SICW: Red Rock to Woolgoolga

The relaxed village of Red Rock offers stunning red rock formations and a recreational reserve south of the Yuraygir National Park with pristine waterways. The beach walk heads south towards Corindi Beach, with prolific birdlife. Stop for a swim and check out the Aboriginal Fish Traps at Arrawarra Beach.

Red Rock, Corindi Beach, Arrawarra Beach, Mullaway Beach

We recommend that you get up early to take in the amazing views from the Headland before you start.  The route begins at the Little Beach Lookout with views of the mouth of the estuary (Corindi River) to the left, and a sheltered cove to the right.  Heading up over the headland of rust-coloured rocks and a massive rock jutting out of the ocean.  Hit the sand and begin your journey south with the shimmering ocean and the picturesque coastline.

Then, back onto the sand heading towards Arrawarra Beach, you’ll need low tide to cross the Arrawarra River. The Gumbaynggirr people named this land Arrawarra, meaning ‘meeting place’.  The tide must also be low to see the old Aboriginal stone fish traps.  You can learn more about the traps and local Aboriginal history and culture when you book a Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tour at Red Rock or by visiting the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Corindi.  Arrawarra is a very popular surfing spot for locals.

Next up is Mullaway Headland, a good spot to find a shady tree and take a breather before heading off for a late lunch at the Mullaway Beach General Store and much-needed relaxation.  Spend the rest of the afternoon having a swim and watching the sunset, or keep on walking to Woolgoolga.

You can take off your shoes and have a paddle at Woolgoolga Lake or cool off in the ocean.  If you’re lucky, you might get to inspect the exposed bones of Buster, a 39-metre Canadian-built vessel that washed ashore in 1893. The shipwreck is buried in the sand along Woolgoolga Beach, just outside the Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park.   

With the Woolgoolga surf club approaching, there’s not long to go before you reach your accommodation with the promise of a hot shower and a soft couch to sink into. 

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.com.au , ripcurrents.com.au

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