The Pines picnic area

Yarriabini National Park

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Overview

The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.

Type
Picnic areas
Accessibility
Medium
Opening times

The Pines picnic area is open from sunrise to sunset.

What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
Please note
  • There is limited mobile reception in this park
  • Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch

Set beneath a beautiful backdrop of tall hoop pine forest, The Pines picnic area offers a tranquil retreat and a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Located along Way Way Creek Road drive, the picnic area is perfect for cooking up a storm on the free barbecues, spread a picnic blanket, lie back and listen to the sounds of the rainforest drift over you.

Stroll along the short 300m rainforest walking track and let the kids discover the incredible natural world under its canopy. You’ll find a diversity of plant life and enjoy watching the colourful array of birdlife. Listen out for the bubbling "wom-poo" call of the wompoo fruit dove and look for its multi-coloured plumage amongst the Bangalow palms.

Admire the striking Aboriginal artwork, designed and created by local Aboriginal artists with the assistance of a mosaic artist. This unique sculpture highlights the spiritual importance of this area for local Aboriginal culture. Nearby Yarriabini lookout offers stunning regional views.

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/the-pines-picnic-area/local-alerts

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

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

Getting there and parking

The Pines picnic area is in the central precinct of Yarriabini National Park. To get there:

  • From Macksville, follow the Pacific Highway south for approximately 5km
  • Turn right onto Scotts Head Road and follow for approximately 5km
  • Turn right into Way Way Creek Road and continue until you reach the picnic area

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

  • Parking is available in a roadbase carpark at The Pines picnic area, including 1 accessible parking spot.
  • Mini-bus parking is available.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Yarriabini National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

Take your mountain bike along Way Way Creek Road and feel the refreshing air in the forest.

Spring

Enjoy a scenic drive along Way Way Creek Road, with its bubbling creek crossings and vibrant green forest.

Summer

Enjoy a picnic under the shade and wander through the cool rainforest at The Pines picnic area.

Winter

Admire the colourful banksias in flower along Tower Road as you head up to Yarriabini lookout to see spectacular views of Macleay Valley.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

18°C and 27°C

Highest recorded

41.7°C

Winter temperature

Average

11°C and 19°C

Lowest recorded

4°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

702.6mm

Facilities

You'll need to bring your own drinking water.

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)
  • Wood barbecues (firewood supplied)
  • Fire rings (firewood supplied)

Carpark

Step-free access

The picnic area is flat and step-free, with a single roadbase path that runs through the middle from the carpark to the toilets.

You'll need to cross over hard-packed ground and grass to reach the rest of the facilities.

  • Step-free outdoor pathways

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

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).

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

The Pines picnic area is flat and step-free with the following accessible facilities:

  • 1 accessible parking space in the roadbase carpark
  • Accessible non-flush toilets set at the end of a roadbase path. The toilets have a ramp leading to the entrance.

The path that leads to the toilets is the only pathway at the picnic area. You'll need to cross over hard-packed ground and grass to reach the picnic tables, shelters and barbecues.

Prohibited

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Gathering firewood

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

The Pines picnic area is in Yarriabini National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Aboriginal culture

Aboriginal culture tribute, Yarriabini National Park. Photo: G Wallace

Yarriabini, meaning 'koala rolling', is the Aboriginal name for the prominent coastal mountain that dominates the park, also known as Mount Yarrahapinni. The mountain and the surrounding area is part of an important cultural Dreaming story and very significant to the Dunghutti, Ngambaa and Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people. Admire the amazing mosaic artwork at The Pines picnic area and see the important connection Aboriginal people have to the mountains, rivers and forests of this park.

  • The Pines picnic area The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.

Birdwatcher's haven

Beach and ocean coastline in Yarriabini National Park. Photo: Shane Ruming

Gazing out from Yarriabini lookout or strolling through the rainforest, you're bound to find an abundance of bird watching opportunities. Listen out for the bubbling  "wom-poo" call of the wompoo fruit-dove and look for its multi-coloured plumage among the Bangalow palms at The Pines picnic area or along rainforest creeks. You'll also find several owl species and other types of rainforest pigeons thriving under the rainforest canopy. You might also spot glossy black-cockatoos feeding on casuarina seeds in eastern areas of the park.

  • The Pines picnic area The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.

Diverse plantlife

Beach and rocky headland in Yarriabini National Park. Photo: Shane Ruming

Yarriabini's unique geographical location supports a remarkable blend of different vegetation types. You'll find tall old growth forests on the steeper slopes around Scotts Mountain and around Mount Yarrahapinni. Wander through the lush rainforest near The Pines picnic area and see the ferns, lianas and orchids that are part of this unique ecosystem.

  • The Pines picnic area The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.
  • Way Way Creek Road drive Winding through the tall rainforest, across creeks, this picturesque car touring route provides an ideal family day trip or a spectacular day cycling through the park.

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