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Boarding House Dam picnic area

Watagans National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Boarding House Dam picnic area.

Getting there and parking

Boarding House Dam picnic area is in the Boarding House Dam precinct of Watagans National Park. To get there:

  • Take Cessnock (Freemans Waterhole) exit off the F3
  • Turn right into Freemans Drive then right onto Mount Faulk Road (unsealed after 3kms)
  • Turn left into Watagan Forest Drive
  • Turn right into Boarding House Dam Road
  • The picnic area is at the end of the road

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out, as the road to Boarding House Dam can become slippery when it rains. Prolonged wet weather may cause temporary road closures.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

Limited parking is available on Boarding House Dam Road. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Watagans National Park.

Spring

Camp at Gap Creek or Bangalow campground and enjoy a campfire as the sun sets.

Summer

Cooling off at Boarding House Dam is especially popular during summer months Enjoy the moist and cool Circuit walking track .

Winter

Late winter sees the bloom of Illawara flame trees which can be seen across the valley from Gap Creek lookout Check out the views from the various lookouts, while the air is crisp and clean .

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

16°C and 30°C

Highest recorded

44°C

Winter temperature

Average

5°C and 16°C

Lowest recorded

-6.7°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

December

Driest month

July

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

91.4mm

Facilities

Drinking water is not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

This park is in a remote location, so please ensure you’re well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.

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.

The walking opportunities in this park are suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking.

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.
  • Accessible toilets and picnic tables next to the car park

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.

Boarding House Dam picnic area

Park info

  • in Watagans National Park in the North Coast region

  • Watagans National Park is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather, roads closures or high fire danger.