Bundjalung National Park

Stretching along a wild, undeveloped stretch of the NSW north coast, Bundjalung National Park is a sanctuary of coastal heath, rainforest pockets, and pristine beaches. Named after the Bundjalung people, the traditional custodians, this park offers a raw, uncrowded escape where the only sounds are crashing waves and bird calls. It’s a place for bushwalking, fishing, and quiet contemplation, with a rich Aboriginal heritage woven into the landscape.

Highlights & What to See

• Ten Mile Beach: A spectacular, near-empty stretch of sand perfect for long walks, beach fishing, or simply watching the waves – be mindful of occasional strong rips for swimming.
• Iluka Bluff Walking Track: A short but rewarding walk through coastal heath to a lookout over the Pacific Ocean, with excellent whale-watching opportunities during migration season (June–November).
• Bundjalung Rainforest Walk: A gentle loop through a remnant of lowland subtropical rainforest, with towering figs, palms, and the chance to spot wallabies and colourful birds like the wompoo fruit-dove.
• Evans Head Lookout: Panoramic views over the Evans River mouth and the surrounding national park – a great spot for sunrise photography.
• Aboriginal Cultural Sites: The park contains significant middens and camp sites; interpretive signs near the Iluka Bluff area offer insight into the Bundjalung people’s long connection to this land.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find a half-day to a full day sufficient to explore the park’s highlights. If you’re keen on a longer beach walk or plan to fish, allow a full day. For a relaxed pace, combine a morning rainforest walk with an afternoon on Ten Mile Beach. The park is best visited between spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Iluka Nature Reserve – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest just south of the park, famous for its ancient palms and birdlife.
• Evans Head – a laid-back coastal town with excellent fishing, a heritage-listed jetty, and great cafés.
• Yamba – a vibrant surf town at the mouth of the Clarence River, known for its beaches, lighthouse, and food scene.
• Yuraygir National Park – a coastal park to the north with dramatic headlands and the longest coastal walking trail in NSW.
• Grafton – a historic city on the Clarence River, famous for its jacaranda trees and heritage architecture.

Please check official sources for current details.