Type

Picnic areas

Where

Ngambaa Nature Reserve in North Coast

Accessibility

Easy

What to
bring

Hat, sunscreen, drinking water

Please note

Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching.

Cedar Park picnic area sits on the banks of Stockyard Creek, and takes its name from a stand of red cedars which provide plentiful shade and the tranquil setting for a long picnic or lunch. Particularly in summer, when temperatures soar, this quiet picnic area serves as an ideal respite in the heart of the reserve, with cool running water to bathe the feet in and an orchestra of native birds providing the soundtrack. Rainforest pigeons call from the trees, whilst noisy pittas and lyrebirds forage in the undergrowth, making it great for birdwatching.

Bring a packed lunch to take advantage of wood barbecues and picnic tables in two open areas, then put on some sturdy shoes for an easy walk. An information display explains the history and significance of Ngambaa, and a trailhead leads onto an easy walking track through surrounding forest, with plenty of places to settle down and enjoy a picnic.  

Cedar Park picnic area is mostly visited by people from the local area, so you’re likely to have a great deal of privacy and space. It also acts as a great base to get your bearings before delving deeper into Ngambaa Nature Reserve.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Maps and downloads

Learn more

Rich Aboriginal culture

Local Aboriginal People have a significant cultural connection to sites in and around Nambucca Valley, and several parks and reserves have been named in recognition of this vital heritage. Ngambaa (pronounced 'num-bar'), means 'tribe that lived between nations', and is located on the boundary between the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti language groups. Historically, Aboriginal People found sustenance in the area and used it for ritual purposes; it continues to play an important role in the communities today. 'Our Aboriginal cultural heritage is alive and strong', say Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal Elders.

Rolling coastal rainforest

Ngambaa's coastal foothills include large areas of old-growth grey gum and spotted gum forest of significant conservation value. Not only does it have one of the highest ironbark diversities on record, it also provides forest connectivity from the coast to the hinterland to the escarpment. This is crucial for local wildlife.

Some powerful residents

One example is the powerful owl, Australia's largest owl and an elusive predator. Ngambaa offers crucial habitat for these birds - they can survive only where large areas of forest provide nest sites and an extensive hunting range filled with possums and gliders. One breeding pair can command up to 1,000ha, which makes them very difficult to spot. Nevertheless, bring your camera just in case.