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Perch Hole picnic area

Lake Innes Nature Reserve

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Perch Hole picnic area.

Getting there and parking

Perch Hole picnic area is in the eastern precinct of Lake Innes Nature Reserve. To get there:

  • From Port Macquarie CBD, head south on Ocean Drive and continue for approximately 14km
  • Turn right at the sign indicating Perch Hole picnic area, shortly before the town of Lake Cathie.
  • Follow the signs to the picnic area

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Perch Hole picnic area.

Best times to visit

There are lots of things to enjoy when you visit Perch Hole picnic area in Lake Innes Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

Go birdwatching or enjoy wildlife-spotting around the lake.

Spring

Enjoy getting out on the water canoeing, kayaking or fishing.

Summer

Cool down when the weather is hot by swimming in lovely Lake Innes.

Winter

Take a guided tour of Innes Ruins and learn about the area’s intriguing history.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

16°C and 27°C

Highest recorded

42.3°C

Winter temperature

Average

7°C and 17°C

Lowest recorded

0°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

February

Driest month

August/September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

298.2mm

Facilities

Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.

Picnic tables

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Fishing safety

Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Paddling safety

To make your paddling or kayaking adventure safer and more enjoyable, check out these paddling safety tips.

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

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.

Perch Hole picnic area

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Park info