Bundagaree Rainforest Walk Offers a Refreshing Combo of Bush & Beach

Set amongst the lush Bongil Bongil National Park, Bundageree Rainforest Walk is an easy 6km loop that’ll have you setting your gaze to the treetops above as you try to spot a sneaky koala, before tunnelling out to incredible sweeping views across Bundagen headland.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Gumbaynggirr Nation, the traditional Country of the Gumbaynggirr People who have occupied and cared for this land for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Highlights

• Spoilt for choice with ever-changing scenery; from bush to beach
• Eucalypts so tall they make even the bravest koalas quiver
• Add on the Bluff Loop trail to lengthen your hike
• A peaceful walk with few people

Finding Reprieve in Bongil Bongil National Park

Living the #vanlife along the northern New South Wales coastline can be as every bit glamorous as your nomadic mates may have you believe. But when the skies open and pouring rain ceases to end, it does come at a cost.

We found ourselves on the receiving end of a two-week downpour and were feeling quite cramped and in need of a bit of fresh air – enter Bongil Bongil National Park, set at just over 20km south of Coffs Harbour.

With welcoming blue skies, we made our way into the park by heading down the scenic Tuckers Rock Rd. Beautiful beams of sunlight danced across our skin as we meandered through the tree-lined path, eventually parking beside Tuckers Rocks Cottage. Note to self: Future glamping escapade? 

I immediately knew we were going to love the Bundagaree Rainforest Walk (Gumbaingeri language for ‘abundance of food’) as we became immersed in dense rainforest with vine-covered eucalypt trees taller than the eye could see and fully FERNished with Elkhorns. We were lucky to encounter three lyrebirds along the track, and never had I wished more that I was proficient at identifying birds, because we had a lot of sky-high company. 

The hike is a gentle 3km until you find yourself stepping out of a Mother-Earth-made portal to the Bundagen coastline, a phenomenal part of the coast that seems to stretch forever, and best of all we had it to ourselves! 

After half an hour of braving the tempestuous winds and dancing ridiculously along the sand, we headed back into the forest and tried our hand at extending the hike back to the car by taking the Bluff Loop Walking Track. 

Unfortunately, with the recent rain most of the track had been washed out, and much to my partner’s dismay we discovered that leeches were active and fancied Canadian blood more than Australian – a win for us Aussies I’d say! Make sure to only take this track during fine weather (and bring some salt!).

Essential Gear

• Comfy walking shoes
• Water
• Long socks when wet (best to discourage those pesky leeches as much as possible)
• Sunscreen
• Swimmers
• Camera

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

How To Get There

From Coffs Harbour, take the Pacific Highway south for 18km until you reach the Keevers Drive turn off. Continue along for another 1km until you see Perrys Rd on your left.

Follow Perrys Rd through to the scenic tree-lined Tuckers Rocks Rd which will eventually bring you to Tuckers Rocks Cottage.

You can either park beside the accommodation or continue down the steep driveway to its north which ends in a small beachside car park. The beginning of the Bundageree Rainforest Walk is beside the car park.

Skill Level

Beginner

A breezy, flat return loop walk. Can be a bit slippery after heavy rain.

Distance Covered / Elevation Gain / Duration

6km return loop hike with no elevation gain / 2.5 hr