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Platypus picnic area

Gibraltar Range National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Platypus picnic area.

Getting there and parking

Platypus picnic area is in the Dandahra precinct of Gibraltar Range National Park. To get there:

  • From Glen Innes, drive 65km along the Gwydir Highway, and 300m along Mulligans Drive.
  • From Grafton, drive 92km along the Gwydir Highway, and 300m along Mulligans Drive.

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at the carpark along Mulligans Drive, a short walk from the attraction.

Best times to visit

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

Spring

The most popular time of the year to visit, spring sees the park erupt into a vibrant display of wildflowers, including the Gibraltar waratah.

Summer

Take in an early morning bushwalk before the day heats up, then cool down in one of the many waterways, like the Little Dandahra Creek.

Winter

It can be below freezing at night, but the daytime temperatures make this the best time of the year to take in some of the longer treks like the Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

13°C and 24.1°C

Highest recorded

35°C

Winter temperature

Average

1°C and 13.2°C

Lowest recorded

-8.9°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

January

Driest month

August

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

258.4mm

Facilities

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

You’re encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)

Carpark

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

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.

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

  • Assistance may be required to access this area

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.

Platypus picnic area

Operated by

Park info

  • in Gibraltar Range National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions

  • Gibraltar Range National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, road damage, or high fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day. The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring the correct change and display your receipt.

    Buy annual pass