Urunga

Urunga is a sleepy coastal town at the mouth of the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers, where the rainforest meets the sea. Its main draw is a stunning 1km-long wooden boardwalk that snakes through mangroves and over the river, leading to a sheltered beach perfect for swimming and kayaking. This is a place for slow travel, birdwatching, and paddling in the calm estuarine waters.

Highlights & What to See

• Urunga Boardwalk – A serene walk through mangroves and over the river to the beach; look for stingrays, pelicans, and kingfishers.
• Urunga Beach – A patrolled, family-friendly beach with gentle waves and a tidal lagoon at the southern end.
• Bellinger River – Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the river system, or join a guided eco-tour to spot dolphins and sea eagles.
• Hungry Head Headland – A short walk to a historic cemetery and panoramic views of the coast and hinterland.
• Urunga Museum – Housed in the old railway station, it tells the story of the area’s timber and fishing history.

Suggested Time to Spend

Urunga is a half-day stop or an overnight chill-out. Most visitors spend 2–3 hours walking the boardwalk, having a swim, and grabbing fish and chips. If you’re paddling or birdwatching, allow a full day. It works well as a lunch break between Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour – 30 minutes south, with the Big Banana, Jetty Beach, and the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.
• Bellingen – 20 minutes inland, a creative town with artisan galleries, the Bellingen River, and the Never Never Rainforest.
• Dorrigo National Park – 45 minutes west, for the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, the Skywalk, and spectacular waterfalls.
• Nambucca Heads – 20 minutes north, with the iconic V-Wall painted rocks and the Nambucca River.
• Mylestom – 10 minutes south, a quiet beachside village with a great surf break and the Mylestom Boardwalk.

Please check official sources for current details.