Photo: Joop van Bilsen for Anefo / CC0
Le Bois De La Chaise is a secluded coastal haven on the northern coast of New South Wales, where dense subtropical forest meets pristine white-sand beaches. This quiet spot feels worlds away from the well-trodden tourist trail, offering a raw, untamed slice of Australian coastline that rewards those who make the effort to find it.
Highlights & What to See
- Boulder Beach – A dramatic stretch of sand scattered with enormous granite boulders, sculpted by wind and waves. It’s perfect for solitary walks and photography, especially at sunrise.
- Bushwalking Trails – Several short trails wind through the coastal heath and littoral rainforest, offering glimpses of native birds and wildflowers. The track to the headland lookout provides sweeping views of the Pacific.
- Rock Pools – At low tide, explore the rock platforms teeming with marine life – a hit for families and nature lovers.
- Whale Watching – During migration season (June–November), the headland is a prime spot to see humpbacks breaching offshore.
- Picnic Areas – Simple picnic tables under the shade of paperbarks make for a relaxed lunch stop after a swim.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend a half-day exploring Le Bois De La Chaise – enough time for a coastal walk, a swim, and a picnic. If you’re a keen bushwalker or photographer, consider dedicating a full day to soak in the changing light and explore all the trails. The beach is also a wonderful spot for a lazy afternoon with a book.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Coffs Harbour – 30 minutes south; offers the iconic Big Banana, the Butterfly House, and a lively marina with restaurants.
- Woolgoolga – 15 minutes north; known for its large Sikh community, the beautiful Woolgoolga Beach, and the Woolgoolga Lake for kayaking.
- Yuraygir National Park – Stretching along the coast south of Yamba; offers longer coastal walks, secluded beaches, and camping options.
- Grafton – 45 minutes inland; a historic city famous for its jacaranda-lined streets and heritage architecture.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Coffs Harbour — Paul Lakin / CC BY 3.0
- Woolgoolga — No machine-readable author provided. Superjub~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). / Public domain
- Yuraygir National Park — Michael Munich / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Grafton — Chris Olszewski / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Yamba — Armistej at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Solitary Islands Marine Park — Watchthebirdie / CC0