Broadwater National Park

Broadwater National Park is located on the northern coast of New South Wales, Australia, about 40 km south of the city of Ballina and near the town of Evans Head. The park covers a coastal area between the Pacific Ocean and Broadwater, offering visitors diverse natural landscapes from beaches to wetlands and heathland. Established in 1974, Broadwater National Park was created to protect the region's coastal ecosystems and provide a sanctuary for native wildlife. The park is part of the traditional lands of the Bundjalung people, who have a long-standing connection to the area. Its establishment also aimed to safeguard important wetland habitats and preserve the natural beauty of the coastline. Parking facilities are available at key locations in the park, such as Broadwater Beach and Salty Lagoon. Parking is free, and there are several designated areas near popular walking tracks and beach access points. Facilities are basic, with no fees required for day visitors. The park is home to an array of native wildlife. Eastern grey kangaroos and swamp wallabies are commonly seen, while birdwatchers may encounter species like the pied oystercatcher, beach stone-curlew, and eastern curlew along the coast. The park’s wetlands attract a variety of migratory birds, making it a hotspot for birdwatching. Broadwater National Park features coastal heathland, swamp sclerophyll forests, and paperbark trees. The park is also known for its wildflower displays in spring, with species like banksias and wattles adding vibrant color to the landscape. Notable features include Salty Lagoon, an important wetland, and Broadwater Beach, which offers long stretches of unspoiled coastline. Public transport options are limited, and most visitors drive to the park. Access is via the Pacific Highway, with nearby towns like Evans Head offering the closest services. Photo Credit: L Walker and D Largin