Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the coastal beauty of the Five Islands walking track, a challenging yet rewarding 2.4km hike in Saltwater National Park, NSW. Experience diverse landscapes from coastal heath and swamp to rainforest and wetlands, with notable sights of Aboriginal heritage and the unique 'five islands' of Khappinghat Creek. This Grade 4 trail, best accessed from Saltwater picnic area, is a must for all bushwalkers seeking a varied and rich natural trek close to the mid north coast.

Length:

2.4km

Duration:

1 hr

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 17m

Min elevation: 8m

Total Ascent: 31m

Start: 460 Saltwater Rd

End: 460 Saltwater Rd

Saltwater National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Wallabi Point

From state capital: 320km

Latitude: -32.00773024

Longitude: 152.56415605545047

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Hike overview

Experience the beauty of coastal landscape on Five Islands walking track as you explore the surrounding salt and fresh water environments. Setting out from Saltwater picnic area, this flat to gently rippled walk meanders through coastal heath and paperbark swamp before it crosses over Saltwater Gully, where you'll enter Khappinghat Nature Reserve in the west.

Aboriginal heritage is plentiful at Saltwater National Park, and along this walk you'll see traces of their heritage in the form of scarred trees, middens and fish traps. Saltwater Gully forms part of a system of waterways which means you'll experience rainforest, mangroves, salt flats, sedge and wetlands, all in one walk. Khappinghat Creek, where you can see the 'five islands', is the largest area of undeveloped wetlands and the only naturally opening and closing estuarine system on the mid north coast of NSW.

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

Tips

It's a good idea to put sunscreen on before you set out and remember to take a hat and drinking water
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch

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Walk map and GPX file

Five Islands Walking Track (2.4km)

Total distance: 2546 m
Max elevation: 17 m
Min elevation: 8 m
Total climbing: 31 m
Total descent: -29 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo, Grafton, Manning Point, Old Bar, Saltwater, Taree, Wallabi Point, Woolgoolga

Getting to the trailhead in Saltwater National Park.

Five Islands walking track starts at Saltwater picnic area in Saltwater National Park. To get there:Take Old Bar Road from Taree/Pacific HighwayDrive 10km east and turn right into Saltwater RoadFollow Saltwater Road past the village of Wallabi PointSaltwater picnic area is at the end of Saltwater Road Parking Parking is available at Saltwater picnic area.

Get there with Google Maps

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Saltwater National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Five Islands Walking Track (2.4km)

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Five Islands Walking Track (2.4km)