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Cockatoo picnic area

Wallingat National Park

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Visitor info

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

Getting there and parking

Cockatoo picnic area is in Wallingat National Park. To get there from Forster:

  • Travel 30km south along Lakes Way and turn left onto Sugar Creek Road
  • Turn off at the junction of Sugar Creek Road and River Road

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

Parking is available at the picnic area.

Best times to visit

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

Autumn

With temperatures slightly cooler, explore the network of gravel roads by foot or on a mountain bike.

Spring

With the wildflowers - including the purple blooms of the velvet mint-bush - coming out, this is a great time for birdwatching.

Summer

The weather is warm and sunny, so now's the time to pitch a tent and stay for a few days. Make the most of the boat ramp at Cockatoo picnic area Head to Sugar Creek picnic area and, after lunch, take a walk through the cool forest. .

Winter

Visitor numbers are down, so take the car along the park's unsealed roads and discover the forest, rivers and lake.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

20°C and 29°C

Highest recorded

45.2°C

Winter temperature

Average

7°C and 21°C

Lowest recorded

-5°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

Sept

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

280.2mm

Facilities

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

Boat ramp

Carpark

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

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).

Paddling safety

To make your paddling or kayaking adventure safer and more enjoyable, check out these paddling safety tips.

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - hard

  • Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty

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.

Cockatoo picnic area

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Park info