A short stroll across Coffs Harbour’s marina breakwater leads to Muttonbird Island, a rugged headland and nature reserve. Explore it to enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Solitary Islands and Coffs Harbour — plus, as you might have guessed, feathered wildlife.
Muttonbird Island scenery
After walking about 5 minutes along the breakwater, you will find yourself at the base of Muttonbird Island. Start at the small outdoor learning centre to read up on the Aboriginal heritage and the fascinating wedge-tailed shearwaters that use the island as a rookery.
Continue by climbing up to the summit viewing platform, offering great views back towards Coffs Harbour and the coastline. Then be sure to make it all the way over to the Eastern Side Lookout, a humpback whale watching spot from May to November.
The waters to the north of the island are part of Solitary Islands Marine Park, where tropical and temperate currents meet. In this environment, creatures from Australia’s warm north, like manta rays, green turtles and giant sea anemones, and fish species from the cooler south coexist among coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds.
On land, thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters, also known as muttonbirds, take centre stage during the season. After spending winter in Southeast Asia, these birds arrive in August and remain until April, nesting in fragile burrows scattered across the island’s slopes. Amazingly, many come back to the exact same burrow year after year.
Whether or not the wildlife appears on cue, the views alone make the full return walk, which covers 2 km, worthwhile.
When to see the wedge-tailed shearwaters
Even if you visit during the wedge-tailed shearwater season (August to April), Muttonbird Island can seem surprisingly quiet during the day. That’s because adult birds spend much of their time foraging at sea. It’s not until the adults return in the evening that the island really comes alive, especially later in the season when the newly hatched chicks and their parents call out to locate each other.
Tips for visiting Muttonbird Island
- Bring wind protection, as the island is very exposed.
- Guided Muttonbirds by Moonlight tours are sporadically arranged.
- Pack binoculars, especially if visiting during whale watching season.
- Try the seafood at Fishermen’s Co-op at the marina before or after.
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