Three Sisters walking track (Broken Head)

Broken Head Nature Reserve

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Overview

Take the family walking through the rainforest on a day-trip to this spectacular lookout. Find out about its Aboriginal heritage, and after, enjoy whale watching and picnicking by the beach.

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
1.6km return
Time suggested
30 - 45min
Grade
Grade 2
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Sunscreen, hat, drinking water
Please note

Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch or whale watch.

Meander through the lush rainforest and you’ll emerge at this spectacular setting. Overlooking Kings Beach, you can’t find a better spot to sit and contemplate the natural beauty around you. The views are incredible – a wonderful coastal panorama of secluded beaches, rocky coves and dense rainforest.

In winter and spring, it’s a fantastic vantage point to spot migrating whales, and great for birdwatching too. Watch for the clash air and sea wildlife as white-bellied sea eagles dive for food. Also, during this time, the headland bursts with colour when the wildflowers are out.

Take a moment to learn about the Aboriginal story behind Three Sisters, which tells the tale of three sisters who were turned into the rocky outcrops near the headland. Alternatively, you could just stroll along the beach, dip your toes into the glistening blue waters, and enjoy the serenity under a shady tree at the rainforest edge.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


Map legend

Map legend

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/walking-tracks/three-sisters-walking-track-broken-head/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Three Sisters walking track (Broken Head).

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

1.6km return

Time

30 - 45min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Gentle hills

Quality of path

Formed track: The walk is 1.2m-wide and mostly gravel, with a section at the end that's concrete.

Steps

Occasional steps: There are sets of steps throughout the walk in sets of between 3 to 16, with a long set of 50 steps at the end of the walk.

Other barriers

Pinch points: There are points where the track narrows due to tree roots, rocks and plants.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    On entering Broken Head Nature Reserve:

    • Continue 100m from the entrance to the picnic area at Broken Head
    • Three Sisters walking track starts from the southern end of the picnic area

    Parking

    Parking is available in a paved carpark at Broken Head picnic area, at the start of the walking track. The carpark includes 2 accessible parking spaces.

    It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.

    By public transport

    The 143 Grafton to Byron Bay bus line and the 637 Byron Bay Interchange to Sunrise Boulevard bus line have stops around 3.3km away from Broken Head Nature Reserve.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Broken Head Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.

    Autumn

    Pack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful setting at Broken Head picnic area. Enjoy a game of beach cricket or explore the wonders of the tideline.

    Spring

    Enjoy the incredible view from Broken Head headland as humpback whales and their new calves breach and blow as they make their way south.

    Summer

    Get away from the crowds and spend the day picnicking at the beach, walk through the lush rainforest, and enjoy spectacular views from the headland.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    19°C and 27°C

    Highest recorded

    35.1°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    11°C and 20°C

    Lowest recorded

    3.3°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    Driest month

    September

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    652mm

    Facilities

    There are accessible flush toilets, an outdoor beach shower, barbecues and picnic tables at Broken Head picnic area, north-west of the start of the track.

    Drinking water is not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.


    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 - no wheelchair access

    • Three Sisters walking track is a 1.2m-wide track with gentle hills that's mostly gravel and has a section at the end that's concrete.
    • People with reduced mobility may find the walk challenging because of the number of steps. There are around 140 steps throughout the walk in sets of between 3 to 16, with a long set of 50 steps at the end of the walk.
    • There are accessible toilets and 2 accessible parking spaces at Broken Head picnic area, where this walk begins.

    Permitted

    Fishing

    A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    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

    Three Sisters walking track (Broken Head) is in Broken Head Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    Aboriginal cultural heritage

    Three sisters, Broken Head Nature Reserve. Photo: Barry Collier

    Broken Head Nature Reserve is co-managed by NPWS and the Arakwal People, acknowledging the cultural significance of this land to Aboriginal People. Three Sisters, previously known as Cocked Hat Rocks, is an important cultural site representing a story about a young Aboriginal woman who was caught in a strong current when swimming in this area. When her sister attempted to save her, they both drowned and were transformed into stone. This story was told to warn children not to swim in the strong and dangerous currents here.

    • Three Sisters walking track (Broken Head) Take the family walking through the rainforest on a day-trip to this spectacular lookout. Find out about its Aboriginal heritage, and after, enjoy whale watching and picnicking by the beach.

    Botanical wonders

    Broken Head Nature Reserve. Photo: D Mackey

    Whether you’re a botanist or just a nature-lover, it’s not hard to appreciate the incredible biodiversity at Broken Head. This small reserve protects three endangered plant communities: littoral and lowland rainforest, headland grasses and woodlands. There are 240 different plant species here, 12 of which are threatened in NSW and six in Australia, such as the white lace flower rainforest tree, which you might see standing tall along the entrance road in summer dotted with fluffy white ball flowers.

    • Three Sisters walking track (Broken Head) Take the family walking through the rainforest on a day-trip to this spectacular lookout. Find out about its Aboriginal heritage, and after, enjoy whale watching and picnicking by the beach.

    Rich bird and animal life

    Three Sisters track lookout, Broken Head Nature Reserve. Photo: D Mackey

    Broken Head Nature Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers and animal-lovers. Thanks to the plentiful supply of food on the NSW North Coast, the area is visited by many migratory and nomadic birds, flying-foxes and micro-bats. Three Sisters lookout is a great place for birdwatching and spotting migrating whales in winter and spring. Wandering along the beaches and in the rainforest, you’re sure to meet locals like brush turkeys patrolling the understorey in their search for food. But you might also be lucky enough to spot threatened species like the colourful wompoo fruit-dove, with its spectacular green, purple, and yellow plumage.

    • Broken Head picnic area Indulge in some picnicking, swimming, surfing, and birdwatching, while discovering a secluded paradise where lush rainforest meets the beach.
    • Three Sisters walking track (Broken Head) Take the family walking through the rainforest on a day-trip to this spectacular lookout. Find out about its Aboriginal heritage, and after, enjoy whale watching and picnicking by the beach.

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