Shark Bay picnic area
Bundjalung National Park
Overview
Get together for a picnic at the beachside Shark Bay picnic area, near Iluka and Yamba in the southern part of Bundjalung National Park. The beach has low waves and is sheltered and shaded by fringing rainforest.
- Type
- Picnic areas
- Where
- Bundjalung National Park in North Coast
- Accessibility
- Medium
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, snacks, drinking water
- Please note
If you’re swimming, there’s no lifesaving service at this beach. The closest patrolled beach is at Iluka Bluff, about 5mins drive away. Iluka Bluff beach is patrolled only during peak holiday season.
For a family day at the beach, head to Shark Bay picnic area, just 5mins drive from Iluka on the NSW north coast. Sheltered from ocean winds, this quiet and secluded spot is perfect for summer barbecues.
Park right at the picnic area and spread your picnic blanket on the grass, or set up at a nearby picnic table. Relax and enjoy the sounds of butcher birds calling and cicadas humming. It’s easy for parents to see the kids playing safely on the grassy area, shaded and separated from the beach by a fringe of dune-side rainforest.
Bring a ball and bat for a game of cricket on the grass or head to the beach for a swim in Shark Bay’s sparkling blue water. Protected from big ocean waves by a headland and fringing reef, it’s also a lovely spot for some beach fishing.
If you’re not ready to leave, there’s Woody Head just 3mins walk away, with its campsites, cottages and cabins. Base yourself here for local adventures like the Esk River paddle route or 4WD trips on Ten Mile Beach.
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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
Operated by
- Grafton office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6641 1500
- npws.clarence@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Level 4, 49 Victoria Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Park info
- in Bundjalung National Park in the North Coast region
Bundjalung National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
Buy annual pass