Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
A small island linked to the harbor by a breakwater. Trails climb to the summit for sea views, wedge-tailed shearwater burrows and migrating humpback whales.
Muttonbird Island is the symbol of Coffs Harbour. You can reach it on foot along the North Breakwater, and a paved path winds up to the summit viewing platform. The round trip takes about 30 to 45 minutes. From August to April each year, thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters return to the island to nest, and they fly home in groups at dusk. From June to November, the summit is a good place to watch humpback whales migrating. The island is also a sacred site for the Gumbaynggirr people, and information boards on the island tell their cultural stories. Entry is free, and the views are best at sunrise and sunset.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Coffs Harbour Jetty
- North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
- Big Banana Fun Park
- Sealy Lookout & Forest Sky Pier
- Sawtell Beach & Village
- Moonee Beach Nature Reserve
- Coffs Harbour Butterfly House
- Bongil Bongil National Park