Boambee Creek Reserve

Boambee Creek Reserve is a peaceful coastal haven just south of Coffs Harbour, where a tidal creek meets a sheltered swimming beach. It's a favourite with locals for its calm waters, grassy picnic spots, and easy walking trails through coastal forest. The reserve offers a genuine slice of laid-back Australian beach life without the crowds.

Highlights & What to See

• Boambee Beach – a patrolled, family-friendly beach with gentle waves and a creek outlet perfect for paddling. The southern end is a popular spot for surfers when the swell picks up.
• Creek-side picnic areas – shaded tables and barbecues right by the water, ideal for a relaxed lunch with views of the mangroves and birdlife.
• Boambee Creek walking track – a 2 km loop through paperbark forest and mangroves, with boardwalks and bird hides. Keep an eye out for kingfishers and sea eagles.
• Kayaking and paddleboarding – the calm, protected creek is a great place to launch a kayak or SUP; you can paddle up into the mangroves or out to the beach.
• Coastal views from the headland – a short climb up the rocky headland at the northern end of the beach rewards with sweeping views of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend half a day here – a morning swim or paddle, followed by a barbecue lunch and a short walk. If you want to explore the walking track and relax on the beach, allow 3–4 hours. The reserve is also a lovely spot for a sunset picnic after a day of driving.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour – just 15 minutes north, with the iconic Big Banana, the Botanic Garden, and excellent dining at the Jetty Strip.
• Sawtell – a charming seaside village with a buzzy café scene, a long surf beach, and a weekend farmers market.
• Bongil Bongil National Park – a protected area of coastal heath and wetlands, with walking trails and the chance to see swamp wallabies and echidnas.
• Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve – a dramatic headland in Coffs Harbour, connected by a breakwater, offering a walk to the top for whale-watching (June–November) and seabird colonies.
• Dorrigo National Park – a 45-minute drive inland into the rainforest of the Great Escarpment, with stunning waterfalls and the Skywalk lookout.

Please check official sources for current details.