Wooli

Wooli is a tiny coastal village on the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, where the Wooli River meets the Pacific Ocean. With its unspoiled beaches, pristine national park, and laid-back fishing-vibe, it's a perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking solitude. The village itself is a cluster of holiday shacks and a general store, but the real draw is the surrounding natural beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Wooli Beach & the Wooli River – The long, uncrowded beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, and beachcombing. The river offers calm waters for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, with abundant birdlife.
• Yuraygir National Park – This coastal park stretches both north and south of Wooli. Walk the coastal track for stunning views over heathlands, coastal lakes, and whale-watching spots (June–November). The park is also home to kangaroos and goannas.
• Solitary Islands Coastal Walk – Wooli is a key stop on this 60-kilometer walking trail from Coffs Harbour to Red Rock. Day-walkers can tackle the section from Wooli to Angourie or Sandon River, passing through rainforest and along dramatic cliffs.
• Wooli River Boat Hire – Hire a tinny or kayak to explore the river's quiet backwaters, fish for bream and flathead, or picnic on a sandbar.
• Pillar Valley – A short drive inland, this historic farming area features the Pillar Valley General Store (great for a pie) and the picturesque Pillar Valley Creek.

Suggested Time to Spend

Wooli rewards those who stay at least one night. If you're passing through, a half-day allows time for a beach walk and a kayak on the river. For walkers, plan a full day to hike a section of the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk. Overnighters can enjoy sunset at the river mouth and a barbecue at the Wooli Sports & Recreation Club. Two days give you time to explore both the beach and the national park trails.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Angourie – Just 15 minutes south, famous for its surf breaks (Angourie Point) and the Blue Pool rock pool. Part of the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.
• Yamba – A vibrant coastal town 30 minutes south, with great cafes, the Yamba Lighthouse, and excellent surfing beaches.
• Grafton – The historic city of Grafton, 40 minutes inland, is known for its heritage architecture and jacaranda trees. Visit the Grafton Regional Gallery.
• Clarence River – The mighty Clarence River offers houseboat hire, fishing, and riverside villages like Ulmarra and Maclean (the Scottish town in Australia).
• Bundjalung National Park – South of Yamba, this park protects coastal heath and the Iluka Nature Reserve, with the world's last littoral rainforest.

Please check official sources for current details.