Back to previous page
Print factsheet

Girrakool picnic area

Brisbane Water National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

A great spot for a family picnic, Girrakool picnic area has barbecues, lots of green space to run around and a scenic walking track that features Aboriginal engravings.

Type
Picnic areas
Where
Brisbane Water National Park
Accessibility
Medium
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

The carpark at Girrakool picnic area is open daily from 7am to 8pm during daylight savings, and 7am to 6pm at other times. The carpark is locked at closing time and reopens at 7am daily.

Looking for a place to picnic? Girrakool picnic area is well equipped with free barbecues, picnic tables and plenty of parking and it is conveniently located for those travelling from Sydney or Newcastle, all together making it a great place for a family gathering.

The main picnic ground next to the carpark is a large grassy area with plenty of room to kick a ball around with the kids, while a bushland picnic area at the far end of the carpark provides a more rugged bush setting for those who like to get in the thick of it.

You might be lucky enough to share the experience with a wallaby or two, and if you feel like stretching your legs, try the easy Girrakool loop walk that takes you past Aboriginal rock engravings, through forest and past waterfalls. Make sure you take your camera; there are some great photos to be taken.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby:

  • Girrakool loop track, Brisbane Water National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

    Girrakool loop track

    A lovely way to finish a barbecue, the Girrakool loop track is a short and easy walk through bushland, featuring an Aboriginal rock engraving site and scenic waterfalls.

  • Piles Creek loop walking track in Brisbane Water National Park. Photo: B Collier/OEH

    Piles Creek loop

    This short but challenging walk threads through dry eucalypt forest along Piles Creek, passing waterfalls and crossing a suspension bridge.

  • Mooney Mooney nature walk, Brisbane Water National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Mooney Mooney nature walk

    Enjoy a hiking adventure along Mooney Mooney nature walk, on the NSW Central Coast. Crossing Piles Creek, this walking track offers lots of lookouts and birdwatching opportunities.

  • Great North walk, Brisbane Water National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

    Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park

    You’ll find the Wondabyne to Patonga and Patonga to Pearl Beach parts of the iconic Great North walk in Brisbane Water National Park. Take a short walk or overnight hike.

 

Subscribe to Naturescapes

Subscribe to our Naturescapes e-newsletter which is packed with the latest information, experiences and events in NSW national parks. Your next park adventure starts here.

A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

General enquiries

Park info

  • in Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Two picnic areas in Brisbane Water National Park close in the evening:

    • Girrakool picnic area is open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and is open 7am to 6pm at other times
    • Somersby Falls picnic area is open 8am to 8pm during daylight savings and is open 8am to 5pm at other times

    Other areas of Brisbane Water National Park will be open at all times, however may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

     

     

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day applies at Girrakool and Somersby Falls picnic areas. The park has coin-operated pay and display machines - please bring correct coins.

    Other fees:

    You will need a permit to hold a wedding or undertake commercial photography within the park.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

What's nearby:

Things to do (68)

Tours (24)

Camping and accommodation (4)

Volunteering (8)