Brooms Head

Brooms Head is a sleepy coastal hamlet on the far north coast of New South Wales, where the wilderness of Yuraygir National Park meets the Pacific. This is a place for true escape: no shops, no crowds, just raw, beautiful coastline. The headland itself offers a spectacular vantage point for whale watching (June–November) and a pristine surf break that's a local secret. If you're after solitude, salt spray, and a slow pace, Brooms Head is your reward.

Highlights & What to See

• Brooms Head Lookout – A short walk from the car park leads to this clifftop perch with sweeping views south to Angourie and north to the Clarence River mouth. It's a prime spot for spotting humpback whales during migration.
• Main Beach & Surf Break – A long, uncrowded beach with consistent waves that peel right along the headland. Best at mid-tide with a southerly swell; watch for rips.
• Yuraygir National Park Walks – The headland is part of this park. The 6 km Brooms Head to Angourie coastal walk weaves through heathland and offers stunning sea cliffs and secluded coves.
• Brooms Head Campground – A basic, unpowered site right behind the dunes, run by National Parks. Fall asleep to the sound of the ocean – book ahead in summer.
• Lake Hiawatha – A small, tea-tree-lined lake just inland, perfect for a calm paddle or birdwatching (swans, pelicans, and herons).

Suggested Time to Spend

Brooms Head is small – you can see the lookout and beach in an hour. But to really appreciate it, plan for at least a half-day: walk the coastal track, swim, and have a picnic. If you're camping, stay 1–2 nights to experience sunrise over the ocean and a quiet evening by the campfire. It works best as a detour on a drive between Yamba and Coffs Harbour.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Angourie – Just 5 km south, famous for its blue-flagged beach, the Angourie Point surf break, and the serene Angourie Blue Pool rock pool.
• Yamba – A lively coastal town 20 km south with excellent cafes, the Yamba Lighthouse, and the Clarence River estuary for kayaking and fishing.
• Iluka – A peaceful town on the northern side of the Clarence River, with the Iluka Nature Reserve and ferry across to Yamba.
• Yuraygir National Park – The park stretches from Brooms Head to Red Rock, offering longer walks, remote beaches, and the iconic Shelley Beach.
• Grafton – The historic inland city (40 km west) is worth a stop for its heritage architecture and the famous Jacaranda trees that bloom in October–November.

Please check official sources for current details.