Yarriabini lookout

Yarriabini National Park

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Overview

Yarriabini lookout invites visitors to relax and enjoy the magnificent coastal views to the Macleay River estuary and Trial Bay.

Type
Lookouts
Accessibility
Easy
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

Your visit to the Nambucca region just wouldn’t be complete without a day trip to see the magnificent coastal views from Yarriabini lookout. This detour from Way Way Creek Road drive is a scenic drive up to the summit of Mount Yarrahapinni, lined with patches of orange in late winter when the banksias are in flower.

From the top, the views stretch south-east over lush macadamia farms to the Macleay River estuary and Trial Bay. On a clear day, the coastline near Smoky Cape in Hat Head National Park makes a dramatic backdrop to the towns of South West Rocks and Arakoon.

Watch the sun rise over the distant ocean, then head back to Grassy Head for a refreshing surf. Pack a gourmet lunch and enjoy a relaxing picnic with a view while you marvel at the giant old growth forest nearby or visit nearby The Pines picnic area. The lookout is also a great spot for birdwatching and the kids will love the sight of lyrebirds parading around the area.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

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/lookouts/yarriabini-lookout/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Yarriabini lookout.

Getting there and parking

Yarriabini lookout is in the southern precinct of Yarriabini National Park. To get there:

  • From Macksville, follow the Pacific Highway south for approximately 5km
  • Turn left into Albert Drive and left right into Rosewood Road
  • Continue on Rosewood Road for 5km
  • Turn right into Tower Road and follow it to the end.

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Yarriabini lookout can become slippery after heavy rain and some roads have creek crossings.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

  • Parking is available at Yarriabini lookout in a small roadbase carpark
  • Mini-bus parking is available

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 are encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
  • Drinking water is not available in this area, so it's a good idea to bring your own.

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Carpark

Step-free access

The lookout is flat and step-free, with a gravel and hard-packed ground path that runs between the lookout platform and the carpark. The path also leads to a grassy area with picnic tables and a display shelter.

  • Step-free outdoor pathways

Seats and resting points

There's a timber bench seat with a backrest at the lookout.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Accessibility

Disability access level - easy

Yarriabini lookout is flat and step-free, with the following accessible facilities:

  • A gravel and hard-packed ground path that runs from the carpark to the lookout platform and on to a grassy area with picnic tables
  • Accessible toilets set at the end of a hardened gravel track
  • A timber bench seat at the lookout platform for resting.

Prohibited

Gathering firewood

Firewood may not be collected from the park.

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

Yarriabini lookout is in Yarriabini National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Aboriginal culture

Aboriginal culture tribute, Yarriabini National Park. Photo: G Wallace

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

Beach and ocean coastline in Yarriabini National Park. Photo: Shane Ruming

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

Beach and rocky headland in Yarriabini National Park. Photo: Shane Ruming

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.

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