Also available:
Astronomy and star gazing
Bird watching
Picnics and barbecues
Have a family picnic or fishing trip at The Junction, Cod Hole or Platypus Flat, which is part of the State Forest.
Walking
You can wander through a magnificent stand of tallowwood trees and coachwood rainforest. There are no tracks, but if you're a well-equipped and experienced walker you'll enjoy exploring the park.
Swimming
Enjoy a swim in one of the many rivers in the park.
Adventure recreation
You can go whitewater rafting, kayaking or fishing on the rivers. Whitewater rafting companies in Coffs Harbour offer popular one and two day trips on the Nymboida River, which flows through the park. If you're rafting or kayaking, make sure you're aware of the hazards of fast-flowing rapids and floodwater during the wetter summer months.
Places to visit
Norman Jolly picnic area
Wheelchair access: easy
This area is fully wheelchair accessible
The first thing you’ll notice at Norman Jolly picnic area is the gigantic old-growth trees, the largest of which stand up to 55 metres tall and a couple of metres wide. They are thought to be up to 800 years old and make this a scenic and peaceful place to picnic and relax for the afternoon. If you have time, walk the easy Coachwood loop track which starts from the picnic area.
Dedicated to 19th century forester Norman Jolly who made an important contribution to the teaching and practice of forestry in Australia, you’ll notice a couple of historic logging arches that are relics of a time when this land was logged.
Activities: walking, birdwatching, picnicking, playing and socialising
Getting there: Norman Jolly picnic area is on Moonpar Road in Nymboi-Binderay National Park. From Dorrigo, travel north along Tyringham Road and turn right into Moonpar Road. Norman Jolly picnic area is located at the end of Moonpar Road.
Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles. Dry weather only.
Facilities: picnic tables, non-flush toilets, trackhead/access point
Platypus Flat campground
Fire/closure alerts currently apply to this location. See details below.
Platypus Flat campground is an idyllic setting among the tall trees and rugged granite gorges of Nymboi-Binderay National Park on the Dorrigo plateau. Overlooking the rainforest-lined river banks of Nymboida River, it’s an ideal spot for adventure-seekers who love kayaking, walking and fishing.
Pitch your tent and settle in before you explore this rugged country. Launch your canoe for a paddling trip along the beautiful river, or try a guided kayak adventure. In the heat of summer, the nearby swimming hole is excellent for a refreshing dip.
In the evening, stoke up a campfire in one of the fire pits and settle back for a wood-fired barbecue feast. If you’re keen to see some wildlife, grab a torch and look for tiger quolls, gliders and owls.
Activities: walking, paddling, swimming, fishing, astronomy and star gazing, birdwatching, picnicking, playing and socialising
Getting there: Platypus Flat campground is in Nymboi-Binderay National Park. To get there from Dorrigo:
- Drive along Tyringham Road, then turn right into Moonpar Road after Bostobrick.
- Veer left onto Mills road and follow signs to Platypus Flat campground
Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD (no long vehicle access). 4WD required in wet weather.
Facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues (free), fire rings (firewood supplied), carpark, wood barbecues, non-flush toilets, boat ramp
Camping fees: High, shoulder and low season: $5 per adult per night. $3 per child per night.
Bookings: Bookings are not available for this campground
Contact:
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Phone: (02) 6657 2309
Events, activities and alerts at this location
| Closure | Platypus Flat campground and Moonpar Forest Drive closed due to flood damage Parts of Nymboi-Binderay National Park near Dorrigo are again closed after the most recent flood (the largest since 1975) caused significant damage. Platypus Flat campground is closed, Cod Hole campground is closed and Moonpar Forest Drive from Bostobrick to the park is closed due to bridge failure. Platypus Flat is open for day visits only over the Easter long weekend and school holidays. For more information phone the Dorrigo office on 02 6657 2309.
Please note that The Junction campground is open from Lowanna or Nymboida. | |
The Junction campground
The Junction campground is a great spot for river-based camping along one of Australia’s best known rivers, near Grafton. Paddling the magnificent Nymboida River is a great way to explore the rainforest-lined riverbanks and rugged granite cliffs of Nymboi-Binderay National Park.
Pop up your tent near the scenic river beside the towering forests of wet eucalypt and lush rainforest. Some of the crystal clear waters of this mountain river are ideal for swimming and fishing.
The surrounding dense forests and riverbanks hum with wildlife and provide habitat for a wide range of rare and threatened frogs. As the light fades, listen for the distinct call of the stuttering frog and the cry of the catbird. Kick back around the campfire and tune in to the symphony of the bush.
Activities: walking, paddling, swimming, astronomy and star gazing, fishing, birdwatching, picnicking, playing and socialising
Getting there: The Junction campground is in the northern precinct of Nymboi-Binderay National Park. To get there from Nymboida:
- Drive along Kangaroo River Road
- Turn right into Black Mountain Road
- Turn right into The Junction Road. The Junction campground is at the end of the road.
Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 4WD only. 4WD required in wet weather.
Facilities: picnic tables, wood barbecues (firewood supplied), non-flush toilets, carpark, boat ramp
Camping fees: High, shoulder and low season: $5 per adult per night. $3 per child per night.
Bookings: Bookings are not available for this campground.
Contact:
Grafton, Phone: 02 6641 1500
Roads, tracks and trails
Coachwood loop track
- 800m (loop)
Walking (easy, 30 minutes)
General information
The easy Coachwood loop track takes you through coachwood rainforest and stands of tallowwood trees that are sure to dwarf you.
Further along this short walk, you’ll see majestic blue gums; keep your eyes open for birds high in the trees. It makes a nice way to finish off your picnic at Norman Jolly picnic area, or a good way to work up an appetite for lunch.
