Coorabakh National Park

Attraction
Coorabakh National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH
Coorabakh National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH
Coorabakh National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH
Coorabakh National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH
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Park alerts

Coorabakh National Park

2 current alerts · Checked 13 Oct 2026, 4:05 am

  • Closed areasUntil 31 Dec 2026

    Flat Rock Lookout - Closed for Visitor Safety

    Flat Rock Lookout is closed for visitor safety until further notice.

    Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on (02) 6591 0300.

About

Millions of years ago, volcanoes sculpted parts of the Australian mainland, leaving rocky plugs and dramatic escarpments as they faded and disappeared. Three of these volcanic intrusions can be seen in Coorabakh National Park, dominating the area: Big Nellie, Flat Nellie and Little Nellie.

The Park contains a stunning and varied world of low shrubs and lofty eucalypt trees, cool subtropical rainforests and sheltered gullies teeming with wildlife. There are 18 distinct forest ecosystems. Crystal clear streams run through mossy banks, and sheer sandstone cliffs tower above Manning Valley at Flat Rock and Newbys lookout.

Visitors to Coorabakh National Park will find beautiful lookouts and secluded picnic spots, with easy walks, scenic caves, and pleasurable drives along back roads that seem a million miles from the nearest sign of civilisation. Whether you're looking for a place to settle down for a lazy lunch, a glimpse of ancient geology mixed with recent history, or a clear view to find your bearings in a vast landscape, Coorabakh is a great choice for the slower-paced traveller.

The park at a glance

Studded with volcanic outcroppings, Coorabakh National Park offers scenic views as well as hiking, picnicking and birdwatching opportunities.

Millions of years ago, volcanoes sculpted parts of the Australian mainland, leaving rocky plugs and dramatic escarpments as they faded and disappeared. Three of these volcanic intrusions can be seen in Coorabakh National Park, dominating the area: Big Nellie, Flat Nellie and Little Nellie.

The Park contains a stunning and varied world of low shrubs and lofty eucalypt trees, cool subtropical rainforests and sheltered gullies teeming with wildlife. There are 18 distinct forest ecosystems. Crystal clear streams run through mossy banks, and sheer sandstone cliffs tower above Manning Valley at Flat Rock and Newbys lookout.

Visitors to Coorabakh National Park will find beautiful lookouts and secluded picnic spots, with easy walks, scenic caves, and pleasurable drives along back roads that seem a million miles from the nearest sign of civilisation. Whether you’re looking for a place to settle down for a lazy lunch, a glimpse of ancient geology mixed with recent history, or a clear view to find your bearings in a vast landscape, Coorabakh is a great choice for the slower-paced traveller.

Lookouts
3
Picnic areas
1
Walks
1

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Best times to visit

Spring

Several endangered plants flower in the park, creating beautiful displays of wildflowers near lookouts and along roadsides.

Summer

A perfect escape from the summer heat can be found in the subtropical rainforest around Starrs Creek, with its elevated boardwalk, and along the slightly more adventurous path to the cave at Newbys Creek.

Winter

Low rainfall and reasonable temperatures make winter a great time to take advantage of the several stunning lookouts around the park.

Places to discover

Stay, explore and relax across the park.

4 places

Walks in this park

1 walk

Frequently asked questions

6 questions

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Before you go

Opening

Usually open · check alerts

Nearby towns

Taree (22 km) · Port Macquarie (63 km)

Get in touch

Taree office

02 6552 4097npws.manninggreatlakes@environment.nsw.gov.au

78 Hargreaves Drive, Taree NSW 2430

Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm

Where you'll be

Hannam Vale NSW 2443