Yuraygir coastal walk

Yuraygir National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Hike the multi-day Yuraygir coastal walk on the Clarence Coast near Yamba. You’ll find loads of places for whale watching, snorkelling and swimming, with overnight stops at beach campgrounds.

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
65km one-way
Time suggested
4 - 5 days
Grade
Grade 4
Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Sturdy shoes, drinking water, hat, snacks, sunscreen
Please note
  • The walk involves a series of tracks, trails, beaches and rock platforms that are linked by following the ‘coastal emu footprint’ marker
  • Check to ensure you're only crossing rock platforms at low tide
  • Rough seas mean you may need to carry extra food as some sections of beach are unpassable, even at low tide.
  • If you’re planning to stay at any of the campgrounds you’ll need to book online before you leave.
  • You can also stay at commercial caravan parks or accommodation options along the way.

Follow the ancient wandering trails of Australia’s coastal emus on this multi-day walk in Yuraygir National Park, near Yamba on the NSW north coast. 

This 65km signposted track traverses the coastline from Angourie to Red Rock. The scenery and views along the way are diverse and astounding. You’ll encounter wildlife and wildflowers as you walk past heathland plains, long sandy beaches, tranquil creeks, lagoons, rocky headlands and even a marine park.

Tackle the full 65km with overnight camping stops along the way, or break the track up into shorter segments. It’s best walked north to south with the sun at your back.

However you choose to undertake this journey through the traditional homelands of the Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl nations, it’s unlikely you’ll ever forget it.

Take a virtual tour of Yuraygir coastal walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

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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/walking-tracks/yuraygir-coastal-walk/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Yuraygir coastal walk.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

65km one-way

Time

4 - 5 days

Quality of markings

Sign posted

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

Occasional steps

Quality of path

Rough track, many obstacles

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    The Yuraygir coastal walk commences from the Angourie Surfing Reserve at the northern end of Yuraygir National Park.

    To get there from Yamba, turn right onto River Street, then, at the roundabout, take the first exit onto Wooli Street. At the next roundabout, take the first exit to Angourie Street, then turn left onto The Crescent and follow the signs to the beach.

    Parking

    Parking is available at Angourie Surfing Reserve

    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.

    Facilities

    • Rubbish and recycling stations are available at each national park campground. Cans, plastic bottles and glass can be recycled. Paper is not collected as part of the Yuraygir recycling program.
    • Pay phones are located in all coastal villages, caravan parks and Sandon River campground.
    • Ensure you carry sufficient water between points as water is not available at all campsites

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Yuraygir coastal walk is a 65km one-way walk that can be done as a whole or in sections. The walk involves crossing several rock platforms and waterways and some level of self sufficiency. It's a good idea to plan ahead and consider the following safety tips:

    • The walk involves a series of tracks, trails, beaches and rock platforms that are linked by following the ‘coastal emu footprint’ marker.
    • Check a tide chart to ensure you're only crossing rock platforms at low tide.
    • Rough seas mean you may need to carry extra food as some sections of beach are unpassable, even at low tide.
    • Vehicles are permitted on some beaches, so be alert and listen for their approach.

    To cross rivers safely you’ll need to organise watercraft in advance:

    • At Wooli River, call Wooli River Boat Hire on 0439 409 909.
    • No commercial service available at Red Rock/Corindi.
    • At Sandon River, call 0407 362 118.
    • Remember that the safest crossing is on an incoming tide.

    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

    This walking track is not wheelchair-accessible. There are several points of interest along the walk that are suitable for wheelchairs, prams and visitors with limited mobility, including:

    • Angourie Bay picnic area
    • Mara Creek picnic area
    • Wilson Headland picnic area

    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

    Yuraygir coastal walk is in Yuraygir National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    A watery wonderland

    Wilsons Headland walk, Yuraygir National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

    The park not only boasts a superb coastline but also features rivers, lakes and estuaries, so swimmers and snorkelers are spoilt for choice. Remember your fishing rod - the waters off the park are excellent for jewfish and groper, and Sandon River is among the state's most popular fishing spots. If surfing is your thing, you can't beat the legendary Angourie Surfing Reserve - it hosts what's arguably Australia's best right-hand point break. Yuraygir is also a paddler's paradise, its sheltered waterways provide the ideal setting for canoeing, kayaking and boating.

    • Angourie Bay picnic area After surfing or swimming at the Clarence Coast’s famous Angourie Headland, stop off at the scenic Angourie Bay picnic area for a tasty picnic lunch with the family.
    • Wooli to Red Rock walking track Wooli to Red Rock walking track, part of Yuraygir coastal walk, is a moderate hiking route with river crossings, scenic coastal views and great opportunities for birdwatching.

    Important landscapes

    Remote coastline, Yuraygir National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

    When you visit Yuraygir, you're entering one of the most diverse bioregions in Australia. Wander past age-old coastal landforms, littoral rainforest, eucalypt forest, woodland and wetlands - much of which simply wouldn't be there without the park's protection. Pay a visit to Shelley Headland to see the state's most significant remaining example of grassy clay heath.

    • Angourie to Brooms Head walking track Angourie to Brooms Head walking track, part of Yuraygir coastal walk, is a hiking route offering scenic lookouts and opportunities for beach walking, birdwatching, and seasonal whale watching.
    • Yuraygir coastal walk Hike the multi-day Yuraygir coastal walk on the Clarence Coast near Yamba. You’ll find loads of places for whale watching, snorkelling and swimming, with overnight stops at beach campgrounds.
    • Yuraygir guided treks with Home Comforts Hiking Home Comforts Hiking offers guided treks of Yuragir coastal walk with overnight accommodation in 4 charming coastal villages. It’s a great way to explore this beautiful coastline near Yamba and Coffs Harbour.

    Precious and protected

    Kangaroo in the grass, Yuraygir National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

    At Yuraygir, you can see some of the country’s most vulnerable native wildlife up close, such as squirrel gliders and eastern grass owls. See if you can spot a rufous bettong, a rarely-seen rabbit-sized marsupial also know as the rufous rat-kangaroo. Or even the shy Queensland blossom-bat, Australia’s smallest fruit bat. The threatened green and golden bell frog is one of the 25 amphibians within Yuraygir – likely to be found around swamps, lagoons and flood plains. Keep an eye out for coastal emus, once so prevalent and now, sadly an endangered species with fewer than 100 left in the park.

    • Wilsons Headland walking track The easy Wilsons Headland walking track is ideal for whale watching along the Clarence Coast. Starting at Boorkoom campground, the hiking track offers scenic coastal views.
    • Yuraygir coastal walk Hike the multi-day Yuraygir coastal walk on the Clarence Coast near Yamba. You’ll find loads of places for whale watching, snorkelling and swimming, with overnight stops at beach campgrounds.

    Treasured culture

    Coastal forests, Yuraygir National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

    The landscape of Yuraygir National Park has been, and remains, the Country of Aboriginal groups. Generations of Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr People camped, fished and held ceremonies here and numerous areas remain of strong spiritual significance to the Aboriginal community. Take the Freshwater Walk and view the most impressive pandanus palms - this important Gumbaynggirr ceremonial plant was used to weave neckbands, dillybags and baskets.

    • Brooms Head to Illaroo walking track Brooms Head to Illaroo walking track, part of Yuraygir coastal walk, is a hiking route with river crossings, beach walking, scenic coastal views and birdwatching opportunities.

    Plants and animals protected in this park

    Animals

    • An eastern ground parrot bird's green and yellow colouring camouflages it amongst grassland. Photo: Lachlan Hall © Lachlan Hall

      Eastern ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus wallicus)

      The eastern ground parrot is a beautiful, ground-dwelling native bird that lives in low heathland habitat along the NSW North and South coasts and escarpments. It’s listed as a vulnerable species in NSW.

    • White-bellied sea eagle. Photo: John Turbill

      White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

      White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.

    • Yellow-tailed black cockatoo. Photo: Peter Sherratt

      Yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)

      The yellow-tailed black cockatoo is one of the largest species of parrot. With dusty-black plumage, they have a yellow tail and cheek patch. They’re easily spotted while bird watching, as they feed on seeds in native forests and pine plantations.

    • Emu, Paroo Darling National Park. Photo: John Spencer

      Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

      The largest of Australian birds, the emu stands up to 2m high and is the second largest bird in the world, after the ostrich. Emus live in pairs or family groups. The male emu incubates and rears the young, which will stay with the adult emus for up to 2 years.

    • Brown-striped frog. Photo: Rosie Nicolai/OEH

      Brown-striped frog (Lymnastes peronii)

      One of the most common frogs found in Australia, the ground-dwelling brown-striped frog lives in ponds, dams and swamps along the east coast. Also known as the striped marsh frog, this amphibian grows to 6.5cm across and has a distinctive ‘tok’ call that can be heard all year round.

    • 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.

    Plants

    • Grass trees, Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

      Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)

      An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.

    Environments in this park

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