Greenglade picnic area
Nadgee Nature Reserve
Overview
From Greenglade picnic area you can explore one of the most magical and deserted beaches in Nadgee. Try your luck at fishing and spend the day relaxing at this convenient spot.
- Type
- Picnic areas
- Where
- Nadgee Nature Reserve in South Coast
- Accessibility
- Medium
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
- Please note
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch and whale watch.
At Greenglade picnic area, the first thing you’ll notice is the sound of some rainbow lorikeets screeching overhead. But that’s about all you’ll hear, because this is one of the most tranquil places on the NSW coast.
It borders a white stretch of pristine sand that seems to stretch for miles. Often it’s completely deserted, except for red-capped dotterels or pied oystercatchers g along the shoreline. Look out to sea and you might spot a gannet diving for fish or a pod of dolphins cavorting in the water. This is a blessedly unaltered natural landscape, where the whole family can enjoy a picnic lunch, a casual stroll across the sun-lit sands, or try their hand at fishing.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/picnic-areas/greenglade-picnic-area/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Nadgee Nature Reserve in the South Coast region
Nadgee Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about the Greenglade picnic area.
Getting there and parking
Greenglade picnic area is in the northern precinct of Nadgee Nature Reserve. To get there from Eden:
- Travel south along the Princes Highway for 22.5 km
- Turn left onto Wonboyn Road and follow the road to Myrtle Cove
- Follow Nadgee Road, which continues on from Myrtle Cove, to the entrance of Nadgee Nature Reserve.
- Continue along Greenglade Road, which commences at the Nadgee Nature Reserve sign, and continue to the Greenglade car park.
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Greenglade 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
Parking is available at Greenglade picnic area, including several designated disabled spots.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Nadgee Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Autumn is a great time to enjoy Nadgee, with the mild climate favouring walking and picnicking, flower spotting and birdwatching.
Spring
Try your luck spotting humpback whales as they migrate south to the Antarctic on any of the beaches and headlands within Nadgee Take one of the many walks – short or long – and view the beautiful wildflowers .
Summer
Relax by the pristine beaches and rivers within the reserve.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
17°C and 22°C
Highest recorded
37.2°C
Winter temperature
Average
10°C and 16°C
Lowest recorded
2°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
August
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
370.1mm
Facilities
- You'll need to bring drinking water
- You are encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season. Wood fires are not allowed.
Toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Assistance may be required to access this area.
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.
Learn more
Greenglade picnic area is in Nadgee Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A spring treat
The vegetation in Nadgee has been almost undisturbed since European settlement. In the heath, you'll see the red and pink flowers of the common heath, masses of orange banksias, and the white blooms of the wedding bush. As summer approaches, breathe in the sweet aroma of the cream flowers of the giant honey myrtles that grow near Wonboyn Lake and the beach. With its combination of coastal heath, forest and shoreline, Nadgee is inhabited by many different species of birds. From catching glimpses of tiny wrens and ground parrots in the heathlands to staring awed at soaring white-bellied sea eagles along the coastline, you'll need your binoculars to make the most of bird watching opportunities.
- Greenglade picnic area From Greenglade picnic area you can explore one of the most magical and deserted beaches in Nadgee. Try your luck at fishing and spend the day relaxing at this convenient spot.
- Jewfish walk The easy Jewfish walk takes you through the forest to the edge of Wonboyn Lake, where you can enjoy swimming, birdwatching, fishing and picnicking.
- Merrica River nature trail Those seeking a bushwalk through pristine landscapes and along deserted beaches swimming, fishing and picnicking on the way – should head to Merrica Creek nature trail.
Living treasure
Whatever part of Nadgee you explore, you'll be rewarded with pristine landscapes and stunning vistas. The reserve sits within Australia's Coastal Wilderness, which runs from the south coast of NSW to East Gippsland in Victoria, one of the 16 areas named as Australia's National Landscapes because of their natural, cultural or spiritual significance. It really is a special place.
- Bay Cliff walking track Bay Cliff walking track offers families and bushwalkers an easy hike along the beach and the past the lake. Enjoy birdwatching and fishing along the way.
- Nadgee wilderness walk Nadgee wilderness walk is a spectacular 55km walk from Merrica River to Mallacoota, with coastal views. It's great for birdwatching, whale watching and camping.
People of the land
The area of the reserve is part of the lands of the Bidawal people and shared with the Dtharwa and Monaroo people. Aboriginal people have a long spiritual and cultural association with the area around Nadgee. Before settlement, they would travel from as far away as Wollongong, Mallacoota and Monaroo to places like Bay Cliff and Greenglade. Middens can be seen around Wonboyn Lake and along the shore.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
-
Eastern ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus wallicus)
The eastern ground parrot is a beautiful, ground-dwelling native bird that lives in low heathland habitat along the NSW North and South coasts and escarpments. It’s listed as a vulnerable species in NSW.