Unofficial guide · verify with NSW National Parks

Yuraygir National Park guideYuraygir National ParkUnofficial operator’s manual

Angourie walking track

Guide updated · verify open/closed status on NSW National Parks

Official northern day walk: Mara Creek picnic area to Shelley Headland, 10 km return, Grade 3. Check live alerts — the Angourie Backbeach spray window to 11 Sep 2026 is no longer on the official page (checked 13 Sep 2026).

Do not pair: Do not stack this half-day with Angourie–Brooms Head 18 km unless that was the plan from the start. Do not add Pebbly the same afternoon.

Turnaround: Shelley Headland is a legitimate turnaround. If the Backbeach diversion is signed, use it — do not invent a rock-platform shortcut at high tide.

  • Ignoring the spray-alert window and finding the track closed after you parked.
  • Treating Shelley Headland as the start of an 18 km Brooms Head push with no booked finish car or camp.
  • Grade 3 · half day
  • 3 hrs 30 min – 4 hrs 30 min
  • 10 km return
  • Effort: moderate
  • Best for: Day walkers based in Yamba / Angourie

Distance, grade, time, boat contacts and open/closed status change — verify on NSW National Parks before you go.

Official NPWS info (verify status)
Angourie Back Beach looking along undeveloped Yuraygir National Park coastline

Angourie track — Angourie Back Beach

Paul Gierszewski · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Where you start

Mara Creek picnic area / Angourie

Start from the signed Angourie / Mara Creek picnic precinct rather than inventing a Back Beach shortcut. Toilets at Mara Creek. Check live alerts before you assume the headland path is open.

How to get there

  1. Drive from Yamba to Angourie following surf-reserve signs.
  2. Park in signed picnic / reserve parking. Vehicle entry applies.

How to do it (step by step)

  1. Check alerts the morning you walk — spray and track closures move with weather.
  2. Walk the signed track toward Shelley Headland and return, unless you have booked Shelley Head campground (walk-in).
  3. Stay off unstable cliff edges if the track nears Red Cliff country.

Who this walk is for

Choose the Angourie walking track when you want a real northern day without committing to 18 km toward Brooms Head. Official: 10 km return, Grade 3, 3 hrs 30 min–4 hrs 30 min, Mara Creek picnic area to Shelley Headland.

It is part of the longer Angourie–Brooms Head coastal-walk segment. You can turn around at Shelley Headland, or book Shelley Head walk-in camp and stay. Two-car one-way is possible if you have already solved the finish car.

Spray closures (check the week you go)

The Angourie Backbeach spray window that ran to 11 September 2026 is no longer on the official alerts page (checked 13 Sep 2026). Sandon Beach north of the campground can still close for drone spraying through 18 September 2026.

Read live alerts before you lace up. This is a snapshot, not a live board.

What not to add

Do not stack this half-day with an 18 km Brooms Head push unless that was the plan from the start and you have a booked finish. Pair with a Lake Arragan picnic from a safe cliff setback, or stop.

Map (orientation)

Pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads, parking and track status on NSW National Parks before you drive.

Interactive map — pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.

Open in Google MapsGet directions

Extra tips

  • Combine with a swim only at a patrolled beach outside the park, or accept unpatrolled-beach risk.
  • Shelley Head camp is walk-in official camping — book first.

Often paired with Angourie–Brooms Head— only if energy and weather allow.

Area guide: Angourie, Lake Arragan & Red Cliff

Nearby stays (optional)

After the walk plan is solid: Yamba / Wooli / Coffs beds and kit searches if you still need them. Official NPWS camping, park fees and government bookings are never affiliated. Guided tours live on the Tours hub — not pushed on every trail.

Nearby stays

Yamba (primary) · Wooli · Coffs Harbour

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Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park fees, official NSW National Parks camping bookings and fishing licences are never affiliated. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy

Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park fees, official NSW National Parks camping bookings and fishing licences are never affiliated. Disclosure · Tours hub