Terry Hie Hie picnic area
Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area
Overview
Terry Hie Hie picnic area offers good picnic facilities and an ideal base for exploring the Aboriginal heritage of the area, with interpretative signage.
- Type
- Picnic areas
- Where
- Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area in Country NSW
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Please note
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.
- Rainwater is available at the picnic area, however you'll need to treat or boil if before drinking. Alternatively, it’s a good idea to bring your own.
- There is limited/no mobile reception in this park.
The best place to start any visit to Terry Hie Hie is at its picnic area. Gamilaraay People have been using this site for many generations, and today it provides interpretative signage with a good introduction to the remaining Aboriginal sites around the township. It is also the access point for Yana-y Warruwi walking track.
The picnic area is close to a ceremonial corroboree ground, along with a memorial to the local Aboriginal elder, Lou Swan. There are also several carved trees, scarred trees and axe-grinding grooves nearby. This is a terrific spot for a leisurely picnic lunch, with shelter and basic facilities. Remember to be mindful of the cultural significance of the area as you wander and explore.
In spring months, wildflowers like lomandra and dianellas bloom in the area, and a bush tucker garden ripens for harvest. Also, don’t forget a pair of binoculars if birdwatching interests you, as numerous birds can be seen overhead and nesting in surrounding trees.
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/terry-hie-hie-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 Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area in the Country NSW region
Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area 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 Terry Hie Hie picnic area.
Getting there and parking
From Narrabri:
- Head north out of Narrabri along the Newell Highway to Bellata (47 km).
- Turn right onto Wilga Street (follow the sign for Terry Hie Hie).
- This road turns into Berrigal Creek Road. Follow this road for 34km and veer left at the Y-intersection with Melburra Road.
- Terry Hie Hie picnic area is a further 14 km on the left, and just north of Terry Hie Hie village.
From Moree:
- Head east on the Gwydir Highway out of Moree towards Warialda.
- Travel 6km and turn right onto the Moree-Terry Hie Hie Road.
- The Terry Hie Hie picnic area is located approximately 43km from the Gwydir Highway turnoff, on the right, just before the church.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Bus and car parking is available.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Safe from the worst of the blazing sun, these months are ideal for a stroll along Yana-y Warruwi walking track, followed by a picnic in the picnic area.
Spring
The wildflowers bloom in spring, along with the bush tucker garden at Terry Hie Hie picnic area.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
17.3°C and 33.1°C
Highest recorded
42.8°C
Winter temperature
Average
3.1°C and 18.3°C
Lowest recorded
-6.9°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
April
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
170.9mm
Facilities
Amenities
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
- Fire rings (bring your own firewood)
Carpark
Drinking water
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
- Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty.
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
Terry Hie Hie picnic area is in Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A living link between generations
Traditional Gamilaraay Aboriginal People once used the lands around Terry Hie Hie for significant ceremonial events. The Aboriginal area encompasses a corroboree ground and at least 240 axe-grinding grooves that have been around for generations. European farmers entered the area in the 1830s, but after some early skirmishes, the Aboriginal people remained on for many decades, maintaining a good relationship with John Cory, who ran a cattle station in the area. A campground for the Gamilaraay was established as an Aboriginal Reserve in 1895, but by the 1940s all occupants had left. Today, Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area forms a tangible link between the Gamilaraay ancestors and their living descendants.
A unique partnership
Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area Co-management Committee was formed in 2008 to work in partnership with NPWS to help guide management of the reserve and encourage connection with country. This committee consists of Aboriginal community members who represent Gamilaraay families with a historical connection to the area.
An endangered ecological community
Unsurprisingly, bird watching is superb here, so don’t forget to pack a pair of binoculars to try and spot the many unusual species flying around. Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area is home to rich birdlife, including the speckled warbler, little lorikeet, glossy black cockatoo, and masked owl. You might also catch a glimpse of some native wildlife with koalas and wallabies also calling the area home.