Pine Creek paddle route
Bongil Bongil National Park
Overview
Adventurous canoeists, kayakers, and stand-up paddle boarders will enjoy this downstream route along pristine Pine Creek, a wildlife haven in Bongil Bongil National Park, near Coffs Harbour.
- Where
- Bongil Bongil National Park in North Coast
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 10km one-way
- Time suggested
- 3-4 hr
- Grade
- Medium. Recommended for fit, experienced, self-reliant paddlers.
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, snacks, drinking water, suitable clothing, first aid kit, personal locator beacon
- Please note
- This is a challenging route recommended for experienced, self-reliant paddlers.
- It’s best to paddle at high tide on the outgoing tide, to avoid obstacles like fallen tree branches.
- Depending on water levels, you may need to carry your canoe over obstacles like tree branches at the start of this route.
- You’ll need to arrange a pickup or car shuffle if you plan to paddle one-way.
Canoe, kayak or stand up paddle peaceful Pine Creek in Bongil Bongil National Park. Launch at high tide from the riverbank at the end of Burma Road (4WD access only), and immerse yourself in nature as you glide downstream to meet Bonville Creek, at Sawtell.
This important coastal estuary is a haven for rare plants and animals. Drift through swampy casuarina and paperbark forest, including hoop pines which give the creek its name, adorned with staghorn and elkhorn ferns. From March to May, keep an eye out for endangered black grass-dart butterflies which feed on another endangered species, Floyd's grass.
As you paddle downstream past swamp oak and tall riverbank eucalypt forest, look for sleepy koalas nestled in the branches of tallowwoods. Before long, you'll find yourself among pockets of salt marsh, home to waterbirds and waders.
Your Pine Creek paddle ends at the Bonville Creek boat ramp, off Lyons Road at Sawtell. You’ll need to organise a pickup or car shuffle. If you still have energy, you can paddle upstream along Bonville Creek to Bongil picnic area, where you can enjoy a picnic, fishing, or a more family-friendly paddle along Bonville Creek.
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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 Bongil Bongil National Park in the North Coast region
Bongil Bongil 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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