Unofficial guide · verify with NSW National Parks

Yuraygir National Park guideYuraygir National ParkUnofficial operator’s manual

Freshwater track

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

Official southern walk: 2 km return, Grade 4, 45 min–1 hr 15 min from the northern end of Pebbly Beach campground to Freshwater Beach. The walk is easy to underestimate — getting to the start is the 4WD problem.

  • Grade 4 · from Pebbly 4WD
  • 45 min – 1 hr 15 min
  • 2 km return
  • Effort: moderate
  • Best for: A short official walk once you are already at Pebbly Beach campground

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

Freshwater track — Coastal heath and beach

Maurice van Creij · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Where you start

Pebbly Beach campground (northern end)

Official start is Pebbly Beach campground near Red Rock — not the central Minnie Water roads. High-clearance 4WD and a low-tide approach. Check water depth at the Barcoongere Way crossing.

How to get there

  1. Coffs Harbour north on the Pacific Highway ~49 km, then McPhillips Road / Barcoongere Way. 4WD required; not suitable for low-clearance vehicles.
  2. Official alerts (13 Sep 2026): McPhillips Rd closed 14–25 September 2026 — use Barcoongere Way. Logging trucks remain listed when that road is open.
  3. Vehicle entry applies. Book Pebbly if you are camping — check-in 2pm, check-out 10am.

How to do it (step by step)

  1. Check alerts and a Red Rock tide chart before you leave sealed road.
  2. Walk the signed track to Freshwater Beach and return, or continue only if you have deliberately joined the Wooli–Red Rock coastal-walk segment.

The start is the product

Official: 2 km return, Grade 4, 45 min–1 hr 15 min from the northern end of Pebbly Beach campground to Freshwater Beach. The walk is short. The 4WD + low-tide approach is not.

Check water depth at the Barcoongere Way crossing. Not suitable for low-clearance vehicles. Official alerts (13 Sep 2026): McPhillips Rd closed 14–25 September 2026 — use Barcoongere Way. Logging trucks remain listed when that road is open.

Not a Minnie Water walk

Do not drive the Wooli / Minnie Water roads looking for Freshwater. That is a different zone. Pair with a Pebbly camp night (check-in 2pm / out 10am) or skip it.

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

  • This is a Pebbly add-on, not a 2WD day from Minnie Water.
  • Pebbly’s campground page lists drinking water — pack a backup.

Area guide: Station Creek & Pebbly Beach

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