Canoe Evans River paddle route

Bundjalung National Park

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Overview

Try this paddle route along the Evans River in Bundjalung National Park on the north coast for fabulous wildlife and birdwatching.

Distance
8km one-way
Time suggested
3hrs
Grade
Medium
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Please note
  • You can launch your canoe from Gummigurrah picnic area
  • Check the weather before you set out as Evans River paddle route can be affected by floods when it rains
  • You'll find toilet facilities in Evans Head; there are no toilet facilities at Gummigurrah picnic area
  • It’s a good idea to take insect repellent with you

If you want a water based adventure without getting your feet too wet, it could be hard to pass up the chance to paddle up the Evans River at the northern tip of Bundjalung National Park. Here, the river, ocean and rainforest meet in a festival for the senses.

Paddling upstream from Gummigurrah picnic area, the outside world will melt away as you pass river islands, mangroves, rainforest as well as heathland and coastal banksia. A birdwatching paradise, listen for the distinct call of the eastern whip-bird and the toy trumpet like call of the rare barred cuckoo shrike. You might glimpse shorebirds such as the white faced heron or pied oystercatcher.

At dawn and dusk, eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and swamp wallabies often come out to feed. Scour the tops of nearby trees and there could be a sleeping koala or two.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

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/canoeing-paddling-experiences/canoe-evans-river-paddle-route/local-alerts

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Canoe Evans River paddle route.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Canoe Evans River paddle route is in the Evans Head precinct of Bundjalung National Park. To get there:

    • From Evans Head, head south along Woodburn Street
    • Take Elm Street across the Evans River
    • Take the first right into Bundjalung Road and continue to Gummigurrah picnic area.

    Parking

    Parking is available at Gummigurrah picnic area.

    Best times to visit

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

    Spring

    Head to Iluka Bluff for a spectacular coastal view of the park, beaches and the mouth of the river – keep your eyes peeled for whales on their return migration.

    Winter

    Escape to the wintersun for a family camping holiday, it should still be warm enough for a swim so remember to bring your cozzie.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    20°C and 26°C

    Highest recorded

    42.5°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    12°C and 21°C

    Lowest recorded

    2.7°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    Between January and March

    Driest month

    Between August and October

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    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.

    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

    Canoe Evans River paddle route is in Bundjalung National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    An ancient landscape

    Gummigurrah walking track, Bundjalung National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary/Seen Australia

    At Bundjalung National Park you can visit Gummigurrah, an area that was used as a winter camping ground by the Bandjalung People. This park is one of a group where the Bandjalang People's native title rights have been recognised and is only the third determination of native title rights in New South Wales. Native title rights come from the Bandjalang People's traditional laws and customs and legally recognise the Bandjalang People's connection to Country. This means that these lands will continue to be places of ceremony, learning and inspiration for generations to come.

    Meet the locals

    Silver banksia (Banksia marginata), Bundjalung National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary/Seen Australia

    The varied habitat of Bundjalung National Park is home to over 140 species of fauna. Wake to the morning melodies of eastern whip-birds, bower birds and the rare barred cuckoo-shrike. At dawn and dusk, you might find eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and swamp wallabies congregating around your campsites. Scour the tops of nearby trees and you might also catch a glimpse of a sleeping koala or two.

    • Iluka Bluff lookout Stay as long as you like to enjoy the views at Iluka Bluff lookout, near Yamba. Not only is it an excellent whale watching spot, it’s also a great place to picnic.
    • Jerusalem Creek walk Keep your eyes peeled for birds nesting along the creek along the Jerusalem Creek walk. Enjoy the hike as a day walk or shorter walk and finish up with a picnic lunch.

    Water world

    Black Rocks campground, Bundjalung National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary/Seen Australia

    Bundjalung protects a variety of environments that feature water, including beaches, rivers, wetlands and lagoons. You'll find different types of plants, animals and birds in each one; look for coast banksia, coast she-oak and coastal wattle on the dunes that back onto the beach. Immerse yourself in this world by canoeing the waterways, rambling in the rock pools and swimming in the ocean.

    Plants and animals protected in this park

    Animals

    • White-bellied sea eagle. Photo: John Turbill

      White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

      White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.

    • An eastern ground parrot bird's green and yellow colouring camouflages it amongst grassland. Photo: Lachlan Hall © Lachlan Hall

      Eastern ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus wallicus)

      The eastern ground parrot is a beautiful, ground-dwelling native bird that lives in low heathland habitat along the NSW North and South coasts and escarpments. It’s listed as a vulnerable species in NSW.

    • Peron's tree frog. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

      Peron's tree frog (Litoria peroni)

      Peron’s tree frog is found right across NSW. These tree-climbing and ground-dwelling Australian animals can quickly change colour, ranging from pale green-grey by day, to a reddish brown with emerald green flecks at night. The male frog has a drill-like call, which has been described as a 'maniacal cackle’.

    • Emu, Paroo Darling National Park. Photo: John Spencer

      Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

      The largest of Australian birds, the emu stands up to 2m high and is the second largest bird in the world, after the ostrich. Emus live in pairs or family groups. The male emu incubates and rears the young, which will stay with the adult emus for up to 2 years.

    • Koala. Photo: Lucy Morrell

      Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

      One of the most renowned Australian animals, the tree-dwelling marsupial koala can be found in gum tree forests and woodlands across eastern NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as in isolated regions in South Australia. With a vice-like grip, this perhaps most iconic but endangered Australian animal lives in tall eucalypts within a home range of several hectares.

    • Lace monitor, Daleys Point walking track, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

      Lace monitor (Varanus varius)

      One of Australia’s largest lizards, the carnivorous tree-dwelling lace monitor, or tree goanna, can grow to 2m in length and is found in forests and coastal tablelands across eastern Australia. These Australian animals are typically dark blue in colour with whitish spots or blotches.

    • Profile view of a grey-headed flying-fox flying past eucalupt trees. Photo: Shane Ruming © Shane Ruming

      Grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)

      The grey-headed flying fox is Australia's largest native bat, with a wingspan up to 1m. This threatened species travels up and down south-eastern Australia and plays a vital role in pollinating plants and spreading seeds in our native forests.

    • Five pelicans stand at the beach shore in Bundjalung National Park as the sun rises. Photo: Nick Cubbin © DPE

      Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

      The curious pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird and has the longest bill of any bird in the world. These Australian birds are found throughout Australian waterways and the pelican uses its throat pouch to trawl for fish. Pelicans breed all year round, congregating in large colonies on secluded beaches and islands.

    Environments in this park

    Education resources (1)