Pros & cons
PROS
- Undercover picnic shelter with four tables
- Ample informal parking near Audley
- Direct access to Lady Carrington Drive walking/cycling track
CONS
- No drinking water on-site
- Basic facilities—no BBQs noted
Overview
Fig Tree Flat is the mellow, grassy picnic nook at the end of the drivable section of Lady Carrington Drive. It sits a short hop from Audley but stays noticeably quieter, so you can actually hear the river and birds while you unpack lunch.
Facilities
You’ll find a simple but useful setup: one covered shelter with four picnic tables, plenty of open lawn, and a toilet block (male, female, and an accessible cubicle) located between Fig Tree Flat and nearby Willow Tree Flat. Parking is on a circular dirt loop—unmarked but roomy. Bring your own water and supplies; this is a basic stop without BBQs or taps.
Why start here for Lady Carrington Drive
The Lady Carrington Drive track effectively starts/finishes at Fig Tree Flat, making this a handy base for a family ride or a forested river walk. The track follows the Hacking River through lush bush, with side trips to spots like Palona Cave and Waterfall, plus connections to the Forest Path. If Audley’s crowded, shifting your start to Fig Tree Flat is an easy win.
Nearby picnic and swim options
If you want more facilities or a coffee, Audley Village is close by with big lawns, BBQs, and a café. Reids Flat (about 800 m from Audley) adds river views, tables, and a small sandy entry known as “Wants Beach” for a dip. Winifred Falls is a short, popular walk away when you’re chasing a cool-off.
Fees and practicalities
Park entry/parking fees apply—use the Park’n’Pay app or buy a ticket at the gate/Audley; rangers do patrol. Mobile reception can be patchy once you’re out on Lady Carrington Drive, so sort maps and plans before you roll.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings are delightfully calm and make parking effortless. On weekends, arrive early or late afternoon to dodge the midday picnic rush, especially when Audley lawns are packed.
Where it is
-34.0819, 151.0542Tips for Fig Tree Flat Picnic Area
- 01Pay for parking via the Park’n’Pay app or at Audley—rangers patrol.
- 02Bring your own drinking water; there are no taps at the picnic area.
- 03Toilets are between Fig Tree Flat and Willow Tree Flat—look for the shared block.
- 04Use this as a quieter alternative start for Lady Carrington Drive when Audley is busy.
- 05Sort maps and plans before riding—reception can be limited along the track.
Amenities
Near Fig Tree Flat Picnic Area
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayGibraltar RockHistoric sandstone overhang beside the Hacking RiverParking · Picnic Table
0.1 mi awayWattle Forest Picnic AreaShady riverside picnic lawns with BBQs and standout birdlifeRestroom · Parking
0.1 mi awayLady Carrington DriveShaded riverside ride with history, cave detour, and picnic nooksEasy · 6 mi · 3.5 hr
0.4 mi awayCurrawong Flat picnic areaShady riverside lawns with BBQs, an easy Audley-side picnic basePicnic Table · Restroom
0.5 mi awayRoyal National Park Visitor CentreMaps and local advice at the riverside start of trailsVisitor Center · Restroom
1.1 mi awayWinifred Falls TrackShort, stony fire trail to a pretty cascade and swim friendly poolEasy · 1.9 mi · 1 hr
2.7 mi awayKarloo walking trackRocky bushwalk to a swim at Karloo Pool and Uloola FallsModerate · 6.2 mi · 4 hr
2.8 mi awayMarley TrackFragrant heath to Deer Pool and Little Marley’s dunes and surf.Moderate · 4.9 mi · 3.5 hr
