Park Beach and the Jetty precinct offer protected beach walking with Muttonbird Island as the perfect spot to go whale watching. Easy walking paths take you to the timber jetty and around Jetty beach onto Boambee Beach and Headland. Cross the Bonville Creek using the walkway under the railway bridge. Follow Murrays Beach past the Sawtell Surf Club and onto Bonville Headland.
Park Beach, Muttonbird Island, Boambee Beach, Murrays Beach
Get up before the sun and head straight to Muttonbird Island via the International Marina along the Northern Breakwall. The island marks the southern boundary of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and its Eastern Side lookout is the spot for spectacular views of the outer islands. It’s quite a steep walk to the top but there are places to pause and catch your breath. Once at the top you’ll be rewarded with exceptional 360-degree views over the marina, the Jetty and back to Coffs Harbour.
This is a great spot for whale watching in the deep blue as the gentle giants of the sea take on their annual migration between May and November each year. The island is significant for the local Gumbaynggir people as it was once a ceremonial site. They call the island Giidany Miirlarl which means moon sacred place. Aboriginal Discovery Rangers are available for guided tours which include bush tucker tastings, information about traditional plant uses and an in-depth explanation of the site’s cultural significance. Head back down to the The Hub Jetty kiosk and order coffee and smoothie bowls for breakfast. There’s plenty of outdoor seating and it’s the ideal vantage point to take in this thriving hub of activity.
On a sunny morning, the beach begins to fill up with kayakers, swimmers and joggers taking on their early morning fitness. Then head sound along the path to towards the historic Jetty for that must-have photography of the old wooden piers which are one of the Coffs Coast’s most photographed assets. Then continue down the beach and out to Corambirra Point before embarking on our last big stretch of sand. When you arrive at Boambee Creek mouth head back towards the reserve so that we can check out the rail bridge and walk across it.
Up at the Boambee Headland Lookout, stop to enjoy the view and a packed lunch. Just one more beach and you’ll have completed the days walk. Walking along Murrays Beach then onto Sawtell Beach as you pass the Surf Club and you’re almost there. Up the steps and on to Bonville Headland and we’re done! Enjoy the afternoon around the headland and take a swim at the Sawtell Memorial Rock Pool or a dip in the ocean before you head to your accommodation at BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park.
Please check the tides – walking along the beach is easiest at low tide. Areas that are best walked at low tide include creek crossings at Arrawarra and Moonee Creek and around rocks on Campbells Beach.
For weather, tides and rips: bom.gov.au ripcurrents.com.au
