Granite picnic area
Washpool National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about the Granite picnic area.
Getting there and parking
Washpool National Park is located off the Gwydir Highway between Grafton and Glen Innes. To get to Granite picnic area:
- Take the Gwydir Highway from Glen Innes or Grafton
- Take the Coachwood Drive turnoff
- Travel 300m along Coachwood Drive and turn left into Granite picnic area
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available in a gravel carpark at Granite picnic area.
Best times to visit
Washpool National Park offers an exceptional visit all year round. You're sure to find a walk, tour, activity or attraction to appeal, regardless of the season. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Autumn offers good weather for exploring the park during the day and is cool enough during the evenings to sit by the campfire.
Spring
Mid-spring is a fantastic time to head out on the inspiring World Heritage walk. The temperature is perfect and the heathlands, swamps and woodlands erupt in a colourful display of wildflowers including the striking Gibraltar waratah.
Summer
Enjoy the shade of the rainforest with a picnic and walk, and then cool off with a dip in Coombajdha creek's natural pool.
Winter
The coldest time of the year means that you may likely have the park to yourself – enjoy the solitude.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
14°C and 26°C
Highest recorded
39.8°C
Winter temperature
Average
2°C and 15°C
Lowest recorded
-8.9°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
April
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
254.8mm
Facilities
Toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
Carpark
Step-free access
The picnic area is mostly flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over hard-packed ground and flat grass to reach the facilities.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Granite picnic area is mostly flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over hard-packed ground and grass to reach the facilities.
The toilets are set along a gravel pathway, but they're not accessible or ambulant. There is no wheelchair access to nearby Granite lookout
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.
Operated by
- Glen Innes office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6739 0700
- npws.ntab@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 68 Church Street, Glen Innes NSW 2370
Park info
- in Washpool National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions
Washpool National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day applies only at attractions in the Glen Innes area. The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring the correct change and display your receipt.
Buy annual pass