Muttonbird Island Outdoor learning space
Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
Overview
Explore Aboriginal history and Dreamtime stories at Giidany Miirlarl, also known as Muttonbird Island, near Coffs Harbour.
- Type
- Education centres
- Accessibility
- Easy
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water, sturdy shoes
- Bookings
- Tours are available on request. Fees apply. Phone (02) 6652 0927 or email the park office
- Please note
- Please refrain from disturbing the birds. This means no flash photography and always keep to the track
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch or whale watch
Long before the island was connected to the shore, certain Gumbaynggirr people were the only ones permitted to venture here. They came to collect muttonbirds for food, protected for their survival by a giant moon-man guardian.
This fascinating Dreaming story and many others are explained in detail at the award-winning Muttonbird Island outdoor learning space. The display is located at the base of the western side of the island. Book a tour of the island to hear more about its flora, fauna, and the Dreaming stories of the Aboriginal People.
Pause to take in the past before embarking on the short island walk. Signage along the way explains the wedge-tailed shearwater’s itinerant lifestyle, the north coast’s geographic features and the marine life that lives in surrounding waters.
Also see
-
Eastern Side lookout
The Eastern Side lookout offers spectacular views of the Solitary Islands. A short walk from the carpark, it’s a great place for whale watching in the heart of Coffs Harbour.
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Operated by
- Coffs Harbour office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6652 0900
- npws.coffscoast@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 4/32 Edgar St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Park info
- in Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve in the North Coast region
Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
What's nearby:
Things to do (37)
- 4WD touring (1)
- Aboriginal culture (2)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (17)
- Canoeing/paddling (5)
- Cycling (2)
- Educational activities (1)
- Fishing (8)
- Historic heritage (2)
- Picnics and barbecues (7)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (2)
- Sightseeing (12)
- Surfing (3)
- Swimming (6)
- Walking (18)
- Waterfalls (7)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (1)