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Davidson Park picnic area and boat ramp

Garigal National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Davidson Park picnic area and boat ramp.

Getting there and parking

The entrance to the Davidson Park picnic area is located near the Roseville Bridge, Warringah Road, Forestville. To get there:

  • Travel southwest along Warringah Road from Forestville
  • Take the Healey Way exit on the northeast side of the Roseville Bridge

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

  • Parking is available at Davidson Park picnic area. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
  • Bus parking is also available.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Garigal National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Spring

Spot wildflowers turning the undergrowth into a painter's palette along the Cascades trail during late winter and early spring.

Summer

Davidson Park is a popular place for a family picnic or barbecue, so pack up the kids and a tasty lunch to enjoy some time in the great outdoors.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

18°C and 26°C

Highest recorded

44°C

Winter temperature

Average

10°C and 16°C

Lowest recorded

-1.7°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

290mm

Facilities

Amenities

Toilets

  • Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

Gas BBQs only.

Boat ramp

  • A time-controlled water supply is conveniently located near the boat ramp for engine-flushing (a small fee applies).
  • You can launch your motor boat or sail boat at Davidson Park for access to Middle Harbour and Sydney Harbour.
  • The boat ramp allows for several craft to be launched/retrieved at one time and the ample parking area accommodates vehicles with trailers.
  • Two canoe launch ramps are located at Davidson Park. One near the boat ramp parking area, and the other is at the western end of the picnic grounds next to Area 4.
  • The boat ramp is open 24 hours every day of the year.
  • Canoe ramps are also available.

Carpark

Drinking water

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 - easy

  • This area is fully wheelchair-accessible – most of Davidson Park is wheelchair-accessible
  • There is a wheelchair-accessible boat landing pontoon

Prohibited

Balloons, plant materials and animals are not permitted, including:

  • Decorations consisting of flowers or plant materials that contain seeds or vines and exotic plant materials
  • Throwing confetti, rice, petals or streamers
  • Balloons, water balloons or paintball equipment
  • Candles or open flames

Amplifiers and public address systems are not permitted.

Tents, marquees and banners are not permitted. Please do not put up signage or cordon off structures or areas at Strickland Estate.

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

The use of solid fuel barbecues (including wood and charcoal) is prohibited in Garigal National Park.

Gathering firewood

Gathering firewood and the use of heat beads is not permitted.

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.

Davidson Park picnic area and boat ramp Book now

Operated by

Park info

  • in Garigal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Garigal National Park is open 6am to 6.30pm (8pm during daylight savings) but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day applies only at Davidson Park only. Day passes are available from on-park pay machines that accept coins and credit cards, and you can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.

    Bus: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day).

    Daily entry fee exemption for teachers and educational supervisors (1 adult per 10 children) applies only for organised and pre-arranged group bookings.

    Buy annual pass