Terry Hie Hie picnic area

Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Terry Hie Hie picnic area offers good picnic facilities and an ideal base for exploring the Aboriginal heritage of the area, with interpretative signage.

Type
Picnic areas
Accessibility
Hard
Please note
  • Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.
  • Rainwater is available at the picnic area, however you'll need to treat or boil if before drinking. Alternatively, it’s a good idea to bring your own.
  • There is limited/no mobile reception in this park.

The best place to start any visit to Terry Hie Hie is at its picnic area. Gamilaroi, Kamilaroi, Gamilaraay or Gomeroi People have been using this site for many generations, and today it provides interpretative signage with a good introduction to the remaining Aboriginal sites around the township. It is also the access point for Yana-y Warruwi walking track.

The picnic area is close to a ceremonial corroboree ground, along with a memorial to the local Aboriginal elder, Lou Swan. There are also several carved trees, scarred trees and axe-grinding grooves nearby. This is a terrific spot for a leisurely picnic lunch, with shelter and basic facilities. Remember to be mindful of the cultural significance of the area as you wander and explore.

In spring months, wildflowers like lomandra and dianellas bloom in the area, and a bush tucker garden ripens for harvest. Also, don’t forget a pair of binoculars if birdwatching interests you, as numerous birds can be seen overhead and nesting in surrounding trees.

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/terry-hie-hie-picnic-area/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Terry Hie Hie picnic area.

Getting there and parking

From Narrabri:

  • Head north out of Narrabri along the Newell Highway to Bellata (47 km).
  • Turn right onto Wilga Street (follow the sign for Terry Hie Hie).
  • This road turns into Berrigal Creek Road. Follow this road for 34km and veer left at the Y-intersection with Melburra Road.
  • Terry Hie Hie picnic area is a further 14 km on the left, and just north of Terry Hie Hie village.

From Moree:

  • Head east on the Gwydir Highway out of Moree towards Warialda.
  • Travel 6km and turn right onto the Moree-Terry Hie Hie Road.
  • The Terry Hie Hie picnic area is located approximately 43km from the Gwydir Highway turnoff, on the right, just before the church.

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Bus and car parking is available.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

Safe from the worst of the blazing sun, these months are ideal for a stroll along Yana-y Warruwi walking track, followed by a picnic in the picnic area.

Spring

The wildflowers bloom in spring, along with the bush tucker garden at Terry Hie Hie picnic area.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

17.3°C and 33.1°C

Highest recorded

42.8°C

Winter temperature

Average

3.1°C and 18.3°C

Lowest recorded

-6.9°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

January

Driest month

April

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

170.9mm

Facilities

Amenities

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)
  • Fire rings (bring your own firewood)

Carpark

Drinking water

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).

Accessibility

Disability access level - hard

  • Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty.

Prohibited

Gathering firewood

Firewood is not supplied and may not be collected from the park.

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

Terry Hie Hie picnic area is in Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A living link between generations

Long-term use of Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area is evident with at least 240 axe-grinding grooves and the remains of a corroboree ground which can be found in the area. Credit: Matthew Bester

Traditional Gamilaraay Aboriginal People once used the lands around Terry Hie Hie for significant ceremonial events. The Aboriginal area encompasses a corroboree ground and at least 240 axe-grinding grooves that have been around for generations. European farmers entered the area in the 1830s, but after some early skirmishes, the Aboriginal people remained on for many decades, maintaining a good relationship with John Cory, who ran a cattle station in the area. A campground for the Gamilaraay was established as an Aboriginal Reserve in 1895, but by the 1940s all occupants had left. Today, Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area forms a tangible link between the Gamilaraay ancestors and their living descendants.

A unique partnership

Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area. Photo: Matthew Bester

Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area Co-management Committee was formed in 2008 to work in partnership with NPWS to help guide management of the reserve and encourage connection with country. This committee consists of Aboriginal community members who represent Gamilaraay families with a historical connection to the area.

An endangered ecological community

Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area. Photo: Matthew Bester

Unsurprisingly, bird watching is superb here, so don’t forget to pack a pair of binoculars to try and spot the many unusual species flying around. Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area is home to rich birdlife, including the speckled warbler, little lorikeet, glossy black cockatoo, and masked owl. You might also catch a glimpse of some native wildlife with koalas and wallabies also calling the area home.

Education resources (1)