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Broken Head picnic area

Broken Head Nature Reserve

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Visitor info

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

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    On entering Broken Head Nature Reserve:

    • Continue 100m from the entrance to the picnic area at Broken Head

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    Parking is available in an asphalt carpark at Broken Head picnic area, including a designated accessible parking spot. Please note that this is paid parking. Bus parking is not available.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Broken Head Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.

    Autumn

    Pack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful setting at Broken Head picnic area. Enjoy a game of beach cricket or explore the wonders of the tideline.

    Spring

    Enjoy the incredible view from Broken Head headland as humpback whales and their new calves breach and blow as they make their way south.

    Summer

    Get away from the crowds and spend the day picnicking at the beach, walk through the lush rainforest, and enjoy spectacular views from the headland.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    19°C and 27°C

    Highest recorded

    35.1°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    11°C and 20°C

    Lowest recorded

    3.3°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    Driest month

    September

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    652mm

    Facilities

    Amenities

    Toilets

    • Flush toilets

    Picnic tables

    Barbecue facilities

    • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

    Carpark

    Drinking water

    Public phone

    Showers

    There's an accessible cold outdoor shower at the picnic area.

    • Cold showers

    Step-free access

    The picnic area is flat and step-free, with a concrete path that runs through the picnic area and past the toilets. There are also hard-packed ground pathways that lead to the beach.

    To reach other parts of the picnic area you'll need to cross over flat grass.

    • Step-free outdoor pathways

    Seats and resting points

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Beach safety

    Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

    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).

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - medium

    Broken Head picnic area is flat and step-free, with the following accessible facilities:

    • 1 accessible parking spot in the asphalt carpark
    • An accessible flush toilet, which you can reach along a concrete path
    • An accessible cold, outdoor shower

    There's a concrete pathway that runs through the picnic area and hard-packed ground pathways that lead to the beach. To reach the other parts of the picnic area, you'll need to cross over flat grass. 

    Permitted

    Fishing

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

    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.

    Broken Head picnic area

    Operated by

    Park info

    • in Broken Head Nature Reserve in the North Coast region

    • Broken Head Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • Park entry fees:

      $4 per vehicle per hour. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Cash and credit cards accepted at Byron Bay Office.

      Buy annual pass