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Washpools picnic area and viewing platform

Towarri National Park

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Overview

Set beside the tranquil Middle Brook, Washpools picnic area and nearby scenic lookout are ideal for spending a relaxing day of swimming and barbecues with friends and family.

Type
Picnic areas
Accessibility
Medium
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
Please note
  • There is limited mobile reception in this park.
  • Check the weather before you set out as the road to Washpools picnic area and viewing platform has a creek crossing which may become impassable when it rains.

Washpools picnic area and viewing platform are set within river oak forest and box woodland beside the tranquil Middle Brook. Come and enjoy a relaxing barbecue lunch and take in the scenic views across the Upper Hunter. Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for the park’s various birds. When you see a red flash flying through the bushland, is it a king parrot or a crimson rosella?

After lunch, go for an easy walk along the banks of Middle Brook to Washpools waterhole. The kookaburras may start laughing when you strip down for a swim, but don’t shy away. This natural waterhole is a lovely way to cool down. If you stay overnight at Washpools campground, visit the picnic area very early in the day, or leave late and you may see grazing wallabies, kangaroos, or even a wombat.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • A family enjoying the Washpools waterhole along the Middle Brook.  Credit: John Spencer © DPE

    Washpools waterhole

    Only 500m along Middle Brook from Washpools picnic area and viewing platform is the shallow, naturally formed Washpools waterhole — great for a dip on a hot day. 

  • The view of Liverpool Range from Range View lookout at the end of Range View walking track in Towarri National Park. Photo: Scott Munro © DCCEEW

    Range View track

    Take a short, steep hike up Range View track in Towarri National Park, near Scone. You’ll journey past woodlands, caves and towering sandstone walls to the top of an outcrop with impressive views of the Liverpool Range.

  • Campsites at Washpools campground. Credit: John Spencer © DPE

    Washpools campground

    Washpools campground is the place to enjoy a relaxing stay and refreshing dip in Towarri National Park. Situated beside Middle Brook, it’s easily accessed from Middlebrook Road.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

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