The Pines picnic area
Yarriabini National Park
Overview
The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.
- Type
- Picnic areas
- Where
- Yarriabini National Park in North Coast
- Accessibility
- Medium
- Opening times
The Pines picnic area is open from sunrise to sunset.
- 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 bird watch
Set beneath a beautiful backdrop of tall hoop pine forest, The Pines picnic area offers a tranquil retreat and a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Located along Way Way Creek Road drive, the picnic area is perfect for cooking up a storm on the free barbecues, spread a picnic blanket, lie back and listen to the sounds of the rainforest drift over you.
Stroll along the short 300m rainforest walking track and let the kids discover the incredible natural world under its canopy. You’ll find a diversity of plant life and enjoy watching the colourful array of birdlife. Listen out for the bubbling "wom-poo" call of the wompoo fruit dove and look for its multi-coloured plumage amongst the Bangalow palms.
Admire the striking Aboriginal artwork, designed and created by local Aboriginal artists with the assistance of a mosaic artist. This unique sculpture highlights the spiritual importance of this area for local Aboriginal culture. Nearby Yarriabini lookout offers stunning regional views.
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/the-pines-picnic-area/local-alerts
Park info
- in Yarriabini National Park in the North Coast region
Yarriabini National Park 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 The Pines picnic area.
Getting there and parking
The Pines picnic area is in the central precinct of Yarriabini National Park. To get there:
- From Macksville, follow the Pacific Highway south for approximately 5km
- Turn right onto Scotts Head Road and follow for approximately 5km
- Turn right into Way Way Creek Road and continue until you reach the picnic area
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- 4WD required in wet weather
Parking
- Parking is available at The Pines picnic area, including several designated disabled spots.
- Mini-bus parking is available.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Yarriabini National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Take your mountain bike along Way Way Creek Road and feel the refreshing air in the forest.
Spring
Enjoy a scenic drive along Way Way Creek Road, with its bubbling creek crossings and vibrant green forest.
Summer
Enjoy a picnic under the shade and wander through the cool rainforest at The Pines picnic area.
Winter
Admire the colourful banksias in flower along Tower Road as you head up to Yarriabini lookout to see spectacular views of Macleay Valley.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
18°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
41.7°C
Winter temperature
Average
11°C and 19°C
Lowest recorded
4°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
702.6mm
Facilities
You'll need to bring your own drinking water.
Amenities
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
- Wood barbecues (firewood supplied)
- Fire rings (firewood supplied)
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Assistance may be required to access this area.
Wheelchair facilities
- Ramp for access to toilets
Prohibited
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Gathering firewood
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
The Pines picnic area is in Yarriabini National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal culture
Yarriabini, meaning 'koala rolling', is the Aboriginal name for the prominent coastal mountain that dominates the park, also known as Mount Yarrahapinni. The mountain and the surrounding area is part of an important cultural Dreaming story and very significant to the Dunghutti, Ngambaa and Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people. Admire the amazing mosaic artwork at The Pines picnic area and see the important connection Aboriginal people have to the mountains, rivers and forests of this park.
- The Pines picnic area The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.
Birdwatcher's haven
Gazing out from Yarriabini lookout or strolling through the rainforest, you're bound to find an abundance of bird watching opportunities. Listen out for the bubbling "wom-poo" call of the wompoo fruit-dove and look for its multi-coloured plumage among the Bangalow palms at The Pines picnic area or along rainforest creeks. You'll also find several owl species and other types of rainforest pigeons thriving under the rainforest canopy. You might also spot glossy black-cockatoos feeding on casuarina seeds in eastern areas of the park.
- The Pines picnic area The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.
Diverse plantlife
Yarriabini's unique geographical location supports a remarkable blend of different vegetation types. You'll find tall old growth forests on the steeper slopes around Scotts Mountain and around Mount Yarrahapinni. Wander through the lush rainforest near The Pines picnic area and see the ferns, lianas and orchids that are part of this unique ecosystem.
- The Pines picnic area The Pines picnic area in Yarriabini National Park is a relaxing spot for a family picnic. Wander along the rainforest walking track, admire Aboriginal art and relax in this tranquil forest setting.
- Way Way Creek Road drive Winding through the tall rainforest, across creeks, this picturesque car touring route provides an ideal family day trip or a spectacular day cycling through the park.