Crowdy Bay National Park

Crowdy Bay National Park is a wild and windswept coastal gem on the Mid North Coast of NSW, where dramatic headlands, pristine beaches, and lush coastal heath create a landscape of raw beauty. This is a place for those who love solitude, long walks on empty sands, and the chance to spot kangaroos at dawn or whales migrating offshore. The park’s centerpiece is the iconic Diamond Head, a striking volcanic headland that offers breathtaking panoramic views.

Highlights & What to See

• Diamond Head – The park’s signature landmark, a dramatic headland with a network of walking tracks leading to clifftop lookouts with sweeping ocean views. The Diamond Head Loop Walk (7 km, 3 hr) takes you through coastal heath and along the cliffs, with excellent whale-watching from June to November.
• Crowdy Bay Beach – A long, unpatrolled beach perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply walking. The southern end is often deserted, offering a true escape.
• Kylie’s Campground and the Paperbark Forest – A peaceful camping area nestled behind the dunes, with a short boardwalk through a paperbark swamp – a haven for birdlife.
• Indian Head – A smaller headland north of Diamond Head, accessible via a short walk, with a historic grave and more stunning coastal vistas.
• Wildlife spotting – Eastern grey kangaroos often graze near the campgrounds, and the park is a stronghold for the endangered coastal emu. Birdwatchers will delight in seeing sea eagles, ospreys, and a variety of shorebirds.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring the park, which is enough to complete the Diamond Head Loop, relax on the beach, and enjoy a picnic. For a more immersive experience, stay overnight at one of the park’s campgrounds – Kylie’s or Diamond Head – to catch sunrise over the headland and enjoy the quiet after day-trippers leave. A two-night stay allows you to explore both the coastal tracks and the inland paperbark forests at a leisurely pace.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – 45 minutes south, this coastal city offers the Koala Hospital, the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, and a lively waterfront dining scene.
• Hastings River – Explore the historic river village of Wauchope, gateway to the rainforests of Werrikimbe National Park, or take a river cruise from Port Macquarie.
• Camden Haven – The string of villages around Camden Haven Inlet (Laurieton, North Haven) offer excellent fishing, kayaking, and the scenic North Brother Mountain lookout.
• Myall Lakes National Park – About 90 minutes south, this park features vast lake systems, sand dunes, and the famous Singing Bridge at Tea Gardens.
• Booti Booti National Park – A smaller coastal park near Forster, with beautiful beaches and the scenic Cape Hawke lookout.

Please check official sources for current details.