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Wilsons Headland walking track

Yuraygir National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Wilsons Headland walking track.

Track grading

Grade 3

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

3km one-way

Time

45min - 1hr 15min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Gentle hills: The walk is mostly flat with gentle hills, except for the part at the headland where some steps take you down a steeper descent.

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles: The track is 1-2m wide and the surface changes along the length of the walk:

  • The track begins as hard-packed ground near Boorkoom campground
  • There are timber boardwalks in several places and a short stretch of fibre-reinforced plastic
  • There are sections of sand along the track
  • There's a gravel section at Wilsons Headland picnic area.

Steps

Occasional steps: There's a set of 28 timber steps at the point where the track stops stops going south and curves around the headland to head to Wilsons Headland picnic area.

The steps don't have handrails and can be uneven.

Other barriers

Pinch points: The elevated timber and fibre-reinforced plastic walkways along the track narrow the walk from 2m-wide to 1.5m-wide.

Accessible options

If you start the walk from Boorkoom campground, the first 2km is suitable for prams, wheelchairs and people with reduced mobility. This part of the walk has an elevated timber boardwalk with ocean views.

If you start the track from Wilsons Headland picnic area, there's an 800m gravel section that's mostly flat, with 2 steep sections.

Getting there and parking

Wilsons Headland walking track starts at Boorkoom campground in the Minnie Water precinct of Yuraygir National Park. To get there:

  • From Grafton, drive southwest along Pacific Highway.
  • After about 12km, turn left at Eight Mile Lane.
  • Follow Eight Mile Lane as it becomes Wooli Road (keep right) for another 29km.
  • Turn left at Diggers Camp Road and continue for about 7km

Parking

Parking is available in a grass carpark at Boorkoom campground and in hard-packed ground and roadbase carparks at Wilsons Headland picnic area.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Yuraygir National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

Autumn is the perfect time of year to go beach fishing along the park's coastline.

Spring

The park's heathlands provide a spectacular display of wildflowers. Check them out on your choice of walking track, including the Wilsons Headland walk and, of course, the Yuraygir coastal walk.

Summer

Visit in summer to make the most of the park's countless beaches and waterways. Swim, surf or snorkel – cooling sea breezes provide welcome relief in hot weather.

Winter

Plan a winter trip to go whale watching. The sight of migrating whales swimming north to warmer waters is second-to-none, and there are magnificent viewing points at Red Cliffs lookout and Brooms Head.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

20°C and 26°C

Highest recorded

42.5°C

Winter temperature

Average

9°C and 20°C

Lowest recorded

2.7°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

300mm

Facilities

There are accessible non-flush toilets and picnic tables at both Boorkoom campground and Wilsons Headland picnic area, where this walk begins and ends.

Seats and resting points

There are 3 bench seats with backrests along the track.

One is around 200m from Boorkoom campground, one is roughly halfway along the walk and the third is where the steps are at the headland near Wilsons Headland picnic area.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Beach safety

Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

  • If you start this track from Boorkoom campground, the first 2km is suitable for wheelchairs, prams and visitors with limited mobility.
  • Some assistance may be required at times as you make your way along the natural surface of the path.
  • There are seats and lookouts along the track where you can rest.
  • If accessing this track from Wilsons Headland picnic area, there is 800m of gravel path. The path is mostly flat with gentle hills, but assistance may be needed along 2 steep sections.

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Wilsons Headland walking track

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