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Dawson River walking track

Brimbin Nature Reserve

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Dawson River walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

1.5km loop

Time

45min - 1hr 15min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Gentle hills

Steps

No steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles: The track is 4m wide and mostly hard-packed gravel with some rocky sections.

Other barriers

Gates: There's a locked vehicle swing gate at the northern end of the walking track.

Other barriers: There are 5 bridges at various points along the track:

  • The bridges are 1m wide and don't have handrails.
  • The bridges are all located after the first 50m of the start of the track.

Accessible options

The first 50m of the track on the eastern side of the loop leads towards the river and has a small incline and gentle hills. At the river, there's a flat section of track that overlooks the water.

The surface of the track past this point is uneven and rough. People with reduced mobility may need assistance along of the rest of the track due to the surface and slope. 

Getting there and parking

On entering Brimbin Nature Reserve, begin Dawson River walking track from Brimbin picnic area.

Parking

There are 3 gravel carparks at Brimbin picnic area where this walk begins.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Brimbin Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.

Winter

Keep a close eye out for the flowering fairy light (or helmet) orchid in the forest leaf litter. It's a sparkling white flower with pinkish edges that grows on a short stem.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

17.2°C and 28.6°C

Highest recorded

45.2°C

Winter temperature

Average

6.5°C and 19.1°C

Lowest recorded

-5°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

280.2mm

Facilities

There's a wheelchair accessible non-flush toilet with 2 cubicles at Brimbin picnic area where the walk begins.

Picnic tables

There's a picnic table near the start of the track set on a paved slab.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

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).

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

  • The track is 4m wide and hard-packed gravel along its length. There are some rocky sections.
  • The first 50m of the track on the eastern side of the loop that leads to the river has gentle hills. There's a flat section at the river where you can look out over the water.
  • After the first 50m, the track becomes more sloped, rough and uneven. There 5 bridges without handrails at various points along this section of track.
  • There's a locked vehicle swing gate at the northern end of the track.

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.

Dawson River walking track

Operated by

Park info

  • in Brimbin Nature Reserve in the North Coast region
  • Brimbin Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to flood events, poor weather or fire danger.

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