Cedar Park picnic area
Ngambaa Nature Reserve
Overview
Cedar Park picnic area offers an ideal base for exploring Ngambaa Nature Reserve, with picnic facilities and a walking track close to Kempsey.
- Type
- Picnic areas
- Where
- Ngambaa Nature Reserve in North Coast
- Accessibility
- Easy
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching.
Cedar Park picnic area sits on the banks of Stockyard Creek, and takes its name from a stand of red cedars which provide plentiful shade and the tranquil setting for a long picnic or lunch. Particularly in summer, when temperatures soar, this quiet picnic area serves as an ideal respite in the heart of the reserve, with cool running water to bathe the feet in and an orchestra of native birds providing the soundtrack. Rainforest pigeons call from the trees, whilst noisy pittas and lyrebirds forage in the undergrowth, making it great for birdwatching.
Bring a packed lunch to take advantage of wood barbecues and picnic tables in two open areas, then put on some sturdy shoes for an easy walk. An information display explains the history and significance of Ngambaa, and a trailhead leads onto an easy walking track through surrounding forest, with plenty of places to settle down and enjoy a picnic.
Cedar Park picnic area is mostly visited by people from the local area, so you’re likely to have a great deal of privacy and space. It also acts as a great base to get your bearings before delving deeper into Ngambaa Nature Reserve.
Map
Map legend
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/picnic-areas/cedar-park-picnic-area/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 Ngambaa Nature Reserve in the North Coast region
Ngambaa Nature Reserve 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 the Cedar Park picnic area.
Getting there and parking
Cedar Park picnic area is in the southern precinct of Ngambaa Nature Reserve. To get there:
- From Kempsey, following the Pacific Highway north for approximately 25km
- Turn left onto Old Pacific Highway, look for the signs for Eungai Creek.
- Turn left onto Main Street
- Continue onto Little Tamban Road which becomes Tamban Road
- Turn right into Elliotts Road and continue to Searles Road
- Turn right at Searles Road, then right again at Stockyard Creek Road and follow for approximately 1.3km.
- Turn left into Jacks Road, the picnic area is 1km further on the left.
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- 4WD required in wet weather
Parking
Parking is available at Cedar Park picnic area.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Ngambaa Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Take binoculars in the short walk from Cedar Park picnic area, keeping your eyes open for native birds and koalas.
Spring
Take a scenic drive through the reserve, keeping an eye out for wildflowers.
Summer
Have a barbecue at Cedar Park picnic area, cooling your feet in Stockyard Creek.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
17.4°C and 28.8°C
Highest recorded
43°C
Winter temperature
Average
6.3°C and 20.3°C
Lowest recorded
-1.8°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
February and March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
314.5mm
Facilities
- Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
- You’re encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
Amenities
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Wood barbecues (firewood supplied)
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - easy
- The picnic facilities, toilet, and first 80m of the track are wheelchair accessible.
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.
Learn more
Cedar Park picnic area is in Ngambaa Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Rich Aboriginal culture
Local Aboriginal People have a significant cultural connection to sites in and around Nambucca Valley, and several parks and reserves have been named in recognition of this vital heritage. Ngambaa (pronounced 'num-bar'), means 'tribe that lived between nations', and is located on the boundary between the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti language groups. Historically, Aboriginal People found sustenance in the area and used it for ritual purposes; it continues to play an important role in the communities today. 'Our Aboriginal cultural heritage is alive and strong', say Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal Elders.
Rolling coastal rainforest
Ngambaa's coastal foothills include large areas of old-growth grey gum and spotted gum forest of significant conservation value. Not only does it have one of the highest ironbark diversities on record, it also provides forest connectivity from the coast to the hinterland to the escarpment. This is crucial for local wildlife.
Some powerful residents
One example is the powerful owl, Australia's largest owl and an elusive predator. Ngambaa offers crucial habitat for these birds - they can survive only where large areas of forest provide nest sites and an extensive hunting range filled with possums and gliders. One breeding pair can command up to 1,000ha, which makes them very difficult to spot. Nevertheless, bring your camera just in case.
- Cedar Park picnic area Cedar Park picnic area offers an ideal base for exploring Ngambaa Nature Reserve, with picnic facilities and a walking track close to Kempsey.