Yuraygir National Park

Yuraygir National Park stretches along a stunningly undeveloped stretch of the NSW North Coast, offering one of the state's most rewarding coastal walks. This wild, windswept park protects a mosaic of coastal heath, rainforest pockets, and pristine beaches where you can walk for hours without seeing another soul. It's a haven for birdwatchers, whale watchers (June–November), and anyone craving a genuine escape into raw coastal nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Yuraygir Coastal Walk – A 65km four-day trek from Angourie to Red Rock, or tackle shorter sections like the Shelly Beach to Brooms Head leg for dramatic sea cliffs and heathland.
• Illaroo Campground & Picnic Area – Set beside the tranquil Illaroo Creek, perfect for a swim or kayak, and a launch point for walks through paperbark forests.
• Brooms Head – A classic coastal village with a headland lookout for whale watching and a patrolled beach; the headland walk offers sweeping ocean views.
• Minnie Water – A quiet, serene swimming beach bordered by pockets of littoral rainforest; look for the boardwalk through the wetlands behind the beach.
• Red Rock Headland – The southern gateway to the park, with a short walk to a historic lighthouse site and excellent rock fishing spots.
• Birdwatching – Spot sea eagles, ospreys, and migratory waders; the heathland is alive with honeyeaters and finches after rain.

Suggested Time to Spend

For a taste, allocate at least half a day to walk a short coastal section (e.g., Brooms Head to Shelly Beach, 8km one way) and enjoy a swim. If you're combining with nearby towns like Yamba or Grafton, a full day allows you to explore two or three key spots. Dedicated walkers can spend 3–4 days completing the full Yuraygir Coastal Walk, camping at designated sites. Drive-through visits are possible but miss the park's soul – you really need to get on the track.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yamba – A laid-back surf town at the mouth of the Clarence River, with great cafés and the iconic Yamba Lighthouse walk.
• Grafton – Historic riverside city known for its jacaranda-lined streets and the Grafton Regional Gallery.
• Angourie – Famous for the Angourie Point surf break and the Blue and Green Pools, perfect for a cool-off swim.
• Iluka Nature Reserve – A UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest with a boardwalk through towering palms and flightless rufous scrub-birds.
• Clarence River – Australia's largest coastal river system, ideal for kayaking, fishing, or a scenic cruise.

Please check official sources for current details.