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Sportsmans Creek canoe trail

Everlasting Swamp National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Sportsmans Creek canoe trail.

Getting there and parking

Sportsmans Creek canoe trail is in Everlasting Swamp National Park. To get there from Grafton:

  • Drive 20km north-east on Lawrence Road.
  • Veer left onto Weir Road on the bridge across Sportsmans Creek.
  • Continue on Weir Road for 4.5km to the park entrance.
  • As you reach the end of the sealed road, drive past 4 gates and follow the creek edge to the park entrance.
  • The canoe route launch point is at the carpark, just inside the park boundary.

Road quality

  • Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Parking

Parking is available. Use the carpark at the park’s Weir Road entrance. This gravel carpark has space for 5 vehicles.

Best times to visit

In Everlasting Swamp National Park there are always new things and places to explore as the wetland changes with the seasons. Here are some highlights.

Autumn

This is high season for twitchers. Bring your binoculars for a good look at black-necked storks in their nests and other wading birds. See large migrating flocks pass through, especially in wetter years. It’s your last chance to fish for bass as the season ends on 30 April.

Spring

It’s a great time to see black swans with their cygnets and if you’re lucky, pairs of brolgas or jabiru guiding their young. If you’re coming for a paddle, bring your rod and reel because bass season opens on 1 September.

Summer

As summer rains fill the wetland, it truly comes alive and frogs begin to breed. Now's the time to fish and explore new areas of the park by kayak or canoe. Come prepared because there’s not a lot of shade in this park.

Winter

The wetland dries and birdlife retreats to patches of still-deep water. Come in mid-August to witness brolgas bob and leap in flamboyant courtship dances—a must-see. Cool, sunny days are perfect to explore Everlasting Swamp by bike and canoe down Sportsmans Creek.

Facilities

There are no facilities and no drinking water in Everlasting Swamp National Park. Please bring plenty of water with you.

Carpark

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Camping safety

Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

Cycling safety

Hundreds of cyclists head to our national parks for fun and adventure. If you're riding your bike through a national park, read these mountain biking and cycling safety tips.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

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 - hard

  • Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty.
  • The canoe launch site is located 25m from the Weir Road carpark.
  • From the carpark you can access the canoe launch site with assistance or if you have a wheelchair with inflatable tyres, a TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair, or a beach wheelchair.

Permitted

Camping

Please note there are no campgrounds in this park.

Gathering firewood

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

Prohibited

Gathering firewood

Generators

Horses

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.

Map of Sportsmans Creek canoe trail. Image: OEH

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