Nestled within Bundjalung National Park on the NSW North Coast, Woody Head Rock Pools are a series of shallow, protected tidal pools carved into a spectacular rock platform beside a sheltered lagoon. Protected from the open ocean swells, these crystal-clear pools offer calm, safe snorkeling conditions ideal for families and beginners. The platform teems with hidden marine life — snorkelers can spot colourful nudibranchs, small reef fish, and crustaceans darting among the crevices. Surrounded by coastal rainforest and grassy picnic foreshores, this spot combines pristine nature with easy access from the adjacent campground.
Woody Head Rock Pools
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
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© QuartlThe spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Strong rip currents
Beaches in this park are not patrolled and can have strong rip currents. The safest place to swim is between the flags at a patrolled beach.
Moderate risk: Unpredictable swell
Unpredictable swell can appear suddenly around the headland and reef, creating hazardous conditions for swimmers and kayakers.
Low risk: Rock Platform
Sharp and slippery sandstone rock platform adjacent to the beach — wear protective footwear when exploring
Low risk: Reef Hazards
Exposed sandstone reefs in the bay can be hazardous at low tide with sharp edges and shallow coral-like formations
Low risk: Changing Tides
Tidal movement can affect water depth and current strength over the shallow reefs
Low risk: Limited mobile reception
Mobile phone reception is limited in the park, making emergency calls challenging without the Emergency Plus app.
Low risk: Rock platform hazards
Slippery and uneven rock platforms can be hazardous, especially at low tide when exploring the reef areas.
Low risk: Slippery rock platform
The rock platform surrounding the pools can be extremely slippery when wet, especially at lower tides.
Low risk: Sharp oyster shells
Oyster and barnacle encrustations on the rocks can cause cuts and grazes.
Low risk: Shark presence
Shark Bay lives up to its name with occasional shark sightings in the area. Caution advised when swimming or snorkelling, especially near deeper channels.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
Tides can change rapidly in the sheltered lagoon; outgoing currents may develop near the channel between the reef and shore.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Located within Bundjalung National Park, approximately 8 km north of Iluka via Iluka Road. Turn into Woody Head Road and follow to the campground and day-use area. The rock pools are a short walk from the parking area along the foreshore.
Parking is available at Woody Head campground, including 1 accessible parking space near the kiosk. Carpark is step-free.
Park entry fee of $8 per vehicle per day applies (NSW National Parks fee). Camping fees additional if staying overnight.
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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.