Local Guide: Exploring The Wild Places

Coffs Coast is home to many beautiful, wild places. Our National Parks and Nature Reserves are brimming with abundant wildlife, stunning flora, primitive rainforests, and serene waterways.

Discover these natural wonderlands… everything is closer than you expect!

Ulidarra National Park

Riverside picnics at Bucca Bucca Creek, the challenging 3.2km End Peak walk, and adventure activities such as mountain biking, 4WDing and birdwatching – or exploring diverse wildlife habitats where you can spot koalas, owls and bats, among others. Ulidarra has it all! The park also borders the Bruxner Park Flora Reserve, renowned for unrivalled views of the region’s landscapes and seemingly endless Pacific Ocean.

Bindarri National Park

Get your boots on for some quality hiking through pockets of lush subtropical rainforest, old-growth forests and towering eucalypts. Options range from the easy 1km Bangalore Falls walk to the 26km Plateau Circuit Loop. Bindarri is also home to a series of spectacular waterfalls, including the rugged Bangalore Falls. You’ll find great swimming spots throughout the park – try out the one at the Bindarray Picnic Area. 4WD exploration is also possible with experienced drivers opting to tackle the 80km Orara Escarpment touring route from Coffs Harbour.

Bongil Bongil National Park

This coastal location south of Coffs Harbour is home to open beaches, sweeping views and peaceful streams. For an unforgettable family outing in a forest setting, explore the 80kms of the Muurlay Baamgala cycle trails. Alternatively, choose to picnic on the banks of Bonville Creek or kayak along the tranquil Pine Creek.

Moonee Beach Nature Reserve

Stroll along the paved pathway at Look At Me Now Headland for panoramic ocean views and a closer look at the many eastern grey kangaroos that make their home on the headland. At the southern end of the reserve, enjoy the waters of Moonee Creek.

Sherwood Nature Reserve

Cross creeks and wander through the sub-tropical rainforest at Woolgoolga Falls Walking Track. Just a short drive or cycle west of Woolgoolga township, this small-scale adventure is fantastic for kids, with a picnic area at the beginning, several shallow water crossings, well-maintained tracks and a waterfall at the end!

Dorrigo National Park

The World Heritage-listed park provides the setting for the ultimate nature discovery. Spend the day exploring the Gondwana Rainforest that has millions of years in the making. Popular rainforest walking tracks include Wonga Walk and Red Cedar Falls. All walks start at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk.

Drive the scenic Waterfall Way just one hour drive from Coffs Harbour to discover the many spectacular Dorrigo National Park. The park has a number of walking trails, including the 3.5km return to Crystal Falls Walk which allows walkers to get behind the waterfall.

Click here to discover the complete list of the best bushwalks on the Coffs Coast

Please make sure to take care of these majestic places by practicing “leave no trace” principles. Be respectful of nature and considerate of other visitors.