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Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve

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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

Safety messages

However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

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.

Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve

Contact

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.

www.visitnsw.com

Sawtell (12 km)

Sawtell is a beautiful town framed by beaches and a national park.

www.visitnsw.com

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.

www.visitnsw.com