Today’s section of the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk is my favourite. Its the third section in our walk down the the Solitary Islands coastline, the previous day walks were Red Rock to Woolgoolga, and Woopi to Moonee.
Update: The Moonee bridge across the creek to Green Bluff is currently out, you either have to wade (low tide) or a long walk around. Or begin your walk from North Sapphire beach.
We park at the Moonee Beach reserve. After crossing the creek on the bridge, the walk goes through a short section of forest with interpretative signs. There is a good lookout from Green Bluff.
From the bluff, the path drops onto the beach. Enjoy the paperbarks as you climb White Bluff.
A series of forested or grassy headlands and beaches follows. The path sometimes detours through the suburban streets, either because there is no public access or, in the case of Campbells Beach, you can only go around the headland at low tide. There are good lookouts on most headlands, but especially at the end of Diggers headland where you may be able to spot whales and dolphins. There is a nudist beach tucked against the cliffs.
From Diggers Beach, the path climbs MacCauleys Headland where there are some interpretative signs on the themeda grasslands. From Park Beach, you can see the iconic Muttonbird Island, the end point for this walk.
At low tide, shoes can come off and you can wade Coffs Creek, otherwise cross the creek at the road bridge and follow the path through the dune forest to the Marina. If you have time, walk along the northern breakwater and climb Muttonbird Island.
There are many restaurants at the Marina or on nearby Harbour Drive to celebrate the end of this section of the Solitary Islands Coastal walk. Next: Jetty to Sawtell.
