Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the breath-taking Solitary Islands coastal walk, a 60km trail stretching from Red Rock to Sawtell on the stunning Coffs Coast. This Grade 4 trail weaves through beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse nature reserves, offering remarkable birdwatching, whale watching, and swimming opportunities. Whether you're up for a challenging multi-day hike or prefer shorter strolls from various accessible points, this trail promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure packed with picturesque views and abundant wildlife.

Length:

60km

Duration:

3-4 days

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 39m

Min elevation: 1m

Total Ascent: 504m

Start: Red Rock Headland

End: Sawtell Headland

Coffs Coast Regional Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Moonee Beach

From state capital: 542km

Latitude: -29.98116809

Longitude: 153.23191076517108

Overview

Map

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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.

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

Tips

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.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Solitary Islands Coastal Walk (60km)

Total distance: 61879 m
Max elevation: 39 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 504 m
Total descent: -503 m

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.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: 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.

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

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Solitary Islands Coastal Walk (60km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Solitary Islands Coastal Walk (60km)