Yuraygir National Park

Stretching along 65 kilometres of pristine NSW coastline between Yamba and Coffs Harbour, Yuraygir National Park is the state’s longest coastal wilderness walk. This is a place of dramatic headlands, quiet sandy coves, and pockets of ancient rainforest—a sanctuary for both wildlife and weary travellers. The park’s name comes from the local Yaegl people, and its landscapes remain largely untouched, offering a raw, windswept beauty that feels a world away from the nearby holiday towns.

Highlights & What to See

• Yuraygir Coastal Walk: A multi-day trek (or shorter day walks) passing through heathlands, over rocky headlands, and along empty beaches. Look for migrating whales (June–November) from headland lookouts.
• Angourie Point: A world-famous right-hand surf break, also home to the Blue and Green Pools—former quarries now turned freshwater swimming spots surrounded by lush vegetation.
• Minnie Water: A sleepy coastal hamlet with a stunning, uncrowded beach and a local store that does excellent fish and chips.
• Red Rock: The park’s northern gateway, featuring a striking red volcanic headland, a coastal lagoon, and a resident pod of dolphins that often surf the waves.
• Brooms Head: A quiet village with a caravan park right on the beach and a headland walk offering panoramic views of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
• Lake Arragan & Shelley Beach: A hidden gem for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching, with a basic campground that feels wonderfully remote.

Suggested Time to Spend

For a proper taste, spend at least two to three days: one to tackle a section of the Coastal Walk (e.g., from Angourie to Brooms Head, about 10 km), another to explore the northern end around Red Rock and the Solitary Islands, and a third to simply relax on the quieter beaches. If you’re driving the Pacific Highway, even a half-day stop at Angourie for a swim and a short coastal stroll is worthwhile.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yamba: A charming coastal town at the mouth of the Clarence River, known for its excellent surf beaches, lighthouse walks, and a vibrant café scene.
• Coffs Harbour: A larger regional hub with the iconic Big Banana, the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, and easy access to the Solitary Islands.
• Grafton: A historic city on the Clarence River, famous for its jacaranda-lined streets and heritage architecture—a great stop for a coffee and a stroll.
• Bundjalung National Park: South of Yamba, this park protects the stunning Iluka Bluff and the rainforest-lined Esk River, with excellent birdwatching and fishing.
• Woolgoolga: A laid-back beach town with a large Sikh community, a golden beach, and the Woolgoolga Headland walking track.

Please check official sources for current details.