Back to previous page
Print factsheet

Cudgen Lake

Cudgen Nature Reserve

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Cudgen Lake.

Getting there and parking

Cudgen Lake is in the central precinct of Cudgen Nature Reserve. It can be accessed via Cudgen Lake picnic area.

To get there:

  • Follow the directions towards Cabarita Beach/Bogangar
  • If driving south on Tweed Coast Road, turn right into Tamarind Avenue and follow into Willow Avenue, which continues to the picnic area and boat ramp.
  • If driving east on Clothiers Creek Road, turn left into Poplar Avenue then left again into Tamarind Avenue and follow into Willow Avenue, which continues to the picnic area and boat ramp.

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available in an asphalt carpark at the end of Willow Avenue, including 1 designated accessible parking spot. Bus parking is available.

Best times to visit

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

Autumn

Venture off to explore the lake in your kayak or canoe and paddle along Cudgen Creek.

Spring

Enjoy a peaceful picnic at Cudgen picnic area, with spectacular views across the lake to Wollumbin.

Summer

Escape the holiday crowds and have fun swimming, sailing and paddling on Cudgen Lake.

Winter

Enjoy birdwatching on the lake and watch for migratory birds.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

18°C and 30°C

Highest recorded

42.9°C

Winter temperature

Average

8°C and 22°C

Lowest recorded

-1.4°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

February

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

820.4mm

Facilities

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Boat ramp

Carpark

Step-free access

The picnic area next to the lake is flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over flat grass to get from the carpark to the facilities.

There's step-free access through the carpark to the boat ramp and lake.

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.

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.

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

  • The picnic area next to Cudgen Lake is flat and step-free. There's also step-free access through the carpark to the boat ramp and lake.
  • There are no pathways at the picnic area – you'll need to cross over flat grass to reach the 3 picnic tables by the river. 
  • The asphalt carpark at the end of Willow Avenue has 1 accessible parking space.

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.

Cudgen Lake

Operated by

Park info