Boarding House Dam picnic area
Watagans National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about the Boarding House Dam picnic area.
Getting there and parking
Boarding House Dam picnic area is in the Boarding House Dam precinct of Watagans National Park. To get there:
- Take Cessnock (Freemans Waterhole) exit off the F3
- Turn right into Freemans Drive then right onto Mount Faulk Road (unsealed after 3kms)
- Turn left into Watagan Forest Drive
- Turn right into Boarding House Dam Road
- The picnic area is at the end of the road
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out, as the road to Boarding House Dam can become slippery when it rains. Prolonged wet weather may cause temporary road closures.
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)
Weather restrictions
- 4WD required in wet weather
Parking
Limited parking is available on Boarding House Dam Road. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Watagans National Park.
Spring
Camp at Gap Creek or Bangalow campground and enjoy a campfire as the sun sets.
Summer
Cooling off at Boarding House Dam is especially popular during summer months Enjoy the moist and cool Circuit walking track .
Winter
Late winter sees the bloom of Illawara flame trees which can be seen across the valley from Gap Creek lookout Check out the views from the various lookouts, while the air is crisp and clean .
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
16°C and 30°C
Highest recorded
44°C
Winter temperature
Average
5°C and 16°C
Lowest recorded
-6.7°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
December
Driest month
July
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
91.4mm
Facilities
Drinking water is not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
Toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
- Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty.
- Accessible toilets and picnic tables next to the car park
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.
Park info
- in Watagans National Park in the North Coast region
Watagans National Park is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather, roads closures or high fire danger.