Hong Kong Marine Park

Hong Kong Marine Park is a dazzling slice of coastal wilderness on the NSW North Coast, where turquoise waters lap against ancient volcanic headlands and the air smells of saltbush and blooming coastal heath. This protected reserve offers a raw, uncrowded escape for snorkellers, bushwalkers and anyone craving a proper dose of ocean therapy. The park’s centrepiece is a series of sheltered coves and rocky platforms that teem with marine life, while the surrounding headlands provide sweeping views that stretch from the Solitary Islands to the distant peaks of the Great Dividing Range. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a morning exploring rock pools, an afternoon snorkelling with sea turtles, and still find a quiet patch of sand to watch the sun dissolve into the Pacific.

Highlights & What to See

• Shelly Beach – a calm, crescent-shaped beach perfect for swimming and beginner snorkelling, with a fringing reef just metres offshore.
• North Head Walking Track – a moderate 1.5 km loop that rewards with vertiginous views over the marine park and, in season, migrating humpback whales.
• Rock Platform at Flat Rock Point – explore a stunning natural rock shelf that reveals anemones, starfish and tiny crabs at low tide.
• Sea Kayaking – paddle the protected bays and around offshore islets, often accompanied by dolphins and sea birds.
• Sawtell Headland Lookout – a short stroll from the car park, offering panoramic vistas and a prime whale-watching spot from June to November.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find a half-day (around 4–5 hours) sufficient to soak up the park’s highlights: a morning snorkel, a coastal walk and a picnic lunch on the headland. If you’re keen to kayak or dive, plan a full day to allow for two sessions on the water and a relaxed exploration of the rock platforms. The park is compact, so you won’t waste time driving between sites – it’s all within a few kilometres of the main access points.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour – just 15 minutes south, with the iconic Big Banana, a lively marina and the beautiful Botanic Garden.
• Bellingen – a 30-minute drive inland, famous for its artsy vibe, the Bellingen River and the spectacular Dorrigo National Park beyond.
• Sawtell – a chilled-out beachside village with a great café scene and a patrolled beach, ideal for a post-park coffee.
• Solitary Islands Marine Park – the larger protected area offshore, offering world-class diving and snorkelling at sites like South Solitary Island.
• Urunga Boardwalk – a 30-minute drive north, where a 1 km boardwalk winds through mangroves to a serene river mouth.

Please check official sources for current details.