Victoria Park picnic area
Victoria Park Nature Reserve
Overview
Take the family to the wheelchair-accessible Victoria Park picnic area for a relaxing barbecue and a walk in the rainforest, near Alstonville.
- Type
- Picnic areas
- Where
- Victoria Park Nature Reserve in North Coast
- Accessibility
- Easy
- What to
bring - Drinking water, cooking water
When it’s time to catch up with friends and family, head to the picturesque Victoria Park picnic area. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of the rainforest in the northern NSW hinterland, only a short drive from Lismore. The adjacent reserve protects one of the last remnants of the original Big Scrub sub-tropical rainforest and makes an excellent backdrop for a relaxing get-together.
Spark up the barbecue or unpack the hamper in the cool shade of the bangalow palms, or if you’re feeling inspired, cook up a feast at the communal galley. The wheelchair facilities ensure this tropical oasis is a perfect spot for elderly people and groups.
After a leisurely picnic, the tranquil Victoria Park boardwalk makes a perfect after-lunch stroll.
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/victoria-park-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 Victoria Park Nature Reserve in the North Coast region
Victoria Park Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about the Victoria Park picnic area.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From the Pacific Highway (north or south):
- Take the Bruxner Highway exit to Lismore/Alstonville
- Take the Alstonville exit
- Head south along Wardell Road
- Turn right into Dalwood Road over the causeway, then turn left into Victoria Park Road.
- Veer right at the ‘Y’ junction and follow the road to Victoria Park Nature Reserve
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available in the carpark on Victoria Road. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Victoria Park Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Summer
Escape the summer heat with a cool stroll along the rainforest boardwalk.
Winter
Avoid the crowds and visit during the cooler months; you might even catch a glimpse of the migratory eastern yellow robin.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
18°C and 29°C
Highest recorded
43°C
Winter temperature
Average
7°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
-3.5
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
August
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
246mm
Facilities
Toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - easy
This area is fully wheelchair accessible.
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
Victoria Park picnic area is in Victoria Park Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Ancient wisdom
Learn about the unique relationship the local Aboriginal people have with the Big Scrub. On a series of informative displays along the boardwalk, discover how the Widjabul people of the Bundjalung nation used rainforest plants for food and medicine. Even the leaves of the strangler fig had a use; as a polish for wooden tools.
Rainforest dwellers
The diverse sub-tropical rainforest found in the reserve is host to a range of wildlife, such as red-legged pademelons, bandicoots, green catbirds and crested hawks. While some of the forest residents are quite shy, the curious eastern yellow robin flitters from tree to tree and takes an active interest in visitors. Look for broken empty shells scattered near a flat rock and the noisy pitta won't be too far away.
- Victoria Park boardwalk The family will enjoy the short and accessible Victoria Park boardwalk, near Lismore, offering wildlife and birdwatching as well as Aboriginal history of the rainforest.
Tree museum
Victoria Park Nature Reserve is one of six reserves that protect the remnants of the original Big Scrub. They are the surviving stands of what was once the largest area of sub-tropical rainforest in Australia, with over 150 species of trees including white booyong, red bean, Morton Bay fig and the extremely rare jointed baloghia. In 1975, plans to double the size of the reserve began, and now you'll be able to see regenerated rainforest as well as some of the original giants that were saved from the axe.
- Victoria Park boardwalk The family will enjoy the short and accessible Victoria Park boardwalk, near Lismore, offering wildlife and birdwatching as well as Aboriginal history of the rainforest.
Young and old
Victoria Park Nature Reserve provides a quality nature experience for everyone, catering for all ages. The boardwalk, designed for prams and wheelchairs, meanders through lush tropical rainforest. With a communal galley, shaded picnic tables and accessible facilities, anyone can relax and enjoy a picnic or barbecue.
- Victoria Park boardwalk The family will enjoy the short and accessible Victoria Park boardwalk, near Lismore, offering wildlife and birdwatching as well as Aboriginal history of the rainforest.
- Victoria Park picnic area Take the family to the wheelchair-accessible Victoria Park picnic area for a relaxing barbecue and a walk in the rainforest, near Alstonville.