Crowdy Gap walking track
Crowdy Bay National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Crowdy Gap walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
0.8km return
Time
15 - 45min
Quality of markings
Sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Steps
No steps
Gradient
Flat: The walk is mostly flat before a short steep pinch at the end to get over a sand dune. The track then descends steeply onto the beach.
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles: The track is 2m-wide and grass for roughly half its length. It then becomes fibre-reinforced plastic for a short stretch before turning into hard-packed ground until it reaches the beach.
At the beach, the track is board and chain.
Other barriers
Pinch points: After passing the cultural learning area, the track narrows due to natural features as it heads towards the beach.
Other barriers: After passing the cultural learning area, the track has lots of exposed tree roots. It then climbs a sand dune before descending onto a beach.
Accessible options
The 100m section of track from Crowdy Gap campground, where the walk starts, to the cultural learning area is accessible.
Getting there and parking
Crowdy Gap walking track starts at Crowdy Gap campground in the southern precinct of Crowdy Bay National Park. To get there:
- Via Harrington, drive along Crowdy Head Road and Crowdy Bay Road.
- Via Moorland, drive along Coralville Road and Crowdy Bay Road.
- Via Laurieton, drive along Diamond Head Road, Coralville Road and Crowdy Bay Road.
Parking
Parking is available in 2 small gravel carparks at Crowdy Gap campground, where this walk begins.
Best times to visit
Crowdy Bay National Park generally enjoys a warm subtropical climate. However outside of winter the temperature can reach above 30C, so be sure to carry sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water. Drinking water is not available within the park. Winter days and nights can be cool to cold, particularly in exposed areas of the park.
Spring
Wildflowers paint the dunes and heath in spectacular colour during spring.
Summer
Swimming, boating and fishing – enjoy the delights of Crowdy Bay's magnificent beaches Look out for the festive Christmas Bell blooms.
Winter
Remember your binoculars and camera to experience the sight of migrating whales.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
19°C and 25°C
Highest recorded
43.3°C
Winter temperature
Average
10°C and 19°C
Lowest recorded
-1.7°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
February and March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
310mm
Facilities
There's an accessible non-flush toilet and an accessible cold-water outdoor shower at Crowdy Gap campground, where this walk begins.
Picnic tables
There's a picnic shelter at the cultural learning area, around 100m along the walk.
Seats and resting points
There are 5 bench seats at the cultural learning area, around 100m along the walk.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
Crowdy Gap walking track is mostly flat and step-free. There's a 100m accessible section that goes from the Crowdy Gap campground, where this walk begins, to the cultural learning area.
After this point, people with reduced mobility may need assistance:
- The track narrows due to natural features
- There are many exposed tree roots
- The track climbs a sand dune, at which point there's a short, steep incline.
- After the sand dune, the walk descends steeply onto a beach.
The cultural learning area has bench seats and a picnic shelter where you can rest.
There are accessible toilets and an accessible cold-water outdoor shower at Crowdy Gap campground.
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
- Port Macquarie office
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6588 5555 for general enquiries only, no bookings.
- npws.hastingsmacleay@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 22 Blackbutt Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Park info
- in Crowdy Bay National Park in the North Coast region
Crowdy Bay National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
Buy annual pass