Pros & cons
PROS
- Shady riverside lawns with tranquil Hacking River views
- Plenty of parking and picnic tables, some under cover
- Free gas/electric BBQs and drinking water on site
CONS
- Facilities can look dated and restrooms need better upkeep at times
- Access is via a one‑lane wooden bridge that can slow traffic on busy days
Overview
Set on broad, grassy river flats opposite Audley, Currawong Flat is the laid‑back picnic base many people wish they’d found sooner. She‑oaks cast dappled shade, the Hacking River slides by, and you’re a short stroll across the bridge from coffee and boat hire. It’s generally quieter than Audley proper but close enough to enjoy all the action.
Facilities
You’ll find what you need for an easy day out: several picnic tables (a couple under cover), flush toilets near the car park, free gas/electric BBQs, drinking water, and big open lawns where groups can spread out.
Getting There & Fees
Drive in via Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and Lady Carrington Drive, then cross the one‑lane wooden bridge to Currawong Flat—take turns and watch oncoming traffic. Royal National Park entry fees apply ($12 per vehicle per day), and rangers do patrol, so display your pass. The park typically opens 7:00am–8:30pm and may close during poor weather or high fire danger.
What To Do
- Picnic and grill with river views.
- Wander over the bridge for a café stop or to hire a canoe/kayak and paddle the tranquil creeks.
- Tackle the short, steep Robertson’s Roundabout for a rewarding lookout, or link into longer walks like Lady Carrington Drive if you want to make a day of it.
Wildlife To Watch
Birdlife is plentiful (listen for the namesake currawongs), and the river valley supports frogs, reptiles, bats and small mammals such as possums and sugar gliders. Keen eyes sometimes spot goannas around the edges—give all wildlife space.
Best Time to Visit
Warm, light‑wind days are perfect for paddling. The lawns get more shade in the afternoon, which is handy on hot days. Early mornings are typically calm if you want space and soft light on the river.
Need‑to‑Know
- If Audley’s lots are full, Currawong Flat often has space and works as an easy overflow base.
- Supervise kids near the water and be courteous on the one‑lane bridge.
- Check park alerts before committing to longer walks or a big group day.
Where it is
-34.0768, 151.0553Tips for Currawong Flat picnic area
- 01Display your park pass on the dashboard—rangers patrol regularly.
- 02For shade, plan lunch or an afternoon picnic; mornings suit photos on the river.
- 03Tables closest to Robertson’s Roundabout end are the ones under cover.
- 04Hire a canoe across the bridge and paddle upstream before the wind picks up.
- 05Expect delays on the one‑lane bridge during peak times; take turns.
Amenities
Near Currawong Flat picnic area
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayRoyal National Park Visitor CentreMaps and local advice at the riverside start of trailsVisitor Center · Restroom
0.1 mi awayAudley Dance Hall CafeRiverside brunch spot with historic charm and lawn-to-river viewsFood · Restaurant
0.1 mi awayIronbark Flat picnic areaRiverside lawns, BBQs and a cafe next doorParking · Restroom
0.2 mi awayAudley BoatshedClassic river boat hire on calm, scenic waterParking
0.2 mi awayLady Carrington DriveShaded riverside ride with history, cave detour, and picnic nooksEasy · 6 mi · 3.5 hr
1.1 mi awayWinifred Falls TrackShort, stony fire trail to a pretty cascade and swim friendly poolEasy · 1.9 mi · 1 hr
2.8 mi awayKarloo walking trackRocky bushwalk to a swim at Karloo Pool and Uloola FallsModerate · 6.2 mi · 4 hr
3 mi awayMarley TrackFragrant heath to Deer Pool and Little Marley’s dunes and surf.Moderate · 4.9 mi · 3.5 hr
