Iluka Rainforest walking track
North Coast
Overview
Iluka Rainforest walking track takes you on an easy stroll through lush rainforest. Unpack a picnic when you arrive at Iluka Bluff in Bundjalung National Park and enjoy stunning views and a swim.
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Distance
- 2.6km one-way
- Time suggested
- 30min - 1hr 30min
- Grade
- Grade 2
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
- Please note
- Iluka Rainforest walking track may be closed in periods of extreme weather
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
Suitable for all ages, this short walk takes you through Iluka Nature Reserve, offering a fantastic way to see the vibrant life of the rainforest up close.
As you leave the township of Iluka, it’s extraordinary how quickly you’re transported back in time in this ancient rainforest ecosystem. It’s no wonder it’s part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests. You'll pass yet another beautiful, large strangler fig ahead, intertwined with ferns and vines as it reaches up towards the tall canopy overhead. If you walk quietly, you might see or hear the brightly coloured noisy pitta and the sharp crack of the whipbird.
After a leisurely stroll, you’ll arrive at Iluka Bluff lookout in Bundjalung National park. Bask in the panoramic views and bring binoculars; it's a great spot for picnicking and whale watching in the winter months. In the warmer months, why not have a swim or a snorkel by the beach before you head back to Iluka?
Map
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Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/iluka-rainforest-walking-track/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Iluka Nature Reserve in the North Coast region
Iluka Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- in Bundjalung National Park in the North Coast region
Bundjalung National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Iluka Rainforest walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
2.6km one-way
Time
30min - 1hr 30min
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Flat
Steps
No steps
Quality of path
Formed track: The walk is 1-2m wide and gravel for roughly two-thirds of the track. It then becomes hard-packed ground in the northern part of the walk.
Other barriers
Pinch points: There may be points where the track narrows due to rocks, tree roots and plants.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Iluka Rainforest Walk starts from the corner of Long and Crown streets in the township of Iluka. You can also start the track from the Iluka Bluff carpark, which is approximately 500m off Iluka Road on an unsealed road, just near the golf course.
Parking
Parking is available at Iluka Rainforest walking track, halfway along Iluka Bluff Road, including 1 accessible parking spot. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Iluka Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
A great time to for a bit of beach fishing as the travelling winter species move closer to the shore.
Spring
Experience the spring fragrances of the rainforest and the diversity of local birdlife.
Summer
Head straight to Iluka Bluff and immerse yourself in the glistening waters - water activities like swimming, snorkelling and surfing await you.
Winter
Take in the panoramic views from Iluka Bluff and keep your eyes out for whales migrating north along the coast.
Facilities
There's an ambulant toilet at Iluka Bluff picnic area where the walk ends.
Seats and resting points
There's a timber bench around a fifth of the way along the track if starting from Long Street.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
Iluka Rainforest walking track is flat and step-free, with some accessible facilities:
- There's an accessible parking spot haflway along Iluka Bluff Road
- There's a bench seat where you can rest around a fifth of the way along the track (if starting the walk from Long Road)
- There's an ambulant (but not wheelchair-accessible) toilet at Iluka Bluff picnic area where this walk ends
There are some parts of the walk where people with reduced mobility may need assistance:
- There are points where the track may narrow due to rocks, tree roots and plants
- Assistance may be required on the hard-packed ground and gravel surface of the track
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.
Learn more
Iluka Rainforest walking track is in Iluka Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Birdwatcher's haven
It's not surprising that Iluka Nature Reserve and neighbouring Bundjalung National Park have become popular destinations for birdwatchers, with 144 bird species spotted in the area. You'll discover an array of birdlife in the rainforest as you wander under its mighty canopy. Look out for the barred cuckoo shrike or the varied thriller darting about in the trees. And if you head towards the sand and mud flats of the nearby Clarence River, there's another 85 species to spot.
- Iluka Rainforest walking track Iluka Rainforest walking track takes you on an easy stroll through lush rainforest. Unpack a picnic when you arrive at Iluka Bluff in Bundjalung National Park and enjoy stunning views and a swim.
- Sensing the rainforest Sensing the Rainforest is a school excursion in Iluka Nature Reserve for Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students focusing on Geography outcomes. Ranger-guided activities encourage students to experience the rainforest through their senses, describing the diverse features and characteristics this coastal Gondwanan rainforest environment.
- Sensing the rainforest Sensing the rainforest is a Stage 1 (Years 1–2) school excursion in Iluka Nature Reserve, focusing on HSIE Geography outcomes. Ranger-guided activities encourage students to experience the rainforest environment using their senses.
- Sensing the rainforest Sensing the Rainforest is a Stage 2 (Years 3–4) school excursion in Iluka Nature Reserve, focusing on Geography. Students examine features and characteristics of places and environments through guided, sensory activities and nature observation in the rainforest environment.
Water adventures
Nestled between the coastline and the Clarence River to its south and west, Iluka Nature Reserve has something to offer everyone who enjoys the water. Find a spot to throw in your fishing line from the beaches or rocky coastline, or indulge in a relaxed stroll along the river bank for the estuary fishers. And for those who want to immerse themselves in the glistening blue waters, there's great swimming, surfing and snorkelling at the beaches near Iluka Bluff. As humpback whales migrate north along the coastline in winter, you couldn't find a better spot than the lookout at Iluka Bluff to watch the ocean for its wonderful inhabitants. Pack a picnic, take in the stunning panoramic views, and expect to see a whale or two frolicking in the distance.
- Iluka Rainforest walking track Iluka Rainforest walking track takes you on an easy stroll through lush rainforest. Unpack a picnic when you arrive at Iluka Bluff in Bundjalung National Park and enjoy stunning views and a swim.
World Heritage rainforest
Iluka Nature Reserve is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area - the most extensive strip of diverse rainforest anywhere on Earth. Iluka is also significant as it has the largest remaining stand of littoral 'by the sea' rainforest in New South Wales and over 180 unique species of plants. Experience this special ecosystem up close on the Iluka Rainforest walking trail and see this amazing variety of plant life for yourself.
- Iluka Rainforest walking track Iluka Rainforest walking track takes you on an easy stroll through lush rainforest. Unpack a picnic when you arrive at Iluka Bluff in Bundjalung National Park and enjoy stunning views and a swim.
- Sensing the rainforest Sensing the Rainforest is a school excursion in Iluka Nature Reserve for Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students focusing on Geography outcomes. Ranger-guided activities encourage students to experience the rainforest through their senses, describing the diverse features and characteristics this coastal Gondwanan rainforest environment.
- Sensing the rainforest Sensing the rainforest is a Stage 1 (Years 1–2) school excursion in Iluka Nature Reserve, focusing on HSIE Geography outcomes. Ranger-guided activities encourage students to experience the rainforest environment using their senses.
- Sensing the rainforest Sensing the Rainforest is a Stage 2 (Years 3–4) school excursion in Iluka Nature Reserve, focusing on Geography. Students examine features and characteristics of places and environments through guided, sensory activities and nature observation in the rainforest environment.