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.
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/shark-bay-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 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.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about the Shark Bay picnic area.
Getting there and parking
Shark Bay picnic area is in the Iluka area of Bundjalung National Park. To get there:
- From Pacific Highway take the Iluka Road turnoff and follow for 11.8km
- Turn left into Shark Bay picnic area, 50m past the Shark Bay 4WD access.
- Drive 200m to the carpark bays next to the picnic area
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available 20m from the picnic area in small parking bays on Shark Bay Road.
By bike
Bike access is available.
Facilities
Toilets
The non-flush toilet at this picnic area is an ambulant toilet.
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
Carpark
Step-free access
The picnic area is flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over flat grass to reach the facilities.
From the picnic area, there's a sandy track that leads to the beach. It's step-free, but people with reduced mobility may need assistance to get across the soft surface.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
- This picnic area is mostly flat grass over compacted sand and there are no pathways. People with reduced mobility may need assistance to cross these surfaces to reach the facilities.
- There's an ambulant non-flush toilet.
- An Easyrider large-wheel wheelchair is available for free from nearby Woody Head campground.
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Camping
Gathering firewood
Generators
Horses
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
Shark Bay picnic area is in Bundjalung National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
An ancient landscape
At Bundjalung National Park you can visit Gummigurrah, an area that was used as a winter camping ground by the Bandjalung People. This park is one of a group where the Bandjalang People's native title rights have been recognised and is only the third determination of native title rights in New South Wales. Native title rights come from the Bandjalang People's traditional laws and customs and legally recognise the Bandjalang People's connection to Country. This means that these lands will continue to be places of ceremony, learning and inspiration for generations to come.
Meet the locals
The varied habitat of Bundjalung National Park is home to over 140 species of fauna. Wake to the morning melodies of eastern whip-birds, bower birds and the rare barred cuckoo-shrike. At dawn and dusk, you might find eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and swamp wallabies congregating around your campsites. Scour the tops of nearby trees and you might also catch a glimpse of a sleeping koala or two.
- Iluka Bluff lookout Stay as long as you like to enjoy the views at Iluka Bluff lookout, near Yamba. Not only is it an excellent whale watching spot, it’s also a great place to picnic.
- Jerusalem Creek walk Keep your eyes peeled for birds nesting along the creek along the Jerusalem Creek walk. Enjoy the hike as a day walk or shorter walk and finish up with a picnic lunch.
Water world
Bundjalung protects a variety of environments that feature water, including beaches, rivers, wetlands and lagoons. You'll find different types of plants, animals and birds in each one; look for coast banksia, coast she-oak and coastal wattle on the dunes that back onto the beach. Immerse yourself in this world by canoeing the waterways, rambling in the rock pools and swimming in the ocean.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.
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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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Peron's tree frog (Litoria peroni)
Peron’s tree frog is found right across NSW. These tree-climbing and ground-dwelling Australian animals can quickly change colour, ranging from pale green-grey by day, to a reddish brown with emerald green flecks at night. The male frog has a drill-like call, which has been described as a 'maniacal cackle’.
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Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
The largest of Australian birds, the emu stands up to 2m high and is the second largest bird in the world, after the ostrich. Emus live in pairs or family groups. The male emu incubates and rears the young, which will stay with the adult emus for up to 2 years.
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Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
One of the most renowned Australian animals, the tree-dwelling marsupial koala can be found in gum tree forests and woodlands across eastern NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as in isolated regions in South Australia. With a vice-like grip, this perhaps most iconic but endangered Australian animal lives in tall eucalypts within a home range of several hectares.
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Lace monitor (Varanus varius)
One of Australia’s largest lizards, the carnivorous tree-dwelling lace monitor, or tree goanna, can grow to 2m in length and is found in forests and coastal tablelands across eastern Australia. These Australian animals are typically dark blue in colour with whitish spots or blotches.
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Grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)
The grey-headed flying fox is Australia's largest native bat, with a wingspan up to 1m. This threatened species travels up and down south-eastern Australia and plays a vital role in pollinating plants and spreading seeds in our native forests.
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Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)
The curious pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird and has the longest bill of any bird in the world. These Australian birds are found throughout Australian waterways and the pelican uses its throat pouch to trawl for fish. Pelicans breed all year round, congregating in large colonies on secluded beaches and islands.