Type

Picnic areas

Where

Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve in Country NSW

Accessibility

Medium

What to
bring

Hat, sunscreen, drinking water

Please note

• There is limited mobile reception in this park
• Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching

Set on the edge of Little Llangothlin Lagoon, Little Llangothlin picnic area is an ideal place for a leisurely picnic and makes for a perfect day trip from Glen Innes or Armidale.

As one of the few remaining Ramsar-listed wetland areas in the New England Tablelands region, the birdwatching opportunities are endless.  There are over 100 bird species found here, so there’s plenty to see. You’ll most likely see black swans and nomadic pelicans in the distance and and with a bit of luck you’ll catch a glimpse of rare species like the comb-crested jacana and blue-billed duck.

If you’re car touring through the region, stop off for a relaxing cuppa looking out over the sparkling waters. Pack a picnic or bring food to cook on one of the wood barbecues provided and make a day of it. Take a short walk to the lagoon edge and enjoy expansive views across the lagoon and the multitude of waterbird species on the lake. The 4.8km Lagoon Circuit walking track around the lagoon is also a great way to unwind and see the scenic views across the water from every vantage point.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Getting there and parking

Best times to visit

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Facilities

Maps and downloads

Learn more

Bird watching paradise

With over 100 bird species recorded here, Little Llangothlin also offers excellent bird watching opportunities. It provides habitats for vulnerable and rare species such as the Australasian bittern, comb-crested jacana and blue-billed duck. The lagoon is also an important drought refuge for many water birds. If you look high above, you could see raptors like brown falcons, nankeen kestrels and white-breasted sea eagles gliding overhead. You'll also find plenty of native animals here, even rare species such as the New England bell frog. The lagoon contains many rare and restricted populations of invertebrates including the only known location of a genus of planktonic flatworms. As well as kangaroos and other land-based mammals, you'll also find water-loving reptiles, such as eastern long-necked tortoises, and water skinks.

Pastoral historic heritage

European settlers started moving into the Llangothlin district around 1840 to graze sheep and cattle, and later for wheat farming. The reserve was initially part of a large 50,000-acre sheep property, called Llangollin, but was subdivided in the 1860s for the influx of new settlers. A sluice gate and drainage ditch were used to drain the lagoon, creating additional grazing land. As you explore the reserve, you may see some of the remaining relics of its former life.

Ramsar-listed wetlands

Little Llangothlin Lagoon and the surrounding wetlands are internationally-recognised by the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance, or the Ramsar Convention. This area is one of the few remaining high altitude freshwater lagoons on the New England Tableland and supports a great diversity of plant life including distinct groups of sedgeland, herbland and grassy woodlands. You'll also find tree species such as snowgum, New England peppermint and silver wattle.

Rich in Aboriginal heritage

Little Llangothlin Lagoon and the surrounding wetlands were originally home to the Banbai Aboriginal people, who camped by the lagoons seasonally for their water and food resources such as waterfowl, eels, tortoises and grey kangaroos. Today, Aboriginal stories, scar trees and artefacts remind us of the significant Aboriginal heritage of this area, both past and present.