Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 39m
Min elevation: 1m
Total Ascent: 504m
Hike overview
Solitary Islands coastal walk traverses 60km of beaches and rainforest on the Coffs Coast. Enjoy whale watching, birdwatching and swimming on your journey from Red Rock to the coastal village of Sawtell.
You'll be hard pressed to find a more beautiful walk on the east coast of NSW. The Solitary Islands coastal walk links a string of idyllic golden beaches, rocky headlands and lush rainforest along the Coffs Coast.
Make your way through Coffs Coast Regional Park, Moonee Beach Nature Reserve and Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve before winding up at Sawtell, near Bongil Bongil National Park.
Solitary Islands and Muttonbird Island are picturesque and make for perfect birdwatching, so bring your binoculars; little terns and white bellied eagles are often seen along the shores. Dolphins surf the waves of these beaches all year round and the headlands are ideal for whale watching.
There are plenty of options for picnicking, swimming and water sports. And with loads of nearby cafes and accommodation to suit any budget, you'll want to keep coming back to discover all the charms of this beautiful walking track.
If you're feeling energetic, pack your backpack and do the whole walk and camp over four days. Or why not stroll along the coastal walk in shorter sections, accessed from Arrawarra Headland, Woolgoolga Beach and Headland, Emerald Beach, Diggers Beach, and nearby Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve.
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.
Practical information
Check the tides - walking along the beach is easiest at low tide. Areas that are best walked at low tide include creek crossings at Arrawarra and Moonee Creek and around rocks on Campbells Beach.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 39 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 504 m
Total descent: -503 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
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: Coffs Coast Regional Park.
Solitary Islands coastal walk is in Coffs Coast Regional Park, Moonee Beach and Muttonbird Island nature reserves. To access the northern end of the walk at Red Rock (55km from Grafton and 41km from Coffs Harbour): Turn off Pacific Highway at Corindi Beach (48km south of Grafton and 34km north of Coffs Harbour). Turn left onto Red Rock Road and continue 6km to Red Rock. Explore the creek-side boardwalk before heading south along the beach toward Arrawarra Headland.
To access the southern end of the walk at Sawtell Headland (5km south of Coffs Harbour): Follow the signs to Sawtell Headland from Lyons Road/First Avenue. Explore the tidal pool and head north along the beach toward Boambee Headland Parking Parking is available at Red Rock and Sawtell Headland.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
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, Korora, Moonee Beach, Sapphire Beach, Toormina
About the region
Coffs Coast Regional Park, near Coffs Harbour, is a top spot for fishing, surfing and birdwatching. You'll find great picnic areas, plus beaches with off-leash dog zones.
It's easy to experience an endless summer at Coffs Coast Regional Park. Lose yourself in its string of pristine beaches which together offer everything from unbeatable surf and safe swimming to picnic areas and children's playgrounds.
Explore undulating dunes, rainforest pockets, tranquil lakes, inviting parklands and charming coastal towns along the coastal walk and discover majestic headlands ideal for whale watching and taking in sweeping views of Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Coffs Coast Regional Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.





