Where

Victoria Park Nature Reserve in North Coast

Accessibility

Easy

Distance

0.4km loop

Time suggested

15 - 30min

Grade

Grade 1

What to
bring

Hat, sunscreen, drinking water

Please note

• Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.
• To help keep the rainforest free of weeds and foreign matter, please keep to the boardwalk.

Transport yourself to the lush world of sub-tropical rainforests on the short Victoria Park boardwalk. Discover the giant Morton Bay figs and towering black beans, remnants of the original Big Scrub that covered the Northern Rivers region. The path is suitable for prams and wheelchairs and accessible facilities at Victoria Park picnic area, means everyone can enjoy this idyllic spot.

As soon as you enter the shady green cool of the lush rainforest, dappled light filters through the dense canopy. The kids will love birdwatching for the vibrant wompoo fruit­dove and colourful pitta bird. If you hear a scurry in the leaf litter, it’s likely to be the shy red-legged pademelon.

On a series of informative displays, learn how the local Widjabul Aboriginal people, of the Bundjalung nation, used the plants of the rainforest. You’ll find out how the curved sheath of the bangalow palm was used to carry water, and the sap of the strangler fig to heal wounds.

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.