you must keep them inside your vehicle while driving through national parks or reserves. You must also comply with any conditions in the park’s plan of management, and you cannot stop to visit the park or use park facilities (unless for safety reasons, or to use publicly accessible toilets).
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Learn more
Way Way Creek Road drive is in Yarriabini National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal culture
Yarriabini, meaning 'koala rolling', is the Aboriginal name for the prominent coastal mountain that dominates the park, also known as Mount Yarrahapinni. The mountain and the surrounding area is part of an important cultural Dreaming story and very significant to the Dunghutti, Ngambaa and Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people. Admire the amazing mosaic artwork at The Pines picnic area and see the important connection Aboriginal people have to the mountains, rivers and forests of this park.
- The Pines picnic area The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.
Birdwatcher's haven
Gazing out from Yarriabini lookout or strolling through the rainforest, you're bound to find an abundance of bird watching opportunities. Listen out for the bubbling "wom-poo" call of the wompoo fruit-dove and look for its multi-coloured plumage among the Bangalow palms at The Pines picnic area or along rainforest creeks. You'll also find several owl species and other types of rainforest pigeons thriving under the rainforest canopy. You might also spot glossy black-cockatoos feeding on casuarina seeds in eastern areas of the park.
- The Pines picnic area The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.
Diverse plantlife
Yarriabini's unique geographical location supports a remarkable blend of different vegetation types. You'll find tall old growth forests on the steeper slopes around Scotts Mountain and around Mount Yarrahapinni. Wander through the lush rainforest near The Pines picnic area and see the ferns, lianas and orchids that are part of this unique ecosystem.
- The Pines picnic area The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.
- Way Way Creek Road drive Winding through the tall rainforest, across creeks, this picturesque car touring route provides an ideal family day trip or a spectacular day cycling through the park.