Unofficial guide · verify with NSW National Parks

Yuraygir National Park guideYuraygir National ParkUnofficial operator’s manual

Brooms Head to Illaroo walking track

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

Official coastal-walk segment: 18 km one-way, Grade 3, 7–8 hours including the Sandon River crossing. Book the boat first — official pages disagree on the phone number.

  • Grade 3 · long day + boat
  • 7–8 hrs
  • 18 km one-way
  • Effort: hard
  • Best for: Walkers who have already booked the Sandon boat

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

Official NPWS info (verify status)
Coastal heath, beach and ocean, Yuraygir National Park

Brooms Head–Illaroo — Coastal heath and beach

Maurice van Creij · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Where you start

Brooms Head

Start in the village or from a Brooms Head–side trackhead. Finish Illaroo / Minnie Water only if the boat is booked.

How to get there

  1. Brooms Head Road from Maclean. Sandon Road for the river campground.

How to do it (step by step)

  1. Confirm the Sandon number the day before. Planning source (official river-crossing alert): 0429 520 255. This track’s own page still lists 0407 362 118. Call Grafton 02 6641 1500 if they do not match.
  2. Aim for an incoming tide at the crossing.
  3. Illaroo has listed drinking water — still carry a bottle.

Book the boat before the kilometres

Official: 18 km one-way, Grade 3, 7–8 hours including Sandon. The grade number is not the hard part — the river is. Planning number on the river-crossing alert: 0429 520 255. This track’s own page still lists 0407 362 118. Call Grafton 02 6641 1500 if they do not match.

Incoming tide is the official safer window. If the boat is cancelled, stay in Brooms Head. Do not improvise a wade because the schedule slipped.

Sandon–Rocky Point spray

The Sandon Village–Rocky Point spray window that ran through 30 August 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. Camping areas are not listed as closed.

Water at the finish

Illaroo is on the park-wide drinking-water list. Still carry a bottle for the day. Sandon River campground is not on that list.

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

  • If the boat is cancelled or late, stay in Brooms Head rather than trying to cross on your own.

Often paired with Coastal walk (65 km)— only if energy and weather allow.

Area guide: Brooms Head & Sandon River

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