Cottan-Bimbang National Park

Cottan-Bimbang National Park is a small national park on the border of the Mid-North Coast and Southern New England regions of New South Wales. The national park isn't incredibly popular by any means, other than providing a short stopover for travellers on the Oxley Highway either up or down the giant ascent/descent of the Great Dividing Range

The core of the national park is only accessible via car. There are coaches use Oxley Highway (B56), but do not stop anywhere along the park and even if they did stop, it wouldn't be of much use since the highlight of the park requires a car (it's a scenic drive).

Irregardless of whichever side you come from, you will need to embrace very windy roads. From Walcha, head 64 km east to the park then follow signage to the scenic drive. The main highway also passes through the national park and has very similar scenery, so if you aren't super comfortable with driving on unpaved roads, you don't exactly miss out on much. From Port Macquarie, head 109 km west (or 100 km from the freeway exit at Wauchope) also on the Oxley Highway and then follow signage to the scenic drive.

Although both sides of the road are windy, the side from Walcha is in a far better condition than from Wauchope, with the Walcha side having a 110 km/h speed limit.

The park is free to enter and it is always open except during times of bad weather. Check the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service website before visiting.

• 🌍 Stockyard Creek Rest Area, cnr Oxley Hwy and Stockyard Creek Road. Although it is technically a rest area, its location near the edge of a 180° bend has resulted in it becoming an unofficial lookout somewhat popular with photographers. Other facilities here include a public toilet (the only one anywhere in the vicinity) and a barbecue area. (updated Sep 2024)

The primary highlight of this park is Myrtle Scrub Scenic Drive (marked on the map with a black outline), a 14-kilometre alternative road to the Oxley Highway. Although it is possible to see the scenery from the Oxley Highway, this road allows you to get in much deeper into the wet rainforest. It is not sealed, but it is still relatively easy to drive on (takes roughly 30 minutes, assuming you hover at 30 km/h). Avoid this road if it is raining, though.

If you happen to go at the right time during mating season, the scene of lyrebirds may surprise you.

You must bring your own supplies to the park.

There is an eatery along the highway, but it is not inside the park.

• 🌍 Gingers Creek Bush Resort, 10789 Oxley Hwy, Mount Seaview, ☏ +61 2 6777 7511. W–M 8AM–5PM. A bush resort and coffee shop. (updated Sep 2024)