Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve.
Getting there and parking
From Coffs Harbour:
- Follow Harbour Drive, then take Marina Drive to the waterfront and marina
or
- Take Orlando Street and cross the railway line to Coffs Harbour Yacht Club
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Take the ‘Muttonbirds by Moonlight' guided tour to find out more about the muttonbird parents' and fledglings' migratory journey to southeast Asia.
Spring
Head to the island's peak or eastern side to look for migrating whales – make sure to take your binoculars Muttonbirds will be breeding and nesting at this time of year, so look closely for them and be very careful not to disturb them .
Summer
Look for dolphins in the water and sea turtles around the marina area.
Winter
Guided tours to the South Solitary Island include a return helicopter flight and guided inspection of the lighthouse keepers' buildings and surrounds. They are only available for two weekends every year so you'll need to book ahead – check out the Precision Helicopters website to find out more about scenic flights and tours. During the school holidays take a free whale watching guided tour on the island .
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
20°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
43.3°C
Winter temperature
Average
10°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
-3.2°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
404.6mm
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Drones
Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.
This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.
Commercial filming and photography
Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.
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.
Contact
- 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.
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Coffs Harbour office
02 6652 0900
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. - 4/32 Edgar St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
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Email: npws.coffscoast@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Coffs Harbour office
Nearby towns
Coffs Harbour (4 km)
Coffs Harbour is a coastal city on the North Coast, packed with things to do. It's surrounded by lush forests and national parks.
Sawtell (12 km)
Sawtell is a beautiful town framed by beaches and a national park.
Bellingen (38 km)
Bellingen is a laid-back, tree-lined town with a New Age vibe. It's set in a luxuriant valley beside the Bellinger River.