Cottan-Bimbang National Park
Overview
Fire affected area
Some areas of this park were affected by fire in 2019/2020. You’ll notice some changes to the landscape, as well as signs of recovery. Some areas may remain closed for longer to allow habitat to recover or because we’re repairing park infrastructure. Stay safe with these after-fire tips for visitors.
Cottan-Bimbang is a perfect destination for car touring, turning the Oxley Highway into its own attraction, with additional driving routes and barbecues on offer too.
Read more about Cottan-Bimbang National Park
Cottan-Bimbang National Park is a driver’s dream – the best of nature experienced from the comfort of your own car. Rugged mountain vistas slide into view, then disappear as you wind your way along the highway south of Werrikimbe National Park. Formerly state forest, this area is now a candidate for inclusion in the Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage Area. In other words, there’s a great deal more here than just trees along the side of a road.
As you travel from Walcha or Wauchope, rainforest becomes dry eucalypt, tall and laden with birds. 'Cottan-bimbang' is the local Aboriginal word for the walking stick palm, which grows in the park's warm temperate rainforests. There’s even dry rainforest of myrtle tucked along the creek beds. During the day, this varied landscape is alive with birds and animals, like the brush turkey and shy parma wallaby.
But look a little closer and what you’ll find are fascinating traces of colonial heritage, too, with reminders of the gold mining era, convicts, and bushrangers. Bring a picnic and you’ll find quiet clearings by a river, and biking or hiking opportunities for the truly intrepid. When so much is passed by in daily life as you rush from one destination to the next, Cottan-Bimbang is the sort of place that makes you slow down and appreciate the world around you.
Highlights in this park
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Myrtle Scrub scenic drive
Myrtle Scrub scenic drive is a 14km alternative driving route to the highway straight through scenic views of Cottan-Bimbang National Park, tracing a ...
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Contact
- in the North Coast and Country NSW regions
Cottan-Bimbang National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Sea Acres Rainforest Centre
02 6582 3355
Contact hours: 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. - 159 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
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Email: seaacres@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Sea Acres Rainforest Centre
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Walcha office
02 6777 4700
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. - 188W North Street, Walcha NSW 2354
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Email: npws.nea@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Walcha office
