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.
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.
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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.
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
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.
If you have any great photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
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