Yuraygir National Park

Stretching along 65 kilometres of pristine coastline between Yamba and Red Rock, Yuraygir National Park is a wild, windswept sanctuary of heath-clad headlands, empty beaches and coastal lagoons. This is the New South Wales coast at its most untamed – a place where you can walk for hours without seeing another soul, swim in rock pools fringed by pandanus palms, and watch whales breach against a backdrop of sea cliffs. For travellers on a self-drive itinerary along the Pacific Highway, Yuraygir offers a refreshing dose of solitude and raw natural beauty, far from the crowds of more famous coastal parks.

Highlights & What to See

• Coastal Walking Track: The 65-kilometre Yuraygir Coastal Walk is the park’s crown jewel, weaving through heath, littoral rainforest and past headlands with dramatic ocean views. You can tackle day sections, such as the 10-kilometre stretch from Angourie to Shelley Headland.
• Angourie Point: A legendary surf break that also offers a beautiful sheltered bay for swimming and a network of walking trails through remnant rainforest. The nearby Blue and Green Pools are perfect for a refreshing dip.
• Brooms Head: A laid-back coastal village with a patrolled beach, a historic lighthouse and a headland that provides superb whale-watching platforms during migration season (June–November).
• Lake Arragan & Shelley Beach: A stunning coastal lagoon ideal for kayaking and birdwatching, with a campground tucked behind the dunes. The adjacent Shelley Beach is a secluded stretch of sand backed by paperbark swamps.
• Red Rock: The southern gateway to the park, where the Clarence River meets the sea. The headland walk offers panoramic views of the coastline and is a prime spot for spotting dolphins and sea eagles.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly appreciate Yuraygir’s wild character, spend at least a full day exploring. If you’re a keen walker, allow two days to complete a multi-day section of the coastal walk, camping at one of the park’s basic campgrounds (such as Illaroo or Woody Head). For a more relaxed visit, a day trip from Coffs Harbour or Yamba is enough to enjoy a short walk, a swim at Angourie and a picnic at Lake Arragan. Sunrise and late afternoon are magical for photography and wildlife spotting.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yamba – A charming seaside town at the mouth of the Clarence River, with a historic lighthouse, excellent cafés and a laid-back surf culture.
• Grafton – Known for its heritage-listed jacaranda trees and the Clarence River, offering river cruises and a glimpse into the region’s history.
• Solitary Islands Marine Park – Just offshore, this protected area is fantastic for snorkelling, diving and boat tours to see turtles, rays and colourful fish.
• Coffs Harbour – A major hub with the popular Big Banana attraction, the Botanic Garden and access to the Dorrigo National Park rainforest.
• Wooli – A tiny coastal village with a pristine beach and the start of the Wooli River walking track through coastal heath.

Please check official sources for current details.