Hike at a Glance

Australia > New South Wales > Moonee Beach Nature Reserve

Quick overview: Experience the rich Australian history on the Dammerels History Walk, a short, easy Grade 2 stroll located near the picturesque Solitary Islands. This 1.9km return trail offers stunning views and an insight into the 19th-century lighthouse operations. Not only will you learn about the Dammerel family's tale and the tragic 1886 collision of Keilawarra and Helen Nicoll, but you may also spot native wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, goannas, and pythons. Don't forget to pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst breathtaking scenery.

Length:

1.9km

Duration:

45 mins

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Look at Me Now Headland Track

End: Look at Me Now Headland Track

Moonee Beach Nature Reserve

New South Wales

Nearby town: Emerald Beach

From state capital: 545km

Latitude: -30.17564141

Longitude: 153.1867154

5 Reviews

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Hike overview

When the Dammerel family took the job as full-time operators of the signal station here in 1884, they could not have known what lay ahead over the next 40 years. Apart from extremely hard work, which the daughters took on as well, the family had their fair share of tragedy, mishap and love stories.
Dammerels history walk is a short easy stroll with a superb view out to Solitary Islands, named by Captain Cook. Learn all about the workings of an historic 19th century lighthouse with a kerosene light and the signal station that provided its only link to the mainland. Hear the story of the Dammerel family and of the collision in 1886 of Keilawarra and Helen Nicoll. Only two bodies of the 48 who died in the accident washed ashore, and their graves are on Dammerels Head.
Watch for wildlife like grazing eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, goannas and pythons. Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenic views and this fascinating portion of Australian history.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Practical information

Eastern grey kangaroos inhabit the reserve. They are powerful wild animals capable of causing serious injury if threatened, so please appreciate them from a distance.
Remember to take binoculars in you want to birdwatch or whale watch

Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.

The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.

Walk map and GPX file
Dammerels History Walk (1.9km)

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Explore safely

Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Leave a trip plan

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Planning checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Moonee Beach Nature Reserve.

To Look At Me Now carpark. Dammerels history walk is in the Look At Me Now precinct of Moonee Beach Nature Reserve. To get there:Take Emerald Beach exit off Pacific Highway and then, once in Emerald Beach, turn into Dammerel Crescent.Park in Look At Me Now carpark and follow the signs Park entry points Look At Me Now carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Dammerels history walk, including several designated disabled spots. Bus parking is available. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

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Accommodation nearby

Find Accommodation

Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.

Nearby towns: Coffs Harbour, Emerald Beach, Korora, Moonee Beach, Sandy Beach

About the region

At Moonee Beach Nature Reserve, the rare and unique thrive: endangered bats roost in seaside caves, pockets of coastal rainforest thrive and pandanus trees flourish. Threatened and uncommon plant communities grow on the exposed headlands of Bare Bluff and the confidently named Look At Me Now headland. This place of magnificent scenic views and glorious coastline is the traditional homeland of the Gumbaynggirr people who value Look At Me Now Headland as an important and powerful Aboriginal heritage site.

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Trail statusThis trail is OPEN.This trail is permanently CLOSED.Please only report permanent closures and provide evidence in the edit box below.

Trail Features (select all that apply)Aboriginal ArtAlpine HutsAlpine RegionBeach & CoastalBicycle TrailConcrete PathDog FriendlyDrinking WaterExposed LedgesFishing SpotsGoldfields & MiningGorgesGravel PathHeritageHorse RidingLakesLighthouseManual WheelchairMotorised WheelchairMountain Bike TrailOff TrailOvernight CampsitesPrams & StrollersRail TrailRainforestRiver CrossingsRiversRock ScramblingRough TrailSandy TrailScenic ViewpointsSteep TerrainSwimming SpotsTimber BoardwalkTrail RunningUndefined TrailUntreated WaterUrbanWaterfallsWell Marked Trail

Access Conditions (select all that apply)2WD Access4WD AccessAccessible ParkingAccessible ToiletBBQ FacilitiesBitumen RoadCampfire PitCamping AreaDrinking WaterEntry FeeGravel RoadLarge Car ParkPicnic ShelterPicnic TablePublic ToiletsPublic TransportSmall Car ParkSpeed BumpsSteep RoadUntreated WaterVehicle FordWinding Road

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Reviews
Dammerels History Walk (1.9km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Dammerels history walk (1. 9km) trail hiking australia

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Practical information

Walk map and GPX file
Dammerels History Walk (1.9km)

Dammerels History Walk (1.9km)

Explore safely

Leave a trip plan

Planning checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

About the region

Similar walks nearby

Look At Me Now Headland Walk (1.6km)

Corkwood & Scribbly Gum Walking Track (2.3km)

Bluff Loop Walking Track (2km)

Lyrebird Link Track (800m)

Gallery

Suggest an edit

Reviews
Dammerels History Walk (1.9km)

Dammerels History Walk (1.9km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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