Connecting Bongil Bongil National Park in the South, to Yuraygir National Park in the north, the 60km Solitary Islands Coastal Walk is one of the most diverse, multi-day coastal walks in NSW. Spanning the entire Coffs Coast, it promises visitors of all ages a unique mix of breathtaking scenery, rich Gumbayngirr storytelling and nature immersion.
Meandering along one continuous path, this unforgettable Coffs Harbour walking trail combines the pristine beaches of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, dramatic seaside cliffs, littoral rainforest pockets, pebbly bays and grassy headlands. With every step, wildlife welcomes you. Get up close and personal with a friendly kangaroo, marvel at black cockatoos calling, a pod of dolphins catching waves in crystal-clear waters, and watch for whales breaching.
And regardless of whether you plan to head out for one day or seven, the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk can be personalised to suit individual needs and abilities. Our helpful guide will help you plan and prepare so your walk will leave lasting memories, not just footprints in the sand.
Solitary Islands Coastal Walk Fast Facts
Total Distance
Location
Time Required
Difficulty
Accessibility
Best Seasons
Key Tide Crossing
Dog-Friendly
Mobile Reception
Cultural Highlights
Stay Options
Solitary Islands Coastal Walk Alerts
Approx. 60km
Gumbayngirr Country, Coffs Coast, NSW.
1–7 days (see itineraries below)
Grade 4 (some sections require bushwalking experience)
Limited (see note in the prepare section)
Autumn–Spring (whale season in winter)
Moonee Creek. Plan to cross at low tide
North Wall near Jetty Beach and also Boambee Creek (other sections may have restrictions)
Generally good; patchy on remote beaches
Arrawarra fish traps, Giidany Miirlarl (Muttonbird Island)
Beachfront holiday parks, glamping, beachfront hotels/motels
Please note the bridge at Moonee is currently closed, click here for rerouting details
Solitary Islands Coastal Walk Fast Facts
THE BEST WAY TO DISCOVER THE SOLITARY ISLAND COASTAL WALK
Exploring the stunning Solitary Islands Coastal Walk has never been easier thanks to the Coffs Coast Explorer App. This user-friendly app offers a visual map that guides you step-by-step along the 60km stretch from Sawtell to Red Rock, making it simple to stay on track and soak in the breathtaking coastal views.
But the app is more than just a map—it’s your go-to guide for discovering the best places to eat, rest, and explore along the way. Whether you’re craving a great coffee, a beachside bite, or looking for those local-only hidden gems, the app has you covered.
Ideal for both casual walkers and serious hikers, the Coffs Coast Explorer App enhances your experience by combining navigation with local recommendations. Don’t just walk the trail—experience it fully with the best spots and sights at your fingertips.
Planning your Solitary Islands Coast Walk:
Section-by-section guide (walking south to north)
Bonville Headland to Park Beach
Kick off your Solitary Islands Coastal Walk adventure with sweeping ocean views at Bonville Headland, a moment’s walk from the charming village of Sawtell. On the northern corner of the headland, wooden steps lead down to Sailors Bay for beautiful rockpool swimming. Walk along the beach to the Sawtell Surf Club, located steps from Sawtell Main Street – the character-filled centre of town full of cafes and boutique shops, only a short stroll from the trail.
From the Surfclub, wander along Sawtell and Murray’s Beach across to Boambee Headland and then down to protected Boambee Creek Reserve for swimming, a kayak eco-tour or just a break. Cross Boambee Creek via the pedestrian bridge and make your way to Boambee Beach toward the golden sands of Jetty Foreshores.
We recommend stopping for lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants at the Coffs Harbour International Marina, or the nearby Jetty Strip. Take an optional cultural detour to walk up to Gidyanni Mirial (Muttonbird Island). The eastern side lookout is a prime location to spot a migrating whale!
The final leg of this section skirts North Wall Beach (dog-friendly) and over Coffs Creek, finishing at Park Beach. With a range of accommodation and food options, this is the perfect place to stay overnight.
Section length
How to get there
Terrain and difficulty
Facilities and features
Dog-friendly
~7 km
Bonville Headland is located at the end of Baronia Street, Sawtell. Parking is possible at the top of the headland itself.
Headlands, estuary and beach. Easy to medium difficulty.
Cafes located in the Sawtell and Jetty precincts. Kids play area and BBQs at Boambee Creek Reserve and Jetty Foreshores.
Possible on Boambee and North Wall Beach.
Park Beach to Moonee Creek Estuary
Often described as the most picturesque and photogenic stretch, this section offers dramatic scenery and sweeping ocean vistas from the many headland lookouts.
Starting at Coffs Harbour’s lively Park Beach, near the Jetty precinct, walk over Macauleys Headland, where you will most likely spot a flock of black cockatoos foraging for food in trees. Head down wooden steps to the pristine Diggers Beach, which is a magical place for swimming and surfing.
Move through littoral rainforest pockets and over rugged ocean cliffs, across to pebbly beaches of Charlesworth and Korora Bay. Slightly north, you will arrive at Korora Beach and across to Hills Beach, before making your way to White Bluff; all of which are popular local / rock fishing spots.
Take in breathtaking views of historic South Solitary Island and Split Solitary Island from the lookout platform at Sapphire Beach, a great place to enjoy lunch. Further afield, explore the coastal she-oak and banksia woodland that leads to a verdant littoral rainforest enroute to Green Bluff, before finishing this section at the tranquil Moonee Creek Estuary.
Please note that the bridge at Moonee is currently being replaced. For rerouting details, please follow the link.
Section length
How to get there
Terrain and difficulty
Facilities and features
Dog-friendly
~17 km
Start walking north along Park Beach, adjacent to Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour.
Coastal terrain & short, sharp hills, littoral rainforest, estuary. Medium difficulty.
Cafes, shops, and picnic areas are located at Park Beach. Kids’ play area and cafe at Sapphire Beach.
No.
Moonee Creek Estuary to Woolgoolga
Starting at the Moonee Creek Estuary, a calm spot for swimming, stand-up paddling (SUP), or kayaking, this family-friendly section is an ideal day hike on the Coffs Coast. The kids will love exploring grassy headlands, rocky platforms, and sweeping bays, with excellent opportunities for spotting whales and dolphins.
Safety Note: The Moonee Creek crossing is only recommended during low tide and should not be attempted after periods of heavy rain. Please check tide charts/weather conditions before setting out.
From Moonee Beach, expect a short, scenic section with some spectacular viewpoints over turquoise waters. Look At Me Now Headland is a must-do Solitary Island Coastal Walk for an opportunity to come face-to-face with resident kangaroos. The trail passes the magical Shelley Beach and continues across to Emerald Beach, a quiet, surf-friendly village with cafes and picnic spots, making it a great rest stop. Continuing north, you’ll soon come to beautiful Sandy Beach, complete with a general store/cafe, beachside kids’ play area, and plenty of places to picnic.
This section of the walk finishes at Woolgoolga’s Headland lookout, another popular vantage point for whale watching and 360-degree views of the Coffs Coast. And after a solid day of walking, why not stay the night? Laid-back and friendly, the seaside village of Woolgoola offers countless accommodation, cafes and restaurants to relax at. In the warmer months, cool off at Woolgoola Lake, a popular swimming, kayaking and SUP spot.
Section length
How to get there
Terrain and difficulty
Facilities and features
Dog-friendly
~12 km
Start at the Moonee Creek Day Reserve, adjacent to the caravan park at the end of Moonee Beach Road
Headlands and beach. Easy to medium difficulty
Cafes located at villages along the way. Kids’ play area and BBQs at Sandy Beach
No
Woolgoolga to Arrawarra
Starting in the explore the vibrant town of Woolgoolga, with its rich Sikh heritage and laid-back coastal vibe, you could easily spend a morning in one of the many cafes found in the town.
Continuing north along Woolgoola Beach at low tide, you may come across ‘Buster’, the Canadian-built shipwreck that ran aground in 1893. Heading north, this section is dotted with secret coves, surf breaks, and is a lot less busy. Next, make your way to Mulloway, a quiet and charming place to stop under a shady tree for lunch as you enjoy picturesque coastal views across the headlands.
This section of the walk ends at Arrawarra Headland, where you could easily spend a relaxing day swimming, surfing or enjoying a coastal picnic.
Cultural highlight! Don’t miss culturally significant sites such as the Arrawarra fish traps, which are visible at low tide and best appreciated via the official app or a visit to the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
Section length
How to get there
Terrain and difficulty
Facilities and features
Dog-friendly
~15 km
Start at Woolgoolga Headland, found at the eastern end of Ocean Street, Woolgoolga
Sandy beaches, dunes, rocky headlands. Moderate to difficult
Limited
Check local rules
Arrawarra to Red Rock
With its pristine beaches and rocky headlands, the northernmost stretch of the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk is a seemingly untouched wilderness.
Walking north from Arrawarra is not for the faint of heart; however, this challenging yet rewarding section of the walk rewards walkers with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Crossing Arrawarra River (tidal, so plan ahead), proceed toward Corindi Beach and beyond, for a rare sense of solitude that makes you feel like you’re on a deserted island. Finally, Red Rock Headland is in sight, an important cultural landmark and memorial, named after the 300-million-year-old jasper that forms the landscape.
The walk ends at Little Beach Lookout on Red Rock Headland, near the Red Rock Caravan Park. From atop the headland, follow the wooden steps and paved path down to the Red Rock Caravan Park for some well-deserved glamping and R&R.
Section length
How to get there
Terrain and difficulty
Facilities and features
Dog-friendly
~8.5 km
The walk begins at Arrawarra Headland. Access to Arrawarra Headland Reserve is possible via Arrawarra Headland Road.
Sandy beaches, dunes, rocky headlands. Moderate to difficult.
With few services and limited shade, this is also the walk’s most remote leg. Make sure you are well-prepared with plenty of water and sun protection.
Check local rules.
Want to continue walking north? Red Rock is on the banks of the Corindi River and close to the spectacular Yuraygir National Park. With access to a watercraft, you can extend your walking holiday further afield to the Yuragir Coastal Walk.
Personalise your Solitary Islands Coastal Walk: Choose your own adventure itinerary
Whether you’re planning a weekend wander, a four, five or seven-day hiking experience with overnight rest stops, choose your own adventure with one of our select Solitary Islands Coastal Walk itineraries.
4-Day Classic (south to north)
Day 1:
Bonville Headland (Sawtell) to Park Beach (12.4 km)
● Bonville Headland (Sawtell) to Boambee Headland – 3.0 km
● Boambee Headland to Coffs Jetty – 8.0 km
● Coffs Jetty to Park Beach – 1.4 km
Day 2:
Beach to Moonee Creek Estuary (14.5 km)
● Park Beach to Charlesworth Bay – 4.5 km
● Charlesworth Bay to Hills Beach – 3.5 km
● Hills Beach to Moonee Creek Estuary – 6.5 km
Day 3:
Moonee Beach to Woolgoolga (16.5 km)
● Moonee Beach to Emerald Beach – 6.5 km
● Emerald Beach to Sandy Beach – 2.8 km
● Sandy Beach to Woolgoolga – 7.2 km
Day 4:
Woolgoolga to Arrawarra Beach (13.0 km)
● Woolgoolga to Mullaway – 5.5 km
● Mullaway to Arrawarra Beach – 2.8 km
Day 5 Extension:
Arrawarra Beach to Red Rock (8.5 km)
● Arrawarra Beach to Corindi – 4.7 km
● Corindi to Red Rock – 6.5 km
● Explore Red Rock Headland and Corindi River Estuary – 2.0 km (optional)
7-Day Shuffle
If you’re not in a rush, add additional rest days to beef up a four or five-day Classic itinerary.
Stop by Sawtell, Park Beach, Moonee, Woolgoolga, Arrawarra, or Red Rock for exploration, detours, cultural immersion, beach time, and whale-watching.
Weekend Wander (north to south)
Choose Moonee to Park Beach for a full-day escape with lots of variety.
For a whole weekend walking adventure, stay overnight at Park Beach and then walk further south all the way to Sawtell via the Jetty Foreshores’ Harbourside Markets and/or Giidany Miirlarl (Muttonbird Island).
Preparing for your Solitary Islands Coastal Walk: Know before you go
Logistics, accessibility and safety info
- Tide warning: Check local tide charts and plan crossings at low tide, especially at Moonee Creek.
- Weather: Avoid walking long beach sections in mid-summer; autumn to spring are ideal.
- Trail markings: Watch for the lighthouse-style signage posted along the trail.
- Parking: Free parking is possible at Red Rock (northern end) or on Bonville Headland (southern end).
- Packing essentials: Snacks only for long remote sections. Ensure you have sufficient water, reef-safe sunscreen, protective clothing, hats and comfortable footwear.
- Water availability: carry at least 2L of water per person, per day; sections like Red Rock → Woolgoolga have no available services.
- Mobile reception: coverage is generally good, but expect gaps on remote stretches.
- Groups: School groups and guided tours should plan for tide crossings and transportation.
- Dogs: allowed in certain sections
- Walk App: The Coffs Coast Explorer App features a Solitary Islands Coastal Walk guide, complete with GPS maps for the walk, local Indigenous stories, and interactive features.
Accessibility note: The Solitary Islands Coastal Walk itself isn’t wheelchair-accessible, but sections such as Coffs Jetty to Park Beach, Bonville Headland, Look At Me Now Headland, and Woolgoolga Headland are suitable for wheelchairs, prams, and visitors with limited mobility.
Safety tip: Before you set off, download the free Emergency Plus app. It allows emergency services to pinpoint your exact location using your phone’s GPS. You can also trial dialling ‘000’ from your mobile phone.
For weather, tide, and rip current information, visit: bom.com.au, ripcurrents.com.au
Accommodation & luggage
Regardless of your itinerary, there is a stack of overnight options to make the Solitary Islands Coastal walk a perfect multi-day hike.
Family-friendly options include Reflections Red Rock (glamping), NRMA Darlington Holiday Park (Arrawarra), Lakeside Holiday Park (Woolgoolga), Reflections Moonee Beach, Big4 Park Beach Holiday Park, and Big4 Sawtell Holiday Park. Consider arranging luggage transfer or local shuttles for “pack light” multi-day walking.
Cultural & environmental respect
This Coffs Coast is home to the traditional land of the Gumbaynggirr people. Please respect cultural sites and signage, and be sure to download the official Coffs Coast Explorer app for narrated Indigenous stories and guidance when exploring Country.
No visit to the Coffs Coast is complete without a walk up Giidany Miirlarl (Muttonbird Island). The Giidany Miirlarl Cultural Tour is a great way to experience this magical place and soak up 360-degree views. In the north, pay a visit to the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn about the Arrawarra fish traps and local cultural stories. Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours runs popular SUP cultural experiences at Coffs Creek, Moonee Creek and Red Rock Creek.
Solitary Islands Coastal Walk has an app!
Make your walk interactive! Accompanied by the official Coffs Coast Explorer app, immerse yourself on Country and experience Gumbaynggir culture. With heaps of audio and video content, soak up stories such as the Muttonbird Island Dreamtime tale of the Moon Man, or learn how the Arrawarra Fish Traps came to be. Find a cafe and grab a bite to eat, explore GPS maps, or get the low-down on iconic landmarks along the way.