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Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    From Macksville:

    • Drive 4km south along Pacific Highway
    • Take the turn-off to Scotts Head
    • At Scotts Head, follow the directions to the boat ramp at Weir Reserve.
    • Continue along South Pacific Drive and South Beach access trail

    Park entry points

    Parking

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

    By public transport

    Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park is not accessible by public transport.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

    Spring

    Go beach walking along ‘Gaagal Wanggaan,' the original Gumbaynggirr name for Forster or South Beach.

    Summer

    Explore the cool retreat of Warrell Creek by kayaking or canoeing, then settle down for a barbecue at Warrell Creek picnic area.

    Winter

    Wander through the coastal forest on dune sand, enjoying the birdlife and wildflower display.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    19°C and 26.7°C

    Highest recorded

    43.3°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    8.3°C and 19.3°C

    Lowest recorded

    -3.2°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    Driest month

    September

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    404.6mm

    Facilities

    Toilets

    Picnic tables

    Barbecue facilities

    Boat ramp

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

    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).

    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.

    Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park

    Contact

    • in the North Coast region
    • Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • More

    Nearby towns

    Macksville (18 km)

    Macksville is a relaxed fishing and oyster-farming town centre of a rich rural district. It's on low-lying land around the Nambucca River.

    www.visitnsw.com

    South West Rocks (50 km)

    South West Rocks is a sleepy coastal retreat at its barefoot best. It's an oceanfront holiday town on north-facing Trial Bay.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Bellingen (64 km)

    Bellingen is a laid-back, tree-lined town with a New Age vibe. It's set in a luxuriant valley beside the Bellinger River.

    www.visitnsw.com

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