Tucked along the Coffs Coast about 30 km north of Coffs Harbour, Arrawarra Headland offers spectacular shore-based snorkeling within the Solitary Islands Marine Park. The headland shelters a sandy beach entry with rocky reef margins where subtropical and temperate waters converge, producing a unique mix of marine life. Ancient Aboriginal fish traps visible in the rocks add cultural significance, while the headland's point break and clear inshore waters make this a favourite for casual explorers and photographers alike. The adjacent Arrawarra Headland Reserve provides grassy picnic areas and easy beach access.
Arrawarra Marine Reserve / Arrawarra Headland
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Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 10 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Rip currents
Beaches in this park are not patrolled by lifeguards and can have strong rip currents. Swim at patrolled beaches between red and yellow flags.
Moderate risk: Easterly swell
Big easterly swells break across the headland rocks, making snorkeling unsafe. Calm days only.
Low risk: Limited mobile reception
Mobile phone reception is limited in this area, making emergency calls difficult. Download the Emergency Plus app before visiting.
Low risk: Rocky reef edges
The headland's rocky margins and reef edges can be sharp. Care required when entering and exiting the water, especially in surf.
Low risk: Shallow reef and rocks
The reef is shallow (2–8 m) with rocky ledges and boulders; care needed to avoid contact.
Low risk: Variable visibility
Visibility ranges 5–12 m and drops sharply after heavy rain in the Coffs Coast catchment.
Wildlife Guide
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Gallery
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located about 30 km north of Coffs Harbour. Turn east onto Holloway Drive, then north onto Arrawarra Road. Travel approximately 2.4 km to reach the beach carpark. To reach the headland itself, drive along Second Avenue to the top.
Parking & facilities
Free street-side parking available at the beach carpark beside parkland and the beach access point. Can be busy on weekends.
toiletsshowerspicnic_tables
Free entry. A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required for fishing.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports