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Dooragan National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Dooragan National Park.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    From Port Macquarie via Ocean Drive:

    • Travel south out of Port Macquarie on Ocean Drive for around 33km, following signs via Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills, and then to Laurieton.
    • At Laurieton, turn towards Kew and continue on Ocean Drive for around 0.5km.
    • Travel 5km up Captain Cook Bicentennial Road

    From Port Macquarie via Pacific Highway:

    • Follow Oxley Highway for approximately 9km west to Pacific Highway
    • Turn east off Pacific Highway, 22km south at Kew, and follow Ocean Drive east for about 7km.
    • Travel 5km up Captain Cook Bicentennial Road

    From Taree via Pacific Highway:

    • From the northern end of the Taree bypass on Pacific Highway, travel north on the highway for around 39km to Kew.
    • Turn east off Pacific Highway at Kew and follow Ocean Drive east for about 7km towards Laurieton
    • Travel 5km up Captain Cook Bicentennial Road

    Park entry points

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

    By public transport

    For information about public transport options to Taree, Laurieton or Port Macquarie, visit the NSW country transport info website.

    Best times to visit

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

    Spring

    A colourful burst of wildflowers spring into bloom under the forest canopy, particularly in the open, grassy forest. Hill-topping butterflies start to use the summit area of the mountain, and on warm calm days, they spend all day dancing around near the lookout. .

    Summer

    This is the best time for north-easterly winds, favoured by hang-gliding enthusiasts. Watch the amazing spectacle of these masters of the sky launching themselves from the summit.

    Winter

    This is the best time to tackle the strenuous Laurieton track, with the weather cool enough to make the exercise a pleasant way to keep warm, and a great time to hear lyrebirds chortling away in the cool gullies nearby.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    23°C and 26°C

    Highest recorded

    40.2°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    16°C and 20°C

    Lowest recorded

    -5°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    Driest month

    September

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    310.6mm

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

    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).

    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.

    Dooragan National Park

    Contact

    • in the North Coast region
    • Dooragan National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • More

    Nearby towns

    Laurieton (2 km)

    Located at the base of North Brother Mountain in Dooragan National Park, Laurieton is one of the villages that make up the Camden Haven area on the North Coast of NSW. Laurieton is 30km south of Port Macquarie and offers an idyllic holiday spot for families, nature-lovers and anyone who enjoys a holiday by the beach.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Port Macquarie (42 km)

    Vibrant Port Macquarie is surrounded by beautiful waterways - the Hastings River, canals, creeks, bays and the Pacific Ocean. The city also has a five-star collection of golden-sand beaches stretching from Port Macquarie Beach to Town Beach and north along the 16-km swathe of North Beach.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Taree (60 km)

    Taree is a major mid North Coast city, ringed by superb beaches. It's situated on the Manning River and set against rolling hills.

    www.visitnsw.com