Victoria Park Nature Reserve
Overview
Victoria Park Nature Reserve, in the Northern Rivers, provides a short rainforest boardwalk, wildlife, accessible picnicking facilities and unique Aboriginal heritage; ideal for school excursions.
Read more about Victoria Park Nature Reserve
Victoria Park Nature Reserve protects one of the last surviving remnants of the original rainforest, known as the Big Scrub, which extended across the entire Lismore, Byron Bay, Ballina and Mullumbimby regions. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing day out with the family in the Northern Rivers.
Stroll the easy and accessible boardwalk and you’ll immediately be transported to a tranquil tropical wonderland. Ancient fig trees and majestic black beans tower above while bangalow palms and ferns grow up from below. Take a moment to absorb the cool quiet of the rainforest and you might catch a glimpse of the shy red-legged pademelon or the colourful wompoo fruit-dove.
The informative displays show how the Wildjabul people, of the Bundjalung nation, relied on the local plants and animals for food, medicine and ceremonies.
When thoughts turn to lunch, enjoy a relaxing barbecue at the shaded picnic tables, to a backdrop of lush rainforest. The accessible facilities make the picnic area an ideal spot for older people and groups.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/victoria-park-nature-reserve/local-alerts
Contact
- in the North Coast region
Victoria Park Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Alstonville office
02 6627 0200
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm - Russelton Industrial Estate, 7 Northcott Crescent, Alstonville NSW 2477
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Email: npws.richmondriver@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Alstonville office
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Victoria Park Nature Reserve.
Map
Map legend
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From the Pacific Highway:
- Take the Bruxner Highway exit to Lismore/Alstonville
- Take the Alstonville exit and follow directions as below
From Alstonville:
- Head south along Wardell Road
- Turn right into Dalwood Road over the causeway, then turn left into Victoria Park Road.
- Veer right at the ‘Y’ junction and follow the road to Victoria Park Nature Reserve
Parking
- Victoria Park picnic area See on map
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.
By public transport
For information about public transport options, visit the NSW country transport info website
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Victoria Park Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Summer
Escape the summer heat with a cool stroll along the rainforest boardwalk.
Winter
Avoid the crowds and visit during the cooler months; you might even catch a glimpse of the migratory eastern yellow robin.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
18°C and 29°C
Highest recorded
43°C
Winter temperature
Average
7°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
-3.5
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
August
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
246mm
Facilities
Maps and downloads
Fees and passes
Park entry fees:
Under review. No park entry fees collected.
Annual passes and entry fees (https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/passes-and-fees)
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.
Nearby towns
Lismore (21 km)
Lismore is a major North Coast commercial, cultural and administrative centre. It's set in undulating country on the north arm of the Richmond River.
Ballina (23 km)
Ballina is a bustling holiday town and service centre and home of the Big Prawn. It's situated at the mouth of the Richmond River, close to superb beaches.
Byron Bay (46 km)
Byron Bay is Australia's easternmost town and 'style capital' of the North Coast. It's a place of outstanding natural beauty, set against lush volcanic hills.
Learn more
Victoria Park Nature Reserve is a special place. Here are just some of the reasons why:
Young and old
Victoria Park Nature Reserve provides a quality nature experience for everyone, catering for all ages. The boardwalk, designed for prams and wheelchairs, meanders through lush tropical rainforest. With a communal galley, shaded picnic tables and accessible facilities, anyone can relax and enjoy a picnic or barbecue.
- Victoria Park boardwalk The family will enjoy the short and accessible Victoria Park boardwalk, near Lismore, offering wildlife and birdwatching as well as Aboriginal history of the rainforest.
- Victoria Park picnic area Take the family to the wheelchair-accessible Victoria Park picnic area for a relaxing barbecue and a walk in the rainforest, near Alstonville.
Tree museum
Victoria Park Nature Reserve is one of six reserves that protect the remnants of the original Big Scrub. They are the surviving stands of what was once the largest area of sub-tropical rainforest in Australia, with over 150 species of trees including white booyong, red bean, Morton Bay fig and the extremely rare jointed baloghia. In 1975, plans to double the size of the reserve began, and now you'll be able to see regenerated rainforest as well as some of the original giants that were saved from the axe.
- Victoria Park boardwalk The family will enjoy the short and accessible Victoria Park boardwalk, near Lismore, offering wildlife and birdwatching as well as Aboriginal history of the rainforest.
Rainforest dwellers
The diverse sub-tropical rainforest found in the reserve is host to a range of wildlife, such as red-legged pademelons, bandicoots, green catbirds and crested hawks. While some of the forest residents are quite shy, the curious eastern yellow robin flitters from tree to tree and takes an active interest in visitors. Look for broken empty shells scattered near a flat rock and the noisy pitta won't be too far away.
- Victoria Park boardwalk The family will enjoy the short and accessible Victoria Park boardwalk, near Lismore, offering wildlife and birdwatching as well as Aboriginal history of the rainforest.
Ancient wisdom
Learn about the unique relationship the local Aboriginal people have with the Big Scrub. On a series of informative displays along the boardwalk, discover how the Widjabul people of the Bundjalung nation used rainforest plants for food and medicine. Even the leaves of the strangler fig had a use; as a polish for wooden tools.
Education resources (1)
What we're doing
Victoria Park Nature Reserve has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. Visit the OEH website for detailed park and fire management documents.