Yuraygir National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
- A look at the past
- Aboriginal culture
- Natural features
- Native plants
- Wildlife
- NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
- NPWS Grafton (02) 6640 3910
- CATCH some waves at renowned Angourie Beach
- WATCH the sun set over the slow-moving waters of lovely Sandon River
- WATCH for dolphins and whales swimming offshore
Introduction
Yuraygir National Park protects the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in New South Wales, a glorious sweep of beaches backed by forest and heath. The state’s coastal fringe is increasingly busy and increasingly developed, so this park’s 60-kilometre tract of largely untouched bushland is an important natural reserve.
Fact file
Access
From Yamba via Angourie Rd to Angourie section; from Maclean via Brooms Head Rd to Brooms Head; from Grafton via Pacifi c Hwy then either Wooli Rd (Wooli–Illaroo section) or, further south, Barcooongere Forest Way (Station Creek area)
Best Season
All seasons; June to October best for whale-watching and wildfl owers
Location
615 km north of Sydney; 35 km east of Grafton; 5 km south of Yamba; 25 km south-east of Maclean
Park Information
Size
30 955 ha
Where to Stay
Grafton (02) 6642 4677
Maclean/Yamba (02) 6645 4121
A look at the past
European occupation over the years has included cattle grazing, sand mining and timber cutting, leaving scattered remains, and there has been a long history of recreational use. Yuraygir National Park was established in 1980.
Aboriginal culture
The name ‘Yuraygir’ is derived from the Yaegl (Yaygirr) language group, one of the traditional custodians of this land. Signs of past Aboriginal occupation exist within the park, such as the large midden at Station Creek
Natural features
The national park’s pale sandy beaches are punctuated by rocky headlands, sand ridges and cliffs, and broken by river estuaries. Inland from the beaches are lakes, bogs and swamps, created by changes to sea levels over millions of years. The lakes of Minnie Water and Hiawatha are perched freshwater lakes, encircled by massive dunes.
Native plants
The landscape here is a mix of coastal, or littoral, rainforest, dry eucalypt forest with blackbutt, red bloodwood and scribbly gum, and wetland areas with swamp mahogany, swamp oak and fl aky-barked melaleuca, which forms a profusion of dense, vibrant yellow fl owers in spring and early summer. Stretches of dry and sandy heathland are populated by banksia species, which attract numerous nectar-seeking birds when in fl ower. In seasonally waterlogged heath areas, grasstrees (Xanthorrhoea fulva) fl ourish.
Wildlife
Early in the day and at dusk, watch out for eastern grey kangaroos and red-necked wallabies, and quiet observers may hear the rustle of the New Holland mouse or bush rat in the heathland undergrowth. At night, swamp wallabies, possums, greater gliders and bats (14 different species have been identifi ed here) come out to feed. Other mammals fi nding refuge in the park include the yellow-footed antechinus, the brush-tailed phascogale, the common dunnart and the northern brown bandicoot. Commonly sighted reptiles include the eastern bearded dragon, the lace monitor and various species of skinks.Birdwatchers will fi nd much to see in late winter and early spring. In the forest areas glossy black-cockatoos and red-tailed black-cockatoos feed, while nectar-eating species fl ock to the heathlands. Oystercatchers fossick for food mainly around the rock platforms, and plovers, bitterns and osprey are typical along the estuarine areas and coastal wetlands. Migratory birds include the endangered little tern, which scrapes a shallow, fl imsy nest in the sand to lay just two or three eggs. The tern is easily disturbed by human activity, so visitors are asked to stay well away if they see these birds.
Featured Activities in the National Park
Introduction
Enjoying the surf and sand are high on most visitors’ lists. The waves that crash in bring some of the state’s best surf breaks and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating and picnicking along secluded beaches. There are a number of very good picnic areas, most with barbecue facilities. The lake system attracts plentiful birdlife and also provides some excellent canoeing.
Bushwalking
Most of the walks are comparatively short and easy, though the Angourie Walk (10 km, 3 hours return) is a medium-grade track that joins Mara Creek and Lake Arragan. There are some terrifi c views from Point Dirrigan Lookout and good birdwatching. Dolphins are often spotted frolicking offshore, and migrating whales are regularly seen from here in winter. If you would like to camp you can stop at Shelley Headland. Wilson Headland Walk (3 km, 1 hour return) is an easy stroll from Wilson Head picnic area to Boorkoom camping area, with lovely ocean views.
Canoeing
Of several good venues for canoeing, the Sandon River, with its wide estuary expanse that is particularly picturesque and peaceful, is probably the best, and has a boat ramp, but Wooloweyah Lagoon, Lake Arragan, Minnie Water, Lake Hiawatha, and Station Creek in the south of the park, are some other options available.
Fishing
Keen anglers and those just wanting to try their luck will fi nd that tailor, drummer, mulloway, bream and groper are the likely catches. The Sandon River camping area, near the mouth of the river, is a fi ne spot for river and beach fi shing.
Snorkelling and scuba diving
The sheltered coastline and large rock pools at Sandon Bluffs are great for snorkelling, while divers might investigate the Solitary Islands Marine Park and the North Solitary Island Nature Reserve.
Swimming and surfing
The beaches are lovely but not patrolled so swimmers need to take care as the currents can be strong. Illaroo and Sandon beaches are generally considered fairly safe. Angourie and the Mara Creek area are known for their top surf breaks and Grey Cliff (just north of Brooms Head) is another top surfi ng spot.
Campsites
Rocky Point camping area (walk-in camping)
Shelley Beach camping area (walk-in camping)
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