Illaroo Beach sits within Yuraygir National Park on the NSW North Coast, a wild stretch of sand between Minnie Water and Sandon. Just north of the Illaroo campground, a short walk down the headland leads to a sheltered reef where crystal-clear waters (visibility 4–7 m) reveal reef fish, bream, and whiting weaving through seagrass. The beachfront campsites are steps from the shore, and the lack of crowds makes this a serene, uncrowded spot for snorkelers wanting to escape busy beaches.
Illaroo Beach (Illaroo Reef)
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Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 6.8 sWind Speed 3.0 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Illaroo Beach (Illaroo Reef) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Blue-ringed octopus danger
These highly venomous octopuses may be present in tidal rockpools near the reef. Avoid handling marine life and wear sturdy footwear.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Blue-ringed octopus
These highly venomous octopuses may be present in tidal rockpools near the reef. Avoid handling marine life and wear sturdy footwear.
Low risk: Tidal rockpools submerged at high tide
The rocky reef area is flooded at high tide, which can surprise swimmers exploring rockpools. Check tide times before venturing onto exposed rocks.
Low risk: Soft sand on beach access
Sand near the beach access points and along the drive to Sandon can be very soft, especially on high tide. 4WD and lowered tyre pressures recommended.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Illaroo Beach is in Yuraygir National Park, roughly 50 km east of Grafton via the Pacific Highway. Turn off at the sign for Minnie Water and follow the sealed road north to the Illaroo campground. From the campground, well-built stairs lead down to the beach. The headland reef (Illaroo Reef) is a short walk south along the sand.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at the Illaroo campground; vehicle entry fee applies. 4WD recommended for driving on the beach. Tyre pressure should be lowered when driving on sand.
toiletsdrinking_water
$8 per vehicle per day park entry fee. Camping fees are separate (approx. $12/adult/night).
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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