Washpools picnic area and viewing platform
Towarri National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about the Washpools picnic area and viewing platform.
Getting there and parking
From Scone:
- From the town centre, drive west on Liverpool Street for 1.5km.
- Turn right at the roundabout onto Middlebrook Road
- Follow Middlebrook for 20.5km until you reach the picnic area entry on your right. Please note: this drive includes 2km of unsealed road.
From the New England Highway:
- Turn west on to Cressfield Road off the New England Highway 12.5km north from Scone
- Drive for 7km then turn right on to Middlebrook Road at the intersection.
- Follow Middlebrook for 4.5km until you reach the picnic area entry on your right. Please note: this drive includes 2km of unsealed road.
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
There's a gravel carpark at Washpools picnic area and viewing platform.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Towarri National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
After the wind down from the hotter months, the temperatures at Washpool are delightful and a great time to visit the park.
Spring
Wildflowers emerge in spring and that gets the birds and bees excited too.
Summer
These hot months are a great time for swimming in Middle Brook and Washpools waterhole.
Winter
Wood fires are allowed in the park during winter, so it's an ideal time to come camping. Pack your billy and your thermals.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
16°C and 30°C
Highest recorded
40.6°C
Winter temperature
Average
2.5°C and 14.5°C
Lowest recorded
-6.5°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
April
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
227.3mm
Facilities
Toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
There are 5 picnic tables and a barbecue shelter at the picnic area, set on concrete slabs and surrounded by grass.
Barbecue facilities
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
Carpark
Step-free access
There is step-free access around this picnic area, but no formal pathways. You'll need to cross over a flat, grassy area to reach the picnic area facilities.
Seats and resting points
There are 3 benches with backrests at the picnic area.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
- There is step-free access around the picnic area, but no formal pathways. You'll need to cross over a flat, grassy area to reach the facilities.
- There's an accessible toilet
- There are accessible picnic tables that are set on concrete slabs and surrounded by grass.
- There are benches with backrests.
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
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.
Operated by
- Scone office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6540 2300
- npws.barringtontops@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 19 Hayes Street, Scone NSW 2337
Park info
- in Towarri National Park in the Country NSW region
Towarri National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger