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Everlasting Swamp National Park

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Visitor info

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

Getting there and parking

Everlasting Swamp National Park is located along NSW Tourist Drive 22. To get there from Grafton:

  • Drive 20km north-east on Lawrence Road. Veer left on the Sportsmans Creek bridge at the blue national park sign (with a paddle symbol).
  • Continue on Weir Road for 4.5km to the park entrance
  • Continue south along the side of the creek until you see the Everlasting Swamp National Park entrance sign

Please keeps gates as they were when you arrived. If gates are open, leave them open. If gates are closed, be sure to shut them after you pass through.

Parking

Road quality

The final 1km is high quality unpaved road. This and other roads in the area close during major Clarence River floods. There’s a high potential for vehicle bogging in this park.

Parking

Parking is available on the gravel area just inside the park entrance—after the end of the sealed road and past the historic weir.

Best times to visit

In Everlasting Swamp National Park there are always new things and places to explore as the wetland changes with the seasons. Here are some highlights.

Autumn

This is high season for twitchers. Bring your binoculars for a good look at black-necked storks in their nests and other wading birds. See large migrating flocks pass through, especially in wetter years. It’s your last chance to fish for bass as the season ends on 30 April.

Spring

It’s a great time to see black swans with their cygnets and if you’re lucky, pairs of brolgas or jabiru guiding their young. If you’re coming for a paddle, bring your rod and reel because bass season opens on 1 September.

Summer

As summer rains fill the wetland, it truly comes alive and frogs begin to breed. Now's the time to fish and explore new areas of the park by kayak or canoe. Come prepared because there’s not a lot of shade in this park.

Winter

The wetland dries and birdlife retreats to patches of still-deep water. Come in mid-August to witness brolgas bob and leap in flamboyant courtship dances—a must-see. Cool, sunny days are perfect to explore Everlasting Swamp by bike and canoe down Sportsmans Creek.

Facilities

There are no facilities or drinking water in this national park.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

  • Some areas of the park lie below 1m sea level and water levels vary significantly throughout the year. Water levels are highest after summer rains which causes floods and gradually dries in winter.
  • Snakes are commonly found in swamps. You should avoid walking through long grass but if you must—wear long pants and boots, and alert snakes by dragging your feet. It’s a good idea to bring a first aid kit.
  • Bring insect repellent especially if you’re out at dawn or dusk

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.

Cycling safety

Hundreds of cyclists head to our national parks for fun and adventure. If you're riding your bike through a national park, read these mountain biking and cycling safety tips.

Fishing safety

Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

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).

Paddling safety

To make your paddling or kayaking adventure safer and more enjoyable, check out these paddling safety tips.

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.

Permitted

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Camping

Please note there are no campsites or facilities in this park.

Fishing

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

Prohibited

Gathering firewood

Generators

Horses

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.

Everlasting Swamp National Park static map

Contact

  • in the North Coast region

  • Everlasting Swamp National Park is open all year, but may have to close at times due to weather conditions or fire danger.

  • More

Links

Nearby towns

Maclean (22 km)

Maclean is a fishing port and service centre for the local farmlands. It's located inland on undulating terrain along the Clarence River.

www.visitnsw.com

Grafton (33 km)

Grafton is a gracious, historic city in the Clarence Valley farming district. It's situated on the broad Clarence River and surrounded by river flats.

www.visitnsw.com