Eastern Side lookout

Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve

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Overview

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.

Type
Lookouts
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen
Please note
  • Please refrain from disturbing the birds; this means no flash photography and always keep to the track
  • It’s around a 2km return journey to the lookout from the carpark area near the breakwall
  • Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch or whale watch

The Eastern Side lookout is located a short walk from the Muttonbird Island outdoor learning space along a paved walkway. As you’re walking along the track to the lookout, on either side of the path you’ll notice open entrances to muttonbird burrows. Signage along the way explains the lifecycle of these migratory birds.

It is really important to stay on the track as the burrows are fragile and the plant cover provides little protection from cave-ins which can be disastrous for the birds.

The Eastern Side lookout is perched above wave-worn rock platforms at the eastern end of the walkway. You’ll enjoy unimpeded views of Solitary Islands Marine Park all year round and between May and November you might see humpback whales on their annual migration. On a clear day you can see all the way along the north coast to South West Rocks in the south and north to Woolgoolga.

Take a virtual tour of Eastern Side lookout captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

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/lookouts/eastern-side-lookout/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Eastern Side lookout.

Getting there and parking

The Eastern Side lookout is on the eastern side of the island, a short walk from the carpark area along the marina breakwall. To get there, follow the short paved walkway that traverses the island.

Parking

Parking is available in and around the marina and waterfront precinct off Marina Drive, a short walk from Muttonbird Discovery display.

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

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.

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).

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.

Learn more

Eastern Side lookout is in Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Divers delight

Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. Photo: Rob Cleary/Seen Australia

Muttonbird Island marks the southern boundary of the Solitary Islands Marine Park. The marine park protects coral reefs, mangroves, sea-grass beds, rockpools and river estuaries. It's a diver's paradise, a place where fish species from the tropical north and temperate south mingle among the reefs.

  • 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.
  • Muttonbirds by moonlight guided tour Walk the break wall path from Coffs Harbour to Muttonbird Island and join this short evening tour. You'll come up close to the birds who give Muttonbird Island its name.

Giidany Miirlarl

Aboriginal Discovery ranger, Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. Photo: Rob Cleary

Muttonbird Island is a sacred and significant site to the local Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people, who call the island Giidany Miirlarl, meaning moon sacred place. The moon is the island's protector, guarding the muttonbirds as a food source and protecting them from over-harvesting. The island was also a ceremonial site. Find out more about the cultural significance of Gumbaynggirr Country, taste bush tucker foods and learn about traditional uses of plants for medicine and shelter on a guided tour with one of the Aboriginal Discovery Rangers.

Love nest

Wedge-tailed shearwater mutton bird in underground nest, Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. Photo: Rosie Nicolai/OEH

The island is home to thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters, so called for their ability to cut or shear the water with their wings as they skim across the surface. Early settlers called them muttonbirds because of their fatty mutton-like flesh. The birds spend the Australian winter in southeast Asia, travelling back to Muttonbird Island in August each year. Amazingly, the birds return to the same burrow every year. A pair of birds share the responsibility of keeping one single egg warm and then share the raising of their chick. During the day they forage for food and return to their burrow just after dusk. They depart on their annual migration in late April every year.

  • An island sanctuary self-guided audio tour Go on a self-guided audio tour with Matt Flanders across Muttonbird Island and discover the significance of this bustling seabird rookery. Take in the spectacular views as you stroll towards the eastern lookout and learn about the shearwaters that nest here.
  • 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.
  • Muttonbirds by moonlight Muttonbirds by Moonlight is an Ecosystems at risk school excursion on Muttonbird Island, a nesting rookery for wedgetail shearwaters, for Stage 6 (Years 11-12) students focusing on Geography.
  • Muttonbirds by moonlight Join us at twilight for a fascinating exploration of Muttonbird Island and its nesting rookery for thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters. This Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Geography excursion examines the features and characteristics of this unique place and environment. 
  • Muttonbirds by moonlight guided tour Walk the break wall path from Coffs Harbour to Muttonbird Island and join this short evening tour. You'll come up close to the birds who give Muttonbird Island its name.
  • The rookery roundabout at Muttonbird Island Explore Muttonbird Island on The rookery roundabout, a Stage 1 (Years 1-2) Science and Technology excursion. Students will see an active nesting rookery for thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds) and learn about their fascinating lifecycle. 
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Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  • Five pelicans stand at the beach shore in Bundjalung National Park as the sun rises. Photo: Nick Cubbin © DPE

    Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

    The curious pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird and has the longest bill of any bird in the world. These Australian birds are found throughout Australian waterways and the pelican uses its throat pouch to trawl for fish. Pelicans breed all year round, congregating in large colonies on secluded beaches and islands.

Education resources (1)

School excursions (5)