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Big Nellie lookout and picnic area

Coorabakh National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Big Nellie lookout and picnic area.

Getting there and parking

Big Nellie lookout and picnic area is in the northern precinct of Coorabakh National Park. To get there:

  • From Coopernook and Moorland, take Forest Drive Road north.
  • Travel through Coopernook State Forest and follow the signs to Coorabakh National Park
  • Turn left at Newbys Creek Road, and follow signs via Starrs Creek to Big Nellie lookout and picnic area.

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Big Nellie lookout and picnic area can become boggy when it rains.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

There's a gravel carpark at the lookout and picnic area with 3 car spaces and 1 accessible parking spot.

Best times to visit

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

Spring

Several endangered plants flower in the park, creating beautiful displays of wildflowers near lookouts and along roadsides.

Summer

A perfect escape from the summer heat can be found in the subtropical rainforest around Starrs Creek, with its elevated boardwalk, and along the slightly more adventurous path to the cave at Newbys Creek.

Winter

Low rainfall and reasonable temperatures make winter a great time to take advantage of the several stunning lookouts around the park.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

17.2°C and 28.6°C

Highest recorded

45.2°C

Winter temperature

Average

6.5°C and 12.8°C

Lowest recorded

-5°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

280.2mm

Facilities

Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.

Picnic tables

There's an accessible picnic shelter towards the end of the path that leads to the lookout platform. The shelter is set on a paved slab.

Carpark

There is a small carpark near the lookout.

Step-free access

The lookout and picnic area is mostly flat and step-free, with a hard-packed ground path that leads to the lookout platform. The path has wooden handrails on either side.

  • Step-free outdoor pathways

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

This park is in a remote location, so please ensure you’re well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.

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).

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

  • The lookout and picnic area is mostly flat and there's step-free access along a pathway. The pathway has wooden handrails on either side.
  • There's an accessible picnic shelter at the end of the path that leads to the lookout
  • There's a gravel carpark at the lookout with 1 accessible parking space

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.

Big Nellie lookout and picnic area

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