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Girrakool picnic area

Brisbane Water National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Girrakool picnic area.

Getting there and parking

Girrakool picnic area is located in the northern section of Brisbane Water National Park.

To get there from the F3 Highway:

  • Exit Central Coast Highway towards Gosford
  • Take the first left onto Wisemans Ferry Road
  • Take the first left onto Old Pacific Highway
  • Take the first left onto Quarry Road
  • The picnic area is through the tunnel and straight ahead

The picnic area is not suitable for large coaches due to limited parking and turning areas. Large coaches can drop passengers off at the intersection of Quarry Road and Girrakool Road, just before the park entry sign.

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

  • Parking is available at Girrakool picnic area, including 1 accessible parking space.
  • There's a wooden beam that runs along the length of the carpark; people with reduced mobility may need assistance to get across this beam.
  • Please be aware of the carpark opening hours – gates are locked at closing.

Facilities

Toilets

There are 2 accessible flush toilets at the picnic area (1 male and 1 female). You can reach the toilets along a paved pathway.

  • Flush toilets

Picnic tables

The picnic tables and barbecue shelter are set on concrete slabs. There is a pathway to some of the picnic tables in the lower section of the picnic area.

Barbecue facilities

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Carpark

Drinking water

Step-free access

There's step-free access around the picnic area, which is mostly flat:

  • There are no formal pathways in the upper part of the picnic area. You'll need to cross over a flat grassy area to reach the facilities.
  • In the lower part of the picnic area, there's a sealed pathway leading to the amenities block, picnic tables and barbecue area.
  • There's a paved path to the accessible toilets.
  • Step-free outdoor pathways

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

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).

Water activities

Beaches, rivers and lakes in NSW national parks offer lots of opportunities for water activities. Please take care in the water and find out how to help your family and friends stay safe around water.

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

The picnic area is mostly flat with step-free access:

  • There are no formal pathways in the upper section of the picnic area. You'll need to cross over a flat, grassy surface to reach the picnic area facilities.
  • In the lower section of the picnic area, there's a sealed pathway leading to the picnic area facilities.
  • There are accessible toilets and a paved path to reach them.

People with reduced mobility may need assistance to cross over the wooden beam that runs along the length of the carpark.

Prohibited

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Open fires and any form of solid fuel are not allowed.

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.

Girrakool picnic area

Park info

  • in Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
  • Two picnic areas in this park – Girrakool picnic area and Somersby Falls picnic area – are closed in the evening. They are open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and 7am to 6pm at other times.

    Other areas of Brisbane Water National Park will be open at all times, however may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept both card and coins, or you can pay via the Park'nPay app.

    Other fees:

    You will need a permit to hold a wedding or undertake commercial photography within the park.

    Buy annual pass

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