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The Glade picnic area

Dorrigo National Park

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Visitor info

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

Getting there and parking

The Glade picnic area is in the western precinct of Dorrigo National Park. To get there:

From Armidale:

  • Drive east along the Waterfall Way for approximately 90 minutes
  • Turn left into Dome Road approximately 2km after you pass through Dorrigo
  • Continue past the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre along Lyrebird Lane to the end

From Coffs Harbour:

  • Travel south along the Pacific Highway
  • After crossing the Bellinger River, take the Waterfall Way exit to Dorrigo via Bellingen
  • Turn right at Dome Road and continue for approximately 1.6km to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre
  • Continue past the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre along Lyrebird Lane to the end

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available in a bitumen carpark at The Glade picnic area, at the end of Lyrebird Lane. It includes 1 accessible parking space.

Best times to visit

The weather at Dorrigo National Park can vary from warm to mild to cool, depending on the time of year you visit. The summer months usually have the highest rainfall.

Spring

The rainforest is alive with birdlife - walk the Lyrebird Link for a close up view.

Summer

Escape the summer heat along one of the waterfall tracks and feel the coolness envelope you.

Facilities

  • There is limited water available in this park, so it is a good idea to bring your own supply.
  • The temporary path from the carpark into the picnic area has a gravel surface (a gradient of 1:8 for several metres, then more gently sloping) suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them. 

Toilets

There are accessible non-flush toilets set along the paved path that leads through the picnic area.

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Drinking water

Step-free access

The picnic area is gently sloping and step-free with paved pathways that lead past the picnic tables and to the large picnic shelter.

  • Step-free outdoor pathways

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

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

The Glade picnic area is gently sloped and step-free, with the following accessible facilities:

  • Paved paths that go past the picnic tables, the large picnic shelter and the toilets
  • Accessible non-flush toilets that have a ramp with handrails leading up to the entrance.
  • Accessible picnic tables
  • 1 accessible parking space in the bitumen carpark

Please note: The temporary path from the carpark into the picnic area has a gravel surface (a gradient of 1:8 for several metres, then more gently sloping) suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them.

There are some picnic tables that aren't set along the paved path - you'll need to cross over a short stretch of flat grass to reach them.

Prohibited

Drones

Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.

This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.

Commercial filming and photography

Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.

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.

The Glade picnic area

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Park info

Visitor centre

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