Type

Picnic areas

Where

Victoria Park Nature Reserve in North Coast

Accessibility

Easy

What to
bring

Drinking water, cooking water

When it’s time to catch up with friends and family, head to the picturesque Victoria Park picnic area. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of the rainforest in the northern NSW hinterland, only a short drive from Lismore. The adjacent reserve protects one of the last remnants of the original Big Scrub sub-tropical rainforest and makes an excellent backdrop for a relaxing get-together.

Spark up the barbecue or unpack the hamper in the cool shade of the bangalow palms, or if you’re feeling inspired, cook up a feast at the communal galley. The wheelchair facilities ensure this tropical oasis is a perfect spot for elderly people and groups.

After a leisurely picnic, the tranquil Victoria Park boardwalk makes a perfect after-lunch stroll.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Maps and downloads

Learn more

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.

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.

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.

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.