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Wilson River picnic area

Willi Willi National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Wilson River picnic area.

Getting there and parking

Wilson River picnic area is located on Willi Willi National Park, to get there:

From Wauchope:

  • Take the Beechwood Road to Beechwood
  • Then turn onto Bellangary Road
  • Turn onto Hastings Forest Way
  • Turn into Wilson River Road to reach the picnic area

From Kempsey:

  • Take the Armidale Road from West Kempsey
  • After 35km turn onto Carrai Road at Toorooka near Willawarrin
  • Turn onto Coachwood Road at Kookaburra

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Wilson River can become slippery and boggy when it rains.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

There's parking at the picnic area in a gravel carpark.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Will Willi National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Spring

Birds are plentiful in the rainforest so it's a great time for birdwatching.

Summer

Meander along the cool Waterfall walk where you can take a refreshing swim.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

26°C and 28°C

Highest recorded

42.2°C

Winter temperature

Average

16°C and 20°C

Lowest recorded

-5.1°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

January

Driest month

July

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

234.6mm

Facilities

You'll need to bring your own drinking and cooking water.

Toilets

There's an accessible non-flush toilet south of where the picnic tables are, along Wilson River Road.

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Carpark

Step-free access

The picnic area is mostly flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over flat grass to reach the facilities.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

  • The walking opportunities in this park are suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking
  • If you’re bushwalking in this park, it’s a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.

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).

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.

Accessibility

Disability access level - easy

Wilson River picnic area is flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over flat grass to reach the facilities.

The picnic area has accessible toilets and picnic tables.

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.

Wilson River picnic area

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Park info