Where's Wooli
The beautiful seaside village of Wooli is set within the Northern NSW Rivers region, nestled behind the central section of Yuraygir National Park and the fabulous beaches of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Located on a long thin sand peninsula between the ocean and the river estuary, it was declared a camping reserve in 1861 and a village in 1923. Today, it boasts a population of 414 and is still known for being one of the best nurseries for the Sydney Rock Oyster, which is harvested on the river leases.
The Wooli Wooli River (meaning ‘two water’) begins its journey in the Baroongere State Forest. During its 34km length it passes through Newfoundland State Forest before meandering through the national park. Being encased by nature ensures that it is one of the purest waterways in Australia. The river can be negotiated for around 20km by canoe and kangaroos, emus, black-necked storks, brolgas and all manner of wildlife abound along the banks.
The landscape of the area is dominated by the beauty of Yuraygir National Park which surrounds the small village providing a home for an abundance of wildlife and natural wonders. The traditional owners of the park encompass communities within the Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr Nations. The spelling of ‘Yuraygir’ was considered the closest reflection of the Aboriginal usage of the two, allowing it to be phonetically accurate and easy for visitors to pronounce. Emphasis is put on the middle syllable Yur-ay-gir and the final ‘r’ is rolled. This stunning park is part of the longest stretch of protected coastline in NSW.
Wooli is the gateway to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, extending for 75km from Muttonbird Island in the south to Plover Island in the north. It protects over 71,000 hectares of diverse natural values, including estuaries, beaches, rock platforms, reef and offshore waters. A haven for over 550 species of fish, 600 species of molluscs and 100 species of coral, you can also find four of the world’s seven species of sea-turtle; the loggerhead, green, hawksbill and leatherback, which are all listed as threatened species.
There are so many ways to enjoy the magnificence of Wooli and surrounds – hiking, beach walking, swimming, surfing, fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving, whale and dolphin watching, boating and other water sports.
Come explore with us.
NRMA's new online Travel Planner will help you plan your holiday to Wooli. As well as mapping your trip, it produces detailed turn-by-turn driving directions, including estimated travelling times to the Solitary Islands Marine Park Resort.