Billy Nos National Park

Billy Nos National Park is a rugged wilderness tucked away on the far-north coast of New South Wales, where ancient Gondwana rainforests meet wild, untamed beaches. This remote park offers a true escape into nature, with dramatic headlands, hidden coves, and a rich Aboriginal heritage that stretches back thousands of years. It’s a place for serious hikers and solitude seekers, where the only soundtrack is the crash of waves and the call of native birds.

Highlights & What to See

• Billy Nos Headland Walk – A challenging 6 km return trail that rewards with sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean and, during winter, migrating humpback whales breaching offshore.
• Mungo Brush Rainforest Loop – A shorter, family-friendly stroll through towering palms and ancient ferns, with interpretive signs explaining the area’s significance to the local Gumbaynggirr people.
• Hidden Beach – Accessible only via a steep, unmarked track from the headland, this secluded stretch of white sand is perfect for a private picnic and a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
• Aboriginal Rock Art Sites – Guided tours (book ahead) take you to ochre hand stencils and carved figures in sheltered sandstone overhangs, offering a profound connection to the region’s first inhabitants.
• Billy Nos Campground – A basic, bush-camping site with fire pits and pit toilets, ideal for stargazing and falling asleep to the sound of the surf.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors allocate a full day to explore the park’s key walks and viewpoints. If you’re keen on tackling the headland walk and also want to visit the rock art, start early and plan for 6–8 hours. For a more immersive experience, stay overnight at the campground – two days and one night allows you to hike at a relaxed pace, enjoy a sunset from the headland, and wake up to the dawn chorus. If you’re on a tight self-drive itinerary, a half-day stop (3–4 hours) is enough for a short rainforest walk and a quick look from the main lookout.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Urunga – A charming coastal town with a famous boardwalk over the Bellinger River, just 20 minutes south; great for a coffee stop or kayaking.
• Dorrigo National Park – About an hour inland, this World Heritage-listed park boasts stunning waterfalls and the Skywalk lookout over the rainforest canopy.
• Coffs Harbour – A 40-minute drive north offers the popular Big Banana, beautiful beaches, and the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve.
• Bellingen – A bohemian riverside village known for its arts scene, farmers markets, and swimming holes; perfect for a lazy afternoon.
• Nambucca Heads – Further south (30 minutes), with the iconic V-Wall painted by visitors and the Nambucca River for fishing and paddleboarding.

Please check official sources for current details.