ANGOURIE HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Follow the Coastal Emu: A 5‑Day Pack‑Free Hike from Angourie through Yuraygir
A 5‑day, 4‑night guided coastal trek from Angourie into Yuraygir National Park — this guide outlines the route, river crossings and the migration windows for humpback whales.
Follow the Coastal Emu: A 5‑Day Pack‑Free Hike from Angourie through Yuraygir.
Adventure brief
Follow the Coastal Emu: A 5‑Day Pack‑Free Hike from Angourie through Yuraygir
Set out from the surfing village of Angourie and walk five days along the unspoiled beaches and coastal tracks of Yuraygir National Park on the traditional lands of the Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr people. The route features long, empty beaches, three river crossings by boat and seasonal humpback whale sightings that punctuate an otherwise solitary coastal wilderness.
Stretching along New South Wales’ northern coast, the Yuraygir Coastal Walk offers an unfiltered encounter with wild beaches, ancient forests, and Indigenous lands under the stewardship of the Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr peoples. Connect Adventures takes this experience up a notch with their 5-day pack-free journey starting at the surf village of Angourie, a rugged swell of ocean breakers that serve as an exhilarating prelude to the trek.
This isn’t your average coastal stroll. Over four nights, hikers follow shifting sands and sturdy woodland trails through Yuraygir National Park, Australia’s longest continuous coastal park. The walk’s standout moments arrive in the form of three river crossings—each requiring a short boat transfer that deepens your connection to this varied landscape. From the Sandon to the Wooli and Corindi Rivers, these aquatic passages punctuate the trek with an adventurous spirit rare in coastal hikes.
Wildlife sightings peak during the majestic migration of humpback whales, visible offshore in spring and fall, offering panoramic views of powerful tail slaps and spouts against a crystal-blue sea. Inland, the mix of littoral rainforest and heath reveals unique native flora, while Indigenous guides share rich stories tying culture and country.
Connect Adventures crafts this route with seamless logistics, carrying tents, meals, and safety gear so guests can travel light and focus fully on the environment. Group sizes remain intimate, fostering a deep sense of camaraderie alongside the untamed beauty.
With transfers to and from nearby Yamba, fresh local meals, and expert guidance, this walk is both a physical challenge and a profound cultural journey — a rare blend that elevates the Yuraygir experience, making it a refreshing standout in Australia’s coastal trekking scene.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and daily stops
The walk progresses from Angourie south along Yuraygir National Park with daily campgrounds and river crossings.
Angourie → Lake Arragan Campground
Day 1 pickups from Yamba; hike from Angourie to Lake Arragan Campground — approximately 13 km.
Lake Arragan → Sandon River Campground (via Brooms Head)
Day 2 follows the coast through Brooms Head to Sandon River Campground — approximately 13 km.
Sandon River Crossing → Boorkoom Campground
Day 3 includes the Sandon River crossing and a longer hike to Boorkoom Campground — approximately 17.5 km.
Boorkoom → Station Creek (Wooli River crossing)
Day 4 covers the section to Station Creek and includes the Wooli River crossing (about 3 km of river crossing activity) — approximately 14 km.
Station Creek → Red Rock (Corindi River crossing) → Yamba drop‑off
Day 5 is a shorter coastal day to Red Rock, including the Corindi River crossing and departure with drop‑off at Yamba — approximately 6.5 km.
The route includes three river crossings by boat and daily distances from about 6.5 km to 17.5 km; participants should be prepared for multiple days of beach and coastal track walking and for staged river crossings.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Humpback whales — northbound migration (May–June)
During the northbound migration season the coast is one of the best places on the Clarence coast to see humpback whales passing en route to northern waters.
Humpback whales — southbound migration (September–October)
The same corridor becomes busy again on the southbound passage in September and October, offering repeat opportunities for shore‑based whale watching.
Three river crossings by boat
This coastal hike includes three river crossings that are completed by boat, a distinctive element that punctuates the shoreline walking each day.
What the day feels like
What the five days feel like
Each day is a focused stretch of coastline: long beach walking and coastal track between campgrounds, punctuated by boat crossings of the major rivers and nights under canvas at national park campgrounds. The itinerary moves steadily south from Angourie, with compact hike distances and one shorter final day to Red Rock for departure.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip fits — and the booking context to know up front.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Walking boots or shoes; comfortable synthetic hiking clothes; waterproof rain jacket; warm jacket; a 25–35 litre day pack; water bottles to carry a minimum of 3 litres; sun hat, sunglasses and personal toiletries.
Consider a hiking towel, swimmers, camera and battery pack, walking poles, camp sandals/shoes, camp pillow and a book.
Carry at least 3 litres of water in your day pack and plan clothing for wet and cool conditions; synthetic layers are recommended.
Some items noted with availability (for example certain clothing or equipment) are referenced in the operator booking information; refer to the full gear list in booking materials.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Yuraygir Coastal Walk — Pack Free itinerary?
The trip is 5 days and 4 nights.
Where are pickups and drop‑offs arranged?
Pick up and drop off are from Yamba.
How many people are in each group?
Groups are capped at a maximum of 10 guests.
Is there a discount for booking a full group?
Group bookings of 10 guests receive a 10% discount.
When is the best time to see humpback whales on this route?
Humpback whales are commonly seen heading north in May–June and heading south in September–October.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-25T01:30:07.378Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.