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Queens Lake picnic area

Queens Lake Nature Reserve

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Queens Lake picnic area .

Getting there and parking

Queens Lake picnic area is in the southern precinct of Queens Lake Nature Reserve. To get there:

From Ocean Drive

  • From the townships of Lake Cathie or Bonny Hills, turn onto Bonny View Drive
  • Turn left onto Jolley Nose Drive, then right onto Corama Place.
  • Turn left onto Waterloo Creek Road
  • Continue to Queens Lake Road, turn left, and continue to the picnic area.

From Pacific Highway

  • Turn off the highway onto Bobs Creek Ro ad just north of Herons Creek
  • Continue for 4km, veer right onto Waterloo Creek Road, and drive for 1km.
  • Turn right onto Queens Lake Road and continue to the picnic area

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Queens Lake picnic area can become boggy when it rains.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)

Weather restrictions

  • Dry weather only

Parking

Parking is available at Queens Lake picnic area.

Best times to visit

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

Spring

Take advantage of the milder weather and go windsurfing on the lake. Or, if you prefer to stay on land, explore the reserve on foot and enjoy a spot of birdwatching along the way.

Summer

It's an ideal time to use the reserve's riverside location to enjoy swimming, fishing, paddling and boating.

Winter

Use the cooler months as an opportunity to get yourself active and go cycling through the reserve. You might even spot some wildlife as you're riding along.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

15°C and 29°C

Highest recorded

43°C

Winter temperature

Average

7°C and 20°C

Lowest recorded

-3°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

February

Driest month

August

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

165mm

Facilities

  • Please note there are no toilet facilities in this picnic area.
  • Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it's a good idea to bring your own.

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)

Boat ramp

Carpark

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Boating safety

If you're out on your boat fishing, waterskiing or just cruising the waterways, read these paddling and boating safety tips.

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.

Fishing safety

Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

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).

Paddling safety

To make your paddling or kayaking adventure safer and more enjoyable, check out these paddling safety tips.

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.

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.

Queens Lake picnic area

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