While March’s balmy autumn days pack Sydney’s beaches, trailblazers seeking an untamed coastal plunge should race north to Yuraygir National Park for the Angourie to Brooms Head track—this 18km powerhouse reveals raw cliffs, creeks and sugar-like sands that feel like a multi-day odyssey squeezed into one beautiful day.
The Angourie to Brooms Head Track
Firstly, begin your adventure at Angourie Bay Picnic Area in the iconic Angourie Surfing Reserve, Australia’s surfing birthplace where point breaks draw global shredders. Hunt the linking track at the far end—ditch the road noise—and merge onto the main coastal path for a 6-7 hour, grade 4 gauntlet packed with variety.
The trail winds through Mara Creek Picnic Area before joining Shelley Track, then continues past Shelley Head Campground, the wild shores of Shelley Beach, the serene Lake Arragan and the rugged Red Cliff Campground.
Finally, after a short push, the trail reaches the beach—follow the ocean pool and sands of Main Beach, pass by coffee carts and climb to Brooms Head Lookout for sweeping panoramic views.
How to Crush The Walk
Time your visit with low tide for the best beach conditions, and wear sturdy boots to handle rocky sections and creek crossings. Also, remember to pause at the Yaegl interpretive signs to connect with the land’s deep cultural history, and keep an eye out for caves along the southern side of Shelley Headland.
Dolphins can be spotted year-round, whales pass through from June to November and rare coastal emus (fewer than 100 remain) move quietly through the bush—binoculars are a must. Autumn’s crisp air also makes it a great time for beach fishing.
Key Details
- Where: Yuraygir National Park, north of Yamba (6.5hr+ drive from Sydney)
- Distance: 18km one-way
- Time: 6-7 hours
- Difficulty: Grade 4 (fit hikers only; uneven terrain, beach sections)
- Start: Angourie Bay Picnic Area
- Gear: Sturdy shoes, water, snacks, binoculars, tide chart
- Best time: Autumn for fishing; anytime minus summer heat
Things To See Nearby
Near Brooms Head, you’ll find no shortage of standout coastal sights. The Angourie Blue and Green Pools are a must-visit—picturesque freshwater swimming holes formed in old quarries, perched right on the ocean’s edge and known for their striking colour.
Not far away, Lake Arragan and Red Cliff offer a different kind of beauty, where vivid red cliffs meet calm waters ideal for canoeing, and kangaroos often graze along the shoreline. Closer to Brooms Head, Lake Cakora, also known as the “Tree of Life” for its distinctive branching design, delivers sweeping ocean views and is one of the best vantage points in the region for spotting dolphins year-round and migrating whales in season.
Places To Eat & Stay Nearby
Head up above Main Beach to Gather, where you can sip some of Yamba’s best coffee in the heart of its buzzing dining strip, serving flavour-packed brekkie and lunch plates—from mushroom bruschetta and chilli crab scramble to their signature smoky pork hash and matcha tapioca treats.
For a standout dining experience, head to Karrikin in Yamba (reopening in 2027), a charming yet unpretentious fine-diner known for its seasonal set menu showcasing native ingredients, from wattle seed sourdough to macadamia butter.
The Sundowner Motel in central Yamba offers restored 1960s surf shack–style apartments with kitchenettes, outdoor showers, and a shared backyard, just a short walk from El Ocaso, an intimate Yamba restaurant serving refined Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a beautifully designed space overlooking the Clarence River.
If not, the Angourie Cafe & Wine Bar is a beloved boho-inspired local gem, serving wholesome, soul-filled dishes and a great selection of wine just steps from the famous surf break. Back in Yamba, the iconic Pacific Hotel offers a classic coastal pub experience, perched on a clifftop with sweeping views over Main Beach and known for its fresh Yamba king prawns.
Set along a picturesque beach near Minnie Water Beach, Illaroo Camping Area offers two spacious campsites—Illaroo North and Illaroo South. In addition, visitors get restroom facilities, plus opportunities for fishing and barbecuing, along with access to drinking water.
Getting There
By Car
Drive around 650km north from Sydney via the Pacific Highway to Yamba, then continue about 10 minutes to Angourie, where you can park at the picnic area.
By Public Transport
If travelling by public transport, take a train or bus to Yamba and then organise a taxi or Uber—be sure to plan ahead. Carpooling or arranging a shuttle can also make things easier, especially if you’re planning a one-way trip or camping further along the route.
