Astills picnic area
Werakata National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about the Astills picnic area.
Getting there and parking
Astills picnic area is in the Astills precinct of Werakata National Park.
From Cessnock:
- Follow Maitland Road (B68) towards Abermain
- Turn left on Old Maitland Road at East Cessnock
- Turn left on Ironbark Lane
- Follow the signs to Astills picnic area
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available in an informal hard-packed ground carpark at the end of Astills Picnic Ground Road.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Werakata National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
The days are cooler but still sunny in autumn, making it a fabulous time for hitting the cycle trails of Werakata National Park. The Deadmans Loop trail and Astills trail offer easy flat, fun rides for the family.
Spring
There are more than 200 different types of animals recorded in Werakata National Park and the nearby State Conservation Area. Spring is a great time to see them. The wildflower displays during spring are a sight to behold .
Summer
Pack a picnic lunch and head for the Astills picnic area with its beautiful canopy of gums.
Winter
Winter is a great time for bird watching in the park. Werakata is blessed with a huge number of spotted gums, one of only a few winter-flowering eucalypts found near the New South Wales coast.
Facilities
Picnic tables
Carpark
Step-free access
The picnic area is flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over flat grass to reach the facilities.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Astills picnic area is flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over flat grass to reach the facilities.
The picnic tables are accessible, but there may be a slight lip between the concrete slab and surrounding grass.
Prohibited
Illegal dumping is prohibited and penalties apply. If you see illegal dumping activity please help NPWS by reporting it to Environment Line: 131 555.
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
- Newcastle office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 4946 4100
- npws.lowerhunter@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 1 Wetlands Place, Shortland NSW 2307
Park info
- in Werakata National Park in the North Coast region
Werakata National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.