Greenglade picnic area

Nadgee Nature Reserve

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Overview

From Greenglade picnic area you can explore one of the most magical and deserted beaches in Nadgee. Try your luck at fishing and spend the day relaxing at this convenient spot.

Type
Picnic areas
Accessibility
Medium
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Please note
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch and whale watch.

At Greenglade picnic area, the first thing you’ll notice is the sound of some rainbow lorikeets screeching overhead. But that’s about all you’ll hear, because this is one of the most tranquil places on the NSW coast.

It borders a white stretch of pristine sand that seems to stretch for miles. Often it’s completely deserted, except for red-capped dotterels or pied oystercatchers g along the shoreline. Look out to sea and you might spot a gannet diving for fish or a pod of dolphins cavorting in the water. This is a blessedly unaltered natural landscape, where the whole family can enjoy a picnic lunch, a casual stroll across the sun-lit sands, or try their hand at fishing.

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/greenglade-picnic-area/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

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

Getting there and parking

Greenglade picnic area is in the northern precinct of Nadgee Nature Reserve. To get there from Eden:

  • Travel south along the Princes Highway for 22.5 km
  • Turn left onto Wonboyn Road and follow the road to Myrtle Cove
  • Follow Nadgee Road, which continues on from Myrtle Cove, to the entrance of Nadgee Nature Reserve.
  • Continue along Greenglade Road, which commences at the Nadgee Nature Reserve sign, and continue to the Greenglade car park.

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Greenglade picnic area can become boggy when it rains.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

Parking is available in a hard-packed ground carpark at Greenglade picnic area.

Best times to visit

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

Autumn

Autumn is a great time to enjoy Nadgee, with the mild climate favouring walking and picnicking, flower spotting and birdwatching.

Spring

Try your luck spotting humpback whales as they migrate south to the Antarctic on any of the beaches and headlands within Nadgee Take one of the many walks – short or long – and view the beautiful wildflowers .

Summer

Relax by the pristine beaches and rivers within the reserve.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

17°C and 22°C

Highest recorded

37.2°C

Winter temperature

Average

10°C and 16°C

Lowest recorded

2°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

January

Driest month

August

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

370.1mm

Facilities

  • You'll need to bring drinking water
  • You are encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season. Wood fires are not allowed.

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Carpark

Step-free access

  • The picnic area is flat and mostly step-free, with a paved pathway that leads past the information shelter and to the beach.
  • Where the pathway meets the beach, there are a few steps onto the sand.
  • There are no other pathways at the picnic area - you'll need to cross over sandy hard-packed ground to reach the rest of the facilities.

  • Step-free outdoor pathways

Seats and resting points

At the end of the paved path that leads to the beach, there's a bench with views of the beach and headland.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Beach safety

Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

Fishing safety

Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

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 - medium

Greenglade picnic area is flat and mostly step-free, with the following accessible facilities:

  • A paved pathway that leads past the information shelter and to the beach
  • Accessible toilets. The toilets are set close to the paved pathway but there's a short stretch of hard-packed ground to reach the entrance.
  • A bench seat as you arrive at the beach for resting, with a view of the beach and headland.

You'll need to cross over sandy hard-packed ground to get to other parts of the picnic area that are not along the paved path. 

At the end of the path that leads to the beach, there are a few steps to get onto the sand.

Permitted

Fishing

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

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

Greenglade picnic area is in Nadgee Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A spring treat

Nadgee wilderness walk, Nadgee Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer

The vegetation in Nadgee has been almost undisturbed since European settlement. In the heath, you'll see the red and pink flowers of the common heath, masses of orange banksias, and the white blooms of the wedding bush. As summer approaches, breathe in the sweet aroma of the cream flowers of the giant honey myrtles that grow near Wonboyn Lake and the beach. With its combination of coastal heath, forest and shoreline, Nadgee is inhabited by many different species of birds. From catching glimpses of tiny wrens and ground parrots in the heathlands to staring awed at soaring white-bellied sea eagles along the coastline, you'll need your binoculars to make the most of bird watching opportunities.

  • Greenglade picnic area From Greenglade picnic area you can explore one of the most magical and deserted beaches in Nadgee. Try your luck at fishing and spend the day relaxing at this convenient spot.
  • Jewfish walk The easy Jewfish walk takes you through the forest to the edge of Wonboyn Lake, where you can enjoy swimming, birdwatching, fishing and picnicking.
  • Merrica River nature trail Those seeking a bushwalk through pristine landscapes and along deserted beaches swimming, fishing and picnicking on the way – should head to Merrica Creek nature trail.

Living treasure

Green Glade picnic area, Nadgee Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer

Whatever part of Nadgee you explore, you'll be rewarded with pristine landscapes and stunning vistas. The reserve sits within Australia's Coastal Wilderness, which runs from the south coast of NSW to East Gippsland in Victoria, one of the 16 areas named as Australia's National Landscapes because of their natural, cultural or spiritual significance. It really is a special place.

  • Bay Cliff walking track Bay Cliff walking track offers families and bushwalkers an easy hike along the beach and the past the lake. Enjoy birdwatching and fishing along the way.
  • Nadgee wilderness walk Nadgee wilderness walk is a spectacular 55km walk from Merrica River to Mallacoota, with coastal views. It's great for birdwatching, whale watching and camping.

People of the land

Cape Howe dunes, Nadgee Nature Reserve. Photo: John Ford

The area of the reserve is part of the lands of the Bidawal people and shared with the Dtharwa and Monaroo people. Aboriginal people have a long spiritual and cultural association with the area around Nadgee. Before settlement, they would travel from as far away as Wollongong, Mallacoota and Monaroo to places like Bay Cliff and Greenglade. Middens can be seen around Wonboyn Lake and along the shore.

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  • An eastern ground parrot bird's green and yellow colouring camouflages it amongst grassland. Photo: Lachlan Hall © Lachlan Hall

    Eastern ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus wallicus)

    The eastern ground parrot is a beautiful, ground-dwelling native bird that lives in low heathland habitat along the NSW North and South coasts and escarpments. It’s listed as a vulnerable species in NSW.

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