With countless National Parks and trails to explore along the NSW coast, and whale migration season in full swing, Reflections Holiday Parks has compiled its Top 5 wilderness walks to do this winter.
#1 Up with the birds at Mutton Island Nature Reserve
You don’t have to be a twitcher to appreciate this seabird rookery in the heart of Coffs Harbour. Known also as Giidany Miirlarl, Muttonbird Island is a great place to spot the nests of the rare wedge-tailed shearwater nests and maybe a whale or two as they migrate north to warmer waters.
The island has its own ‘self-guided tour’ app if you want to go it alone. Or, for a more immersive experience take a guided walk with a local Gumbaynggirr Ranger who will explain the areas importance to Aboriginal culture and heritage including its many Dreamtime stories and abundance of traditional resources.
#2 Headland walks and whale spotting around Seals Rocks
Your binoculars will be just as handy as your hiking boots when you head to the northern end of Myall Lakes National Park on the Treachery Headland Walk. This is an exhilarating walk that will have you wandering through ancient rainforests, along the dramatic coastline and past historic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. It’s also one of the best vantage points to take in passing dolphin and whale pods at this time of year.
To embrace the outdoors, stay at Reflection Holiday Park Seal Rocks in either their powered, unpowered sites or for a bit of affordable luxe there’s a range of cabins and villas on offer.
#3 Paddle and picnic on Evans River in Bundjalung National Park
If you’re less about doing the legwork and more about cruising, try the paddle route along the Evans River in Bundjalung National Park on the NSW Far North Coast.
You’ll need to commit at least three-hours to completing this medium-grade paddle, which launches from Gummigurrah picnic area. But it’s worth it as you move upstream through river islands, mangroves and forests of coastal banksia while serenaded by whipbirds and the rare barred cuckoo native to the region. Keep an eye out at dawn and dusk for the red-necked wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos that come out to eat at this time.
#4 Accessible boardwalks and seal snorkelling on the Sapphire Coast
There’s a range of walks and nature trails on the Sapphire Coast, on the NSW South Coast, including the 30-kilometre-long Ben Boyd National Park walk.
For a more relaxed experience, walk Lake Curalo Boardwalk to pass by melaleuca forests, salty water marshes and the estuary mouth. This mostly flat walking track traces the lake shore and meets up with Aslings beach Maritime Walk, and is well-known for its accessibility for those with bikes, wheelchairs or prams.
There are places to camp in Eden or Bermagui where you can be a short walk from the water to try and spot a migrating whale.
#5 Take the challenge at Yacaaba Headland on the North Coast
For a more challenging walk this winter, head to the Yacaaba Headland Trail. Overlooking Myall Lakes National Park just north of Port Stephens, this seven-kilometre walk is rocky and steep in parts, but once on the forested ridge top you can see across the ocean to places like Cabbage Tree Island – which is home to the John Gould Nature Reserve and the world’s only known breeding colony of the Gould’s petrel.
On a clear winter day common in NSW, not only might you spot whales out to shore, but you should see Seals Rocks and the distant blue ridgeline of Barrington Tops.
IMAGE: Bermagui Sapphire Coast NSW Reflections Holiday Parks Photo credit- Dom Cherry
