Ironbark Flat picnic area
Royal National Park
Overview
Ironbark Flat is a popular, family-friendly riverside picnic area near Audley. Just a short drive from Sydney, it offers easy access for prams and wheelchairs, plus scenic views of Hacking River.
- Type
- Picnic areas
- Accessibility
- Easy
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
When it’s time for a weekend getaway, pack the car and gather the family for a day trip to Ironbark Flat picnic area in Royal National Park. Near the picturesque Audley Weir, this pretty spot is wheelchair-accessible from Audley Dance Hall Cafe and Royal National Park Visitor Centre.
When you arrive, you’ll know why you’re in one of Sydney’s most popular weekend destinations. On the peaceful banks of scenic Hacking River, you’ll feel the stresses of the week fall away. Spark up a barbecue and cook up a feast while the kids play on the big grassy areas and watch the ducks.
After lunch, there’s the option to hire canoes and go paddling, stretch your legs on Uloola walking track, or check out the views from Bungoona lookout and path. If all you want is relaxation, simply lie back in the shade and soak up the tranquillity of this riverside setting. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.
Take a virtual tour of Ironbark Flat picnic area captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Tours and events at this location
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Junior ranger: Royal National Park
Kids can become Junior Rangers when they visit Royal National Park these school holidays. Our fun and guided interactive activities are designed for children 6 to 12 years.
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Little lyrebirds: Royal National Park
Discover the local ecosystems of Sydney’s Ironback Flat picnic area, in Royal National Park. This interactive and engaging guided tour is great for children under 6 years old.
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NAIDOC week 2025: free Audley event
Celebrate Aboriginal culture and heritage at a free NAIDOC week event at Ironbark Flat picnic area in Audley. Join us for a day of family-friendly activities in the beautiful Royal National Park.
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Royal National Park spotlight tour
Experience the wonder of Royal National Park at night on this 2hr guided tour at Ironbark Flat, and along Lady Carrington Drive.
Also see
Google Street View Trekker
Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.
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
Operated by
- Royal National Park Visitor Centre
- 8.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 9542 0648
- 1300 072 757 for campground and cottage bookings
- npws.royal@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 2 Lady Carrington Drive, Audley, NSW 2232
Park info
- in Royal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.
Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).
Buy annual pass
What's nearby:
Things to do (71)
- Aboriginal culture (2)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (25)
- Cafes and kiosks (2)
- Canoeing/paddling (10)
- Cycling (5)
- Educational activities (1)
- Environmental appreciation/study (1)
- Fishing (7)
- Historic heritage (3)
- Horse riding (1)
- Other experiences (2)
- Picnics and barbecues (25)
- Sailing, boating and cruises (2)
- Sightseeing (22)
- Surfing (1)
- Swimming (9)
- Visitor centres (1)
- Walking (31)
- Waterfalls (7)
- Waterhole (1)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (7)