Queens Lake picnic area

Queens Lake Nature Reserve

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Perfect for swimming, boating and fishing, Queens Lake picnic area, in Queens Lake Nature Reserve, is an ideal family day out on the Mid North Coast, near Port Macquarie.

Type
Picnic areas
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
Please note
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.

Be warned; once discovered, you might not want to leave the natural beauty of Queens Lake picnic area, just a short drive south of Port Macquarie. Nestled amongst towering eucalypts and lush rainforest, this idyllic lakeside spot is a refreshing oasis in the summer months. Situated in Queens Lake Nature Reserve on the Mid North Coast, it’s a great day out for families and nature-lovers who enjoy a secluded getaway without the crowds.

While away a relaxing day filled with swimming, fishing and boating. Or just sit back in the shade while the little ones enjoy paddling in the calm waters. After a relaxing lunch at the picnic tables, launch the boat or canoe from the small wharf and explore the lake.

The surrounding forests make it perfect for wildlife and birdwatching. You might see glossy black cockatoos, swift parrots and, if you’re lucky, perhaps a koala.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

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/queens-lake-picnic-area/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Queens Lake picnic area .

Getting there and parking

Queens Lake picnic area is in the southern precinct of Queens Lake Nature Reserve. To get there:

From Ocean Drive

  • From the townships of Lake Cathie or Bonny Hills, turn onto Bonny View Drive
  • Turn left onto Jolley Nose Drive, then right onto Corama Place.
  • Turn left onto Waterloo Creek Road
  • Continue to Queens Lake Road, turn left, and continue to the picnic area.

From Pacific Highway

  • Turn off the highway onto Bobs Creek Ro ad just north of Herons Creek
  • Continue for 4km, veer right onto Waterloo Creek Road, and drive for 1km.
  • Turn right onto Queens Lake Road and continue to the picnic area

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Queens Lake picnic area can become boggy when it rains.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)

Weather restrictions

  • Dry weather only

Parking

Parking is available at Queens Lake picnic area.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Queens Lake Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.

Spring

Take advantage of the milder weather and go windsurfing on the lake. Or, if you prefer to stay on land, explore the reserve on foot and enjoy a spot of birdwatching along the way.

Summer

It's an ideal time to use the reserve's riverside location to enjoy swimming, fishing, paddling and boating.

Winter

Use the cooler months as an opportunity to get yourself active and go cycling through the reserve. You might even spot some wildlife as you're riding along.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

15°C and 29°C

Highest recorded

43°C

Winter temperature

Average

7°C and 20°C

Lowest recorded

-3°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

February

Driest month

August

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

165mm

Facilities

  • Please note there are no toilet facilities in this picnic area.
  • Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it's a good idea to bring your own.

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)

Boat ramp

Carpark

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Boating safety

If you're out on your boat fishing, waterskiing or just cruising the waterways, read these paddling and boating safety tips.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

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.

Learn more

Queens Lake picnic area is in Queens Lake Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Flocks and feathers

Queens Lake picnic area, Queens Lake Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer

The lake and coastal region attracts not only wildlife, but makes for some the best bird watching in the region. Bring your binoculars for a feast of feathered beauties. You’ll see nectar-loving birds such as the honey-eaters and threatened swift parrot feast in the spring on native blossoms.

  • Queens Lake picnic area Perfect for swimming, boating and fishing, Queens Lake picnic area, in Queens Lake Nature Reserve, is an ideal family day out on the Mid North Coast, near Port Macquarie.

Local wildlife

Under the tree canopy, Queens Lake Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer

With such an array of vegetation, there’s a staggering 200 species of bats, possums and gliders that have been recorded in the reserve, and probably dozens that haven’t yet been identified. At night, the bush comes alive with yellow-bellied gliders, grey-headed flying foxes and the smaller insect-eating micro-bats. Old growth forests provide an important habitat for the magnificent large forest owls. If you’re still around in the evening, you might hear the powerful, masked and sooty owls as their haunting calls echo through the forest. Queens Lake Nature Reserve is also an important refuge for the koala, as development encroaches further on its habitat. The reserve is home to a number of koalas that have been rehabilitated and released by Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. 

  • Queens Lake picnic area Perfect for swimming, boating and fishing, Queens Lake picnic area, in Queens Lake Nature Reserve, is an ideal family day out on the Mid North Coast, near Port Macquarie.

Towering giants

 Queens Lake, Queens Lake Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer

This reserve protects several significant ‘old growth’ areas and ‘old tree’ hotspots where you can see some of the forest giants that used to inhabit the region. With diverse eco-systems ranging from coastal, lakeside, rainforest and swamplands; it’s a haven for a huge range of tree-dwelling animals, frogs and birds, including a number of threatened species.

  • Queens Lake picnic area Perfect for swimming, boating and fishing, Queens Lake picnic area, in Queens Lake Nature Reserve, is an ideal family day out on the Mid North Coast, near Port Macquarie.

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