Mongarlowe River picnic area
Monga National Park
Overview
Under the shade of eucalypt forest, this sheltered picnic site is an ideal place to start exploring Monga's rich habitats with easy strolls, swimming, and birdwatching.
- Type
- Picnic areas
- Where
- 715 River Forest Road, Monga, NSW, 2622 - in Monga National Park in South Coast, Country NSW
- Accessibility
- Easy
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
- Please note
- The weather in this area can be unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit.
- There is limited mobile reception in this park
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch
If you’re looking for a quiet place to get back to nature, you’ll love Mongarlowe River picnic area. Nestled under the shade of eucalypt forest in the heart of the park, this sheltered area is an ideal place to begin exploring Monga's rich habitats.
Enjoy lunch at one of the picnic tables before taking an easy stroll along Waratah walking track to the gently flowing Mongarlowe River. Unwind to the soothing sounds of the water flowing and keep your eyes peeled for platypus swimming in the river.
In October and November, the distinctive bright red Monga and Gippsland waratahs flower, attracting birds and insects that feed on the sweet nectar, making this a fantastic spot for birdwatching.
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/mongarlowe-river-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 Monga National Park in the South Coast and Country NSW regions
Monga 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 Mongarlowe River picnic area.
Getting there and parking
On entering Monga National Park:
- Continue on River Forest Road for approximately 4.5km
- Turn left at the sign and drive 200m to Mongarlowe River picnic area
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at Mongarlowe River picnic area. It can be a busy place on long weekends, so parking might be limited.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Monga National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Take in the sweet perfumes of the plumwood trees in flower.
Spring
See the distinctive bright red colour of the Monga waratah in bloom along the banks of Mongarlowe River.
Summer
Enjoy a picnic under the shade of the eucalypt forest and unwind to the sounds of the gently flowing water at Mongarlowe River picnic area.
Winter
Embark on the historic Corn Trail walking track and experience the diverse natural landscapes of Monga.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
10°C and 26°C
Highest recorded
41.1°C
Winter temperature
Average
0°C and 11°C
Lowest recorded
-9.2°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
July
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
663.9mm
Facilities
Drinking water is not available in this area so you'll need to bring your own.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
- Fire rings (bring your own firewood)
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - easy
This area is fully wheelchair-accessible.
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
Firewood is not supplied and may not be collected from the park.
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
Mongarlowe River picnic area is in Monga National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A glimpse of trading history
Monga National Park is significant for its natural wonders and its historic heritage. Corn Trail walking track, which is today enjoyed by bushwalkers and horse riders, was the first trade route between the Buckenbowra Valley farmlands near the coast and the early European settlements on the tablelands near Braidwood. Further settlement came to the area in the 1840s, with the establishment of the timber trade and gold mining. The sawmill at Monga provided timber for Braidwood and the establishment of Canberra in the 1900s, with logging continuing in the area until 1987.
- Corn Trail walking track Corn Trail walking track is a historic trail for hikers and horse riders to traverse a wide variety of landscapes and follow in the footsteps of the past.
Aboriginal culture
For over 14,000 years, the Yuin and Walbunja people have lived around the valleys of Clyde, Deua and Buckenbowra rivers. Walkers and horse riders can walk in their footsteps on Corn Trail walking track, which was one of the trails used by Aboriginal people to travel between the coast and the tablelands. There are many Aboriginal cultural sites in the park where stone artefacts, fire beacons and old campsites have been found.
Unique plantlife
Many of the plants you'll find in the cool, temperate rainforests of Monga are millions of years in the making. Related to the plants from the super continent Gondwana, they present a unique window to the past. The plumwood trees and soft tree ferns you see in the park are closely related to pollen fossils found in Antarctica. Some plumwood trees here have widths of up to 4m and are thought to be thousands of years old. Wander along the banks of Mongarlowe River and you'll also see the distinctive bright red flowers of the Monga waratah.
- Dasyurus picnic area Dasyurus picnic area is a tranquil spot to stop on your drive to the coast from Canberra or a great day trip from Batemans Bay or Braidwood.
- Mongarlowe River picnic area Under the shade of eucalypt forest, this sheltered picnic site is an ideal place to start exploring Monga's rich habitats with easy strolls, swimming, and birdwatching.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
-
Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
One of only 2 egg-laying mammals in the world, the short-beaked echidna is one of the most widespread of Australian native animals. Covered in spines, or quills, they’re equipped with a keen sense of smell and a tube-like snout which they use to break apart termite mounds in search of ants.
-
Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)
One of the most fascinating and unusual Australian animals, the duck-billed platypus, along with the echidna, are the only known monotremes, or egg-laying mammals, in existence. The platypus is generally found in permanent river systems and lakes in southern and eastern NSW and east and west of the Great Dividing Range.
-
Grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)
The grey-headed flying fox is Australia's largest native bat, with a wingspan up to 1m. This threatened species travels up and down south-eastern Australia and plays a vital role in pollinating plants and spreading seeds in our native forests.
-
Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)
The spotted-tailed quoll is the largest remaining carnivorous marsupial on the Australian mainland. It’s protected as a vulnerable species in NSW.
Plants
-
Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)
The beautiful waratah is not only the NSW floral emblem, it's also one of the best-known Australian native plants. This iconic Australian bush flower can be found on sandstone ridges around Sydney, in nearby mountain ranges and on the NSW South Coast. The waratah has a vibrant crimson flowerhead, measuring up to 15cm across, and blossoms in spring.