Yarriabini lookout
Yarriabini National Park
Overview
Yarriabini lookout invites visitors to relax and enjoy the magnificent coastal views to the Macleay River estuary and Trial Bay.
- Type
- Lookouts
- Where
- Yarriabini National Park in North Coast
- Accessibility
- Easy
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- There is limited mobile reception in this park
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch
Your visit to the Nambucca region just wouldn’t be complete without a day trip to see the magnificent coastal views from Yarriabini lookout. This detour from Way Way Creek Road drive is a scenic drive up to the summit of Mount Yarrahapinni, lined with patches of orange in late winter when the banksias are in flower.
From the top, the views stretch south-east over lush macadamia farms to the Macleay River estuary and Trial Bay. On a clear day, the coastline near Smoky Cape in Hat Head National Park makes a dramatic backdrop to the towns of South West Rocks and Arakoon.
Watch the sun rise over the distant ocean, then head back to Grassy Head for a refreshing surf. Pack a gourmet lunch and enjoy a relaxing picnic with a view while you marvel at the giant old growth forest nearby or visit nearby The Pines picnic area. The lookout is also a great spot for birdwatching and the kids will love the sight of lyrebirds parading around the area.
Map
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Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/yarriabini-lookout/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Yarriabini National Park in the North Coast region
Yarriabini National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Yarriabini lookout.
Getting there and parking
Yarriabini lookout is in the southern precinct of Yarriabini National Park. To get there:
- From Macksville, follow the Pacific Highway south for approximately 5km
- Turn left into Albert Drive and left right into Rosewood Road
- Continue on Rosewood Road for 5km
- Turn right into Tower Road and follow it to the end.
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Yarriabini lookout can become slippery after heavy rain and some roads have creek crossings.
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- 4WD required in wet weather
Parking
- Parking is available at Yarriabini lookout, including several designated disabled spots.
- Mini-bus parking is available
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Yarriabini National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Take your mountain bike along Way Way Creek Road and feel the refreshing air in the forest.
Spring
Enjoy a scenic drive along Way Way Creek Road, with its bubbling creek crossings and vibrant green forest.
Summer
Enjoy a picnic under the shade and wander through the cool rainforest at The Pines picnic area.
Winter
Admire the colourful banksias in flower along Tower Road as you head up to Yarriabini lookout to see spectacular views of Macleay Valley.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
18°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
41.7°C
Winter temperature
Average
11°C and 19°C
Lowest recorded
4°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
702.6mm
Facilities
- You are encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
- Drinking water is not available in this area, so it's a good idea to bring your own.
Picnic tables
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - easy
This area is fully wheelchair-accessible.
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
Firewood may not be collected from the park.
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.
Learn more
Yarriabini lookout is in Yarriabini National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal culture
Yarriabini, meaning 'koala rolling', is the Aboriginal name for the prominent coastal mountain that dominates the park, also known as Mount Yarrahapinni. The mountain and the surrounding area is part of an important cultural Dreaming story and very significant to the Dunghutti, Ngambaa and Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people. Admire the amazing mosaic artwork at The Pines picnic area and see the important connection Aboriginal people have to the mountains, rivers and forests of this park.
- The Pines picnic area The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.
Birdwatcher's haven
Gazing out from Yarriabini lookout or strolling through the rainforest, you're bound to find an abundance of bird watching opportunities. Listen out for the bubbling "wom-poo" call of the wompoo fruit-dove and look for its multi-coloured plumage among the Bangalow palms at The Pines picnic area or along rainforest creeks. You'll also find several owl species and other types of rainforest pigeons thriving under the rainforest canopy. You might also spot glossy black-cockatoos feeding on casuarina seeds in eastern areas of the park.
- The Pines picnic area The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.
Diverse plantlife
Yarriabini's unique geographical location supports a remarkable blend of different vegetation types. You'll find tall old growth forests on the steeper slopes around Scotts Mountain and around Mount Yarrahapinni. Wander through the lush rainforest near The Pines picnic area and see the ferns, lianas and orchids that are part of this unique ecosystem.
- The Pines picnic area The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.
- Way Way Creek Road drive Winding through the tall rainforest, across creeks, this picturesque car touring route provides an ideal family day trip or a spectacular day cycling through the park.
Education resources (1)
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Coffs Harbour office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6652 0900
- npws.coffscoast@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 4/32 Edgar St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Park info
- in Yarriabini National Park in the North Coast region
Yarriabini National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
What's nearby:
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