Moonee Creek is a sheltered barrier-river estuary within the Solitary Islands Marine Park, just north of Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast. Its untrained entrance opens to the sea, creating calm, gentle waters ideal for snorkelling, swimming, and family rock-pool exploration at Moonee Beach. Flowing through the forested Moonee Beach Nature Reserve, this estuary offers clear, good-quality water where you can paddle over sandy flats and past seaside caves while watching for little bent-wing bats roosting nearby. The peaceful tree-lined setting makes it a favourite for beginner snorkellers and kayakers seeking a tranquil escape.
Moonee Creek (estuary)
BeginnerGO
GO
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 7.3 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Joy EngelmanThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Oceanic rips at beach
The ocean beach adjacent to the creek mouth has a general hazard rating of 6/10 with exposed conditions and rips. Stick to the sheltered estuary side.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
Moonee Creek can develop a moderate current as the tide ebbs, especially near the estuary mouth where it meets the ocean.
Low risk: Marine stingers
Box jellyfish and bluebottles may be present in warm months along the NSW North Coast (Nov-Mar).
Low risk: Closure due to fire danger
Moonee Beach Nature Reserve may close temporarily during periods of high fire danger. Check NPWS alerts before visiting.
Low risk: Constricted tidal flow at entrance
The untrained entrance can constrict tidal flow, creating stronger currents near the mouth during outgoing tides.
Low risk: Water depth variability
Shallow areas and sandbars can shift after storms or large swells; depth changes are not always marked.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Coffs Harbour, drive north on the Pacific Highway for approximately 15 minutes and turn east onto Moonee Beach Road. Follow to the Moonee Beach Reserve carpark at the end of the road. The estuary is accessible directly from Moonee Beach or via the Moonee Creek canoe route launch point.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at Moonee Beach Reserve off Moonee Beach Road, including designated disabled spots. Can be busy on weekends and during peak holiday periods.
parkingtoiletsshowerspicnic_tables
No fees for entry or parking at Moonee Beach Reserve.
Spot Map
Community
Gallery ┬╖ 2 photos
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near New South Wales
No nearby spots yet.
Needs verification
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
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