Bindarray picnic area
Bindarri National Park
Overview
Escape the crowds and head to Bindarray picnic area. Enjoy 4WD touring, birdwatching, wildlife watching, swimming, liloing, paddling and picnicking by Urumbilum River.
- Type
- Picnic areas
- Where
- Bindarri National Park in North Coast
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
- Please note
- Check the weather before you set out as the road to Bindarray picnic area can become impassable due to a flooding river crossing when it rains
- A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters
Looking for something to do with the kids, far away from the holiday crowds? Then pack a picnic and head to Bindarray picnic area, where you’ll find a relaxing place to picnic on the banks of the sparkling Urumbilum River.
The whole family will enjoy swimming in river pools and the kids will love spotting frogs and, if they’re lucky, they might even see a platypus in the clear waters.
For birdwatchers, there’s plenty to see. Keep an ear out for the bubbling ‘wom-poo’ call of the wompoo fruit-dove and look out for its multi-coloured plumage among the Bangalow palms. You’ll also see other fruit-loving birds like green catbird, white-headed pigeon, brown cuckoo-dove and fig bird.
Stop for a refreshing swim on your way along Orara Escarpment 4WD touring route, or come for the day and laze away the afternoon by the crystal clear waters.
Also see
-
Plateau Circuit loop trail
Cycle through lush subtropical rainforest and eucalypt forest. See spectacular waterfalls and enjoy beautiful picnic and swimming spots, close to Coffs Harbour.
-
Bangalore Falls walking track
Bangalore Falls is a must-see destination with superb waterfall views from the lookout, just a short walk along an easy walking track, and a great place for a picnic.
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/picnic-areas/bindarray-picnic-area/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 Bindarri National Park in the North Coast region
Bindarri 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 the Bindarray picnic area.
Getting there and parking
Bindarray picnic area is in the eastern precinct of Bindarri National Park. To get there:
- Follow the directions to the park entrance via Dairyville Road
- Drive 1.6km along Jersey Bull Road (lower road on the left) and park at the picnic area carpark.
- Alternatively, park 2WD vehicles at the park entrance and walk the remaining 1.6km to the picnic area (includes a creek crossing).
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- All roads require 4WD vehicle
Weather restrictions
- Dry weather only
Parking
4WD vehicle parking is available at the picnic area. 2WD parking is available at the park entrance.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Bindarri National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Get off the beaten track and take your 4WD through pristine bushlands, stopping to see the magnificent Bangalore Falls.
Spring
Enjoy picnicking and swimming by the river and easy walking to see spectacular waterfalls.
Summer
Take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of Urumbilum River.
Winter
Head off on your mountain bike and explore the remote forest trails.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
18°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
43.3°C
Winter temperature
Average
7°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
-3.2°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
781.9mm
Facilities
Amenities
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
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
Bindarray picnic area is in Bindarri National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A bygone era
Walking out to Bangalore Falls, you might notice the large stumps standing as reminders of the parks former days of logging. Known as the 'cedar getters', the first Europeans arrived in this region in the mid-1800s. However, logging did not start until 1863. By 1880, concerns that Orara Valley would be cleared called for the declaration of Forest Reserve No 642, which later became Orara West State Forest in 1917.
Biodiversity hotspot
Bindarri National Park is considered a ‘biodiversity hotspot’ due to the number of rare and threatened species found here, such as the palm orchid, fish bone fern and southern quassia. The park also provides an important corridor of native vegetation linking the hinterland and plateau habitats of the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park with the coastal habitats of Bongil Bongil National Park. It's also home to a range of wildlife including an abundance of bird species,wallabies, possums and spotted-tailed quolls, as well as threatened species such as koalas, platypus, owls and bats. You might also spot the brown-speckled giant barred frog or the giant panda snail - the largest snail in Australia,with a shell measuring up to 12cm long.
- Bangalore Falls walking track Bangalore Falls is a must-see destination with superb waterfall views from the lookout, just a short walk along an easy walking track, and a great place for a picnic.
- Bindarray picnic area Escape the crowds and head to Bindarray picnic area. Enjoy 4WD touring, birdwatching, wildlife watching, swimming, liloing, paddling and picnicking by Urumbilum River.
- Orara Escarpment 4WD touring route Orara Escarpment 4WD touring route goes from Coffs Harbour through pristine forest, with spectacular waterfalls and idyllic picnic and swimming spots along the way.
- Plateau Circuit loop trail Cycle through lush subtropical rainforest and eucalypt forest. See spectacular waterfalls and enjoy beautiful picnic and swimming spots, close to Coffs Harbour.
Traditional Aboriginal lands
The deep gorges, cascading waterfalls and lush forests of Bindarri National Park are the traditional lands of the Gumbaynggirr people. The park is named after the Gumbaynggirr word 'Bindarray', which means 'many creeks'. Many Aboriginal sites have been identified as places used by local Aboriginal people for camping, tool-making, ceremonies and dreaming stories.