Cedar Park picnic area

Ngambaa Nature Reserve

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Overview

Cedar Park picnic area offers an ideal base for exploring Ngambaa Nature Reserve, with picnic facilities and a walking track close to Kempsey.

Type
Picnic areas
Where
Ngambaa Nature Reserve in North Coast
Accessibility
Easy
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
Please note
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching.

Cedar Park picnic area sits on the banks of Stockyard Creek, and takes its name from a stand of red cedars which provide plentiful shade and the tranquil setting for a long picnic or lunch. Particularly in summer, when temperatures soar, this quiet picnic area serves as an ideal respite in the heart of the reserve, with cool running water to bathe the feet in and an orchestra of native birds providing the soundtrack. Rainforest pigeons call from the trees, whilst noisy pittas and lyrebirds forage in the undergrowth, making it great for birdwatching.

Bring a packed lunch to take advantage of wood barbecues and picnic tables in two open areas, then put on some sturdy shoes for an easy walk. An information display explains the history and significance of Ngambaa, and a trailhead leads onto an easy walking track through surrounding forest, with plenty of places to settle down and enjoy a picnic.  

Cedar Park picnic area is mostly visited by people from the local area, so you’re likely to have a great deal of privacy and space. It also acts as a great base to get your bearings before delving deeper into Ngambaa Nature Reserve.

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/picnic-areas/cedar-park-picnic-area/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

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

Getting there and parking

Cedar Park picnic area is in the southern precinct of Ngambaa Nature Reserve. To get there:

  • From Kempsey, following the Pacific Highway north for approximately 25km
  • Turn left onto Old Pacific Highway, look for the signs for Eungai Creek.
  • Turn left onto Main Street
  • Continue onto Little Tamban Road which becomes Tamban Road
  • Turn right into Elliotts Road and continue to Searles Road
  • Turn right at Searles Road, then right again at Stockyard Creek Road and follow for approximately 1.3km.
  • Turn left into Jacks Road, the picnic area is 1km further on the left.

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

Parking is available in a small gravel carpark at Cedar Park picnic area.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Ngambaa Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

Take binoculars in the short walk from Cedar Park picnic area, keeping your eyes open for native birds and koalas.

Spring

Take a scenic drive through the reserve, keeping an eye out for wildflowers.

Summer

Have a barbecue at Cedar Park picnic area, cooling your feet in Stockyard Creek.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

17.4°C and 28.8°C

Highest recorded

43°C

Winter temperature

Average

6.3°C and 20.3°C

Lowest recorded

-1.8°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

February and March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

314.5mm

Facilities

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

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (firewood supplied)

Carpark

Step-free access

The picnic area is flat and step-free, with a slightly sloped gravel path that leads to the toilets. There are no other pathways - you'll need to cross over hard-packed ground and grass to reach the rest of the facilities.

  • Step-free outdoor pathways

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

This park is in a remote location, so please ensure you’re well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.

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.

  • The walking opportunities in this park are suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking
  • If you’re bushwalking in this park, it’s a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

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

  • Cedar Park picnic area is flat and step-free.
  • There's an accessible toilet that's set along a slightly sloped gravel path.
  • There are no other pathways at the picnic area - you'll need to cross over hard-packed ground and grass to reach the rest of the facilities.

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.

Learn more

Cedar Park picnic area is in Ngambaa Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    Rich Aboriginal culture

    Cedar Park picnic area, Ngaamba Nature Reserve. Photo: Rob Cleary

    Local Aboriginal People have a significant cultural connection to sites in and around Nambucca Valley, and several parks and reserves have been named in recognition of this vital heritage. Ngambaa (pronounced 'num-bar'), means 'tribe that lived between nations', and is located on the boundary between the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti language groups. Historically, Aboriginal People found sustenance in the area and used it for ritual purposes; it continues to play an important role in the communities today. 'Our Aboriginal cultural heritage is alive and strong', say Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal Elders.

    Rolling coastal rainforest

    Tamban Forest Drive, Ngaamba Nature Reserve. Photo: Rob Cleary

    Ngambaa's coastal foothills include large areas of old-growth grey gum and spotted gum forest of significant conservation value. Not only does it have one of the highest ironbark diversities on record, it also provides forest connectivity from the coast to the hinterland to the escarpment. This is crucial for local wildlife.

    Some powerful residents

    Cedar Park picnic area, Ngaamba Nature Reserve. Photo: Rob Cleary

    One example is the powerful owl, Australia's largest owl and an elusive predator. Ngambaa offers crucial habitat for these birds - they can survive only where large areas of forest provide nest sites and an extensive hunting range filled with possums and gliders. One breeding pair can command up to 1,000ha, which makes them very difficult to spot. Nevertheless, bring your camera just in case.

    • Cedar Park picnic area Cedar Park picnic area offers an ideal base for exploring Ngambaa Nature Reserve, with picnic facilities and a walking track close to Kempsey.

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