Overview
The views are fantastic along this 70km scenic drive. Stop for a swim, picnic or camp overnight at one of the remote, picturesque spots provided by the river.
- Where
- Nymboi-Binderay National Park
- Accessibility
- Medium
- Distance
- 70km one-way
- Time suggested
- 2hrs
- Price
- Free
- Opening times
Chaelundi National Park is always open, except if the park is closed due to fire danger.
- Please note
- There is limited mobile phone reception in this park
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch
Shannon Creek forest drive is a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the rugged scenery in a remote forested area west of Nymboida. The 70km stretch heads through the eastern section of Chaelundi National Park. Be sure to bring binoculars – you’ll spot kangaroos, wallabies and the odd shy koala if you’re lucky.
The road winds around forested hills with spotted gum, ironbark and an understorey of rainforest in patches, lending rich colours to the protected gullies. There are also steep valleys and rocky outcrops - perfect for a self-reliant expedition by 4WD.
A small picnic area on Shannon Creek Road provides a great base for recreation opportunities.
There’s plenty of space for bush camping and picnicking, walking and bike trails, fishing, photography and opportunities to appreciate nature. Picnic and camping areas are also offered in nearby Guy Fawkes River National Park.
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/driving-routes/shannon-creek-forest-drive/local-alerts
Park info
- in Nymboi-Binderay National Park in the North Coast region
Nymboi-Binderay National Park 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 Shannon Creek forest drive.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Starting at Tyringham General Store (last fuel):
- Drive north along Armidale-Grafton Road to Clouds Creek
- Take the left-hand turn-off onto Tallowwood Road (signposted)
- Tallowwood Road meets Ellis Road, continue along Ellis Road.
- Turn right onto Sheas Nob Road, then take Link Road to Joebills Road.
- Return back along Joebills Road and Shannon Creek Road and pass the intersection with Boundary Creek forest drive on your right
- Shannon Creek Road joins Boundary Creek Forest Road
- Turn right at T-intersection and after 1km, meet Armidale-Grafton Road south of Nymboida village.
Starting at the Nymboida Coaching Station (no fuel):
- Drive south along Armidale-Grafton Road
- Turn right onto Boundary Creek forest drive
- Turn left to continue along Boundary Creek forest drive
- Turn right onto Shannon Creek Road.
- Turn left off Shannon Creek Road onto Joebills Road
- Turn right onto Boundary Creek Forest Road
- Go through gate and turn right onto Link Road
- Turn right onto Sheas Nob Road, views into Chandlers Creek gorge on your right.
- Take Ellis Road and Tallowwood Road to return to Armidale-Grafton Road
Park entry points
- Shannon Creek access See on map
Parking
Parking is available at Shannon Creek picnic area.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Chaelundi National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Photography of forest and cycads fruiting.
Spring
Wilderness bushwalking along Chandler Creek gorge.
Summer
Remote camping, fishing and swimming in Chandler Creek.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
28°C and 30°C
Highest recorded
43.8°C
Winter temperature
Average
21°C and 24°C
Lowest recorded
-2.2°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
February
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
274.3mm
Facilities
- You are encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
- Drinking water is not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
- Assistance may be required to access this area
- Assistance may be required if stopping at Shannon Creek picnic area
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
Firewood is not supplied and may not be collected from the park.
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.
Nearby towns
Bellingen (50 km)
Bellingen is a laid-back, tree-lined town with a New Age vibe. It's set in a luxuriant valley beside the Bellinger River.
Coffs Harbour (80 km)
Coffs Harbour is a coastal city on the North Coast, packed with things to do. It's surrounded by lush forests and national parks.
Dorrigo (36 km)
Dorrigo is a serene country town and the gateway to Dorrigo National Park. Its close to the edge of the escarpment above the Bellingen Valley.
Learn more
Shannon Creek forest drive is in Nymboi-Binderay National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Ancient connections
Nymboi-Binderay National Park is the traditional Country of the Gumbaynggirr People and their ancient connection to this land is evident throughout the park. The park's landscape provided a rich source of food, medicine and shelter for Aboriginal people and features strongly in cultural knowledge and Dreaming stories. As you travel through this park, take some time to think about the people who lived here and their strong attachment to this ancient landscape and all it contains.
Animal kingdom
Nymboi-Binderlay has a diverse range of animals, including 68 types of mammal, 25 kinds of amphibian, 33 sorts of reptile and over 120 bird species; of these, at least 15 species are threatened. When you’re picnicking, camping or walking through the tallowwood and coachwood rainforests, be sure to keep your eyes open for the many native animals which call this place home.
- Moonpar Forest drive - Cascade National Park While car touring, stop off and go walking among the trees or swimming in the river and have a picnic on Moonpar Forest drive, a 75km circuit through Cascade and Nymboi–Binderay national parks.
- Moonpar Forest drive – Nymboi-Binderay National Park If you're in Nymboi-Binderay National Park, go walking and sightseeing on the half-day circuit of Moonpar Forest drive and enjoy a picnic surrounded by majestic trees which are around eight centuries old.
- Norman Jolly picnic area Enjoy a picnic among tall old-growth trees and historic logging relics at Norman Jolly picnic area in Nymboi-Binderay National Park, not far from Dorrigo.
- Shannon Creek forest drive The views are fantastic along this 70km scenic drive. Stop for a swim, picnic or camp overnight at one of the remote, picturesque spots provided by the river.
Waterworld
The Nymbodia River is a true highlight of Nymboi-Binderay National Park. The name of the park comes from Aboriginal language of the local Gumbaynggirr People; 'Nymboi' being their name for the river, and 'Binderay' meaning river. Rafting down the Nymboi River with an expert guide is an exhilarating experience and a fantastic way to take in the park's landscape.
- Coachwood loop track The Coachwood loop track is a short and easy walk that starts and finishes at the Norman Jolly picnic area in Nymboi-Binderay National Park.
- Moonpar Forest drive - Cascade National Park While car touring, stop off and go walking among the trees or swimming in the river and have a picnic on Moonpar Forest drive, a 75km circuit through Cascade and Nymboi–Binderay national parks.
- Moonpar Forest drive – Nymboi-Binderay National Park If you're in Nymboi-Binderay National Park, go walking and sightseeing on the half-day circuit of Moonpar Forest drive and enjoy a picnic surrounded by majestic trees which are around eight centuries old.
- Shannon Creek forest drive The views are fantastic along this 70km scenic drive. Stop for a swim, picnic or camp overnight at one of the remote, picturesque spots provided by the river.
Plants and animals you may see
Animals
-
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.
-
Superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae)
With a complex mimicking call and an elaborate courtship dance to match, the superb lyrebird is one of the most spectacular Australian animals. A bird watching must-see, the superb lyrebird can be found in rainforests and wet woodlands across eastern NSW and Victoria.
-
Southern boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae)
The southern boobook, also known as the mopoke, is the smallest and most common native owl in Australia. With a musical 'boo-book' call that echoes through forests and woodlands, the southern boobook is a great one to look out for while bird watching.
Plants
-
Wonga wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana)
The wonga wonga vine is a widespread vigorous climber usually found along eastern Australia. A variation of the plant occurs in the central desert, where it resembles a sprawling shrub. One of the more common Australian native plants, the wonga wonga vine produces bell-shaped white or yellow flowers in the spring, followed by a large oblong-shaped seed pod.
-
Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)
The blueberry ash is a rainforest shrub which produces blue olive-shaped berries and spectacular bell-shaped flowers, which often appear on the plant together. It is a tall slender shrub or small tree found in rainforest, tall eucalypt forest and coastal bushland in eastern NSW, south-east Queensland and Victoria.
