Yuraygir National Park

Stretching along the stunning Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, Yuraygir National Park is a pristine slice of the NSW North Coast that feels gloriously off the beaten track. Here, wild beaches, coastal heathlands and pockets of rainforest meet the Pacific, offering a raw, uncrowded escape. It’s a place where you can hike for hours without seeing another soul, spot migrating whales from dramatic headlands, and camp under a canopy of stars. For travellers weaving a self-drive itinerary between Sydney and Brisbane, this park is a must-stop for its solitude and natural beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Solitary Islands Coastal Walk: This multi-day walk (or shorter day sections) is the park’s highlight, tracing the coastline through heath, across beaches and past lagoons. The section between Angourie and Shelley Headland is particularly stunning.
• Yuraygir Coastal Walk – Day Walks: Even if you’re not tackling the full trail, do the 6 km return walk from Red Rock to the headland for sweeping ocean views and whale-watching in winter.
• Shelley Headland Lookout: A short, easy walk leads to this viewpoint where you can see the Solitary Islands Marine Park and, on clear days, spot dolphins and humpback whales.
• Angourie Point: Famous among surfers for its long, peeling right-hand break. Even if you don’t surf, watching from the headland is a spectacle.
• Picnic at Red Rock: The park’s northern end features a calm lagoon perfect for a swim, plus picnic tables under shady casuarinas.
• Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, goannas, and a huge variety of birdlife including sea eagles and rainbow bee-eaters.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience Yuraygir, plan for at least a full day. If you’re short on time, a half-day can still cover a few short walks and a picnic, but you’ll miss the magic of the longer coastal stretches. For serious hikers, allocate 2–3 nights for the full Solitary Islands Coastal Walk (60 km). Most visitors find that a day trip from Coffs Harbour or Yamba works perfectly for the key lookouts and a beachside lunch.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yamba: This laid-back coastal town at the mouth of the Clarence River is just a 20-minute drive south. It’s famous for its surf beaches, great cafes (try the Yamba Kiosk for fish tacos), and the scenic Yamba Lighthouse walk.
• Coffs Harbour: About 45 minutes north, Coffs offers the iconic Big Banana, the spectacular Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, and a thriving food scene with excellent seafood.
• Grafton: Inland on the Clarence River, Grafton is known for its heritage architecture and jacaranda-lined streets (best in spring). It’s a lovely detour for history buffs.
• Bundjalung National Park: Just south of Yuraygir, this park protects the pristine Jerusalem Creek and offers more coastal walking and camping opportunities.
• Solitary Islands Marine Park: Ideal for kayaking, snorkelling and boat tours, this protected area is a haven for marine life and can be explored from Coffs Harbour or Sawtell.

Please check official sources for current details.