Of the area's numerous viewpoints, Captain Cook Lookout, set on a high bluff, is the best to ponder the array of beaches, and to look for whales during the migration season. A road here leads down to the tide pools of Shelly Beach.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
24.76 MILES
The Gumbaynggirr people knew this island as Giidany Miirlarl (Place of the Moon). It was joined to Coffs Harbour by the northern breakwater in 1935. The…
-
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre & Skywalk
25.88 MILES
The 119-sq-km Dorrigo National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area and home to a huge diversity of vegetation and more than 120…
-
16.27 MILES
Occupying Trial Bay's eastern headland, this sandstone prison was built between 1877 and 1886 to house convicts brought in to build a breakwater. When…
-
24.52 MILES
This sheltered beach, with its picturesque jetty, is protected by a breakwater, creating calm swimming conditions. It's a quick walk from nearby…
-
15.45 MILES
This little semi-attached island on the Bellinger River (it's only completely cut off when the river is in flood) is home to a huge colony of grey-headed…
-
26.62 MILES
Wind your way through banana plantations on the 10-minute drive from Coffs Harbour to Sealy Lookout in the Orara East State Forest. A short cantilevered…
-
10.69 MILES
The highlight of this lush, rainforest-filled park is the dramatic coastal view from the lookout on the summit of Mt Yarriabini, which is accessible via a…
-
0.41 MILES
For decades residents and holidaymakers have decorated the rocks of Nambucca's breakwater with vivacious multicoloured artwork, and with notes to lovers,…
Nearby attractions
0.06 MILES
To reach the sheltered tide pools of pretty Shelly Beach, head down the road from Captain Cook Lookout.
0.39 MILES
The secluded northern extension of Shelly Beach is wide and sandy, and good for surfing.
0.41 MILES
For decades residents and holidaymakers have decorated the rocks of Nambucca's breakwater with vivacious multicoloured artwork, and with notes to lovers,…
0.52 MILES
Above Main Beach, this little museum has local-history exhibits, including a collection of more than 1000 photos.
0.6 MILES
Nambucca Heads' only patrolled beach has life guards on duty during the summer holidays, and on weekends from October to April. Dolphins can sometimes be…
10.69 MILES
The highlight of this lush, rainforest-filled park is the dramatic coastal view from the lookout on the summit of Mt Yarriabini, which is accessible via a…
15.07 MILES
Enthusiastic volunteers run this odd collection of local ephemera: old photos, cameras, clothes, tools etc.
15.45 MILES
This little semi-attached island on the Bellinger River (it's only completely cut off when the river is in flood) is home to a huge colony of grey-headed…