A leisurely morning stroll, an all-day walk, or a more challenging multi-day adventure – the scenic 60 kilometre Solitary Islands coastal walk along the Coffs Coast can be anything you want!
Like a string of glittering jewels, the coastline’s trails across golden beaches, rocky headlands, and lush rainforests link together, forming the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk. This iconic walking experience, one of the most picturesque on the east coast of Australia, runs the length of the protected Solitary Islands Marine Park.
The walk starts in the north at Red Rock and heads south along glorious sandy beaches and across the vast headlands at Woolgoolga and Emerald Beach. Passing through Sapphire and Diggers Beaches and onto Macauleys Headland, it continues along the sands of Park Beach to the Coffs Harbour International Marina and Jetty Foreshores. Then further south past Corambirra Point along Boambee Beach before concluding in the gorgeous village of Sawtell.
It’s hard to overstate just how picture perfect this walk is. There are several sections where you’ll feel like the only person in the world. Stroll along deserted beaches, see kangaroos lazing on the grass before a magnificent ocean backdrop, or observe humpback whales at play from one of the many headlands and lookouts.
With abundant wildlife and a kaleidoscope of landscapes along the way, the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk is simply spectacular.
Looking for the ultimate adventure? Competent hikers should allow three to four days for the entire walk. Beyond Coffs Harbour, several coastal villages along the trail make it easy to stop for a coffee and meal or find accommodation for the evening and recharge for the next day.
*(Please note the bridge at Moonee is currently closed, please follow the link for rerouting details)
Highlights of the walk
With clearly marked pathways, choose any location along the coast to dip in and out of the trail – tick them all off over several visits:
- Red Rock – Striking rock formations and the crystal-clear estuary for swimming and kayaking
- Corindi Beach – Known for prolific birdlife and pandanus trees
- Arrawarra – Ancient Aboriginal stone fish traps and surfers riding the long point break
- Emerald Beach – Look at Me Now Headland has a large mob of kangaroos and the Dammerels history walk
- Moonee Beach – Creek and estuary, a spot favoured by locals as a family picnic location
- Charlesworth Bay – Home of the Solitary Islands Aquarium and White Bluff headland littoral rainforest
- Park Beach – Enjoy protected beach walking, Muttonbird Island and historic Coffs Harbour timber jetty
- Boambee Beach – Walk the long beach and cross over Boambee Creek on the railway bridge.
- Boambee Bay – Swim, kayak or paddleboard in the safe waters of the estuary
- Sawtell – Memorial Rock Pool and Bongil Bongil National Park with koalas and littoral rainforest.
EcoTip: There are several significant Aboriginal sites for the Gumbaynggirr people along the walk. Please be respectful and stick to marked trails.
The Lighthouse will guide you
Look for the lighthouse track markers to guide you. There are around 200 markers along the route, including signs with maps at key access points.
