TOP 5 NATURE ESCAPES

Boambee Creek Reserve

A day-tripper’s dream with its turquoise waters leading to the ocean. Youngsters will love splashing in the shallows or enjoying some playground fun while grown-ups can float along with the current. If you’re feeling active, hire a standup paddleboard or kayak, or book an eco tour with Cchange Adventures. The creek boasts a diversity of bird and marine life so keep your eyes peeled as you drift downstream. Doggies are welcome if kept on the lead. A small entry fee is payable to bring your car in.

Bonville Headland

Walking south along Sawtell’s main beach, you’ll reach beautiful Bonville Headland. With a level grassy area little ones will love, picnic tables and easy parking (if you skipped the walk), this is one of the most accessible spots on the coastline. Do as the locals do – feast on take-away fish ‘n’ chips while you take in the lovely surrounds of the Sawtell rock pool, Bonville Pine Creek estuary and Bongil Bongil National Park.

Surfing The Southern Beaches

The headlands, estuaries and beaches of Sawtell make for diverse surf conditions with a break for all kinds of surfers. At the southern end of the main beach,

Sawtell Island has long, rolling waves well-suited to longboarders or beginners. Experienced surfers will gravitate toward Main Beach and the swell in front of the surf club, or ‘Trapdoors’ at the river mouth at Boambee Headland. In a strong northerly wind ‘Southies’, past the ocean pool at Bonville Headland, is the break of choice.

Mountain Biking

Mountain bikers of all skill levels travel from afar for the twists and turns of our local trails. Bonville’s Pine Creek State Forest is the original mountain biking network of the Co s Coast, renowned for its family-friendly riding through a rainforest setting. ‘Cows with Guns’ is recommended as a great introductory trail. For the more experienced, the 10km Sawmill Loop will test your skills as you navigate the windy, luge-style single track.

Bongil Bongil National Park

From the Gumbaynggirr language, Bongil Bongil means “a place where one stays a long time because of the abundance of food”. The bushland and waterways are a haven for wildlife and recreational activities like fishing, mountain biking, walking and paddling (try the 10km paddling route along Pine Creek). Pack a rod and try your luck from the pontoon – or if dry land is more your style, pack your binoculars for koala spotting.

A Haven for Nature & Recreation

Seemingly endless, Boambee Beach extends from the southern corner of Co s’ Jetty Foreshores to the mouth of Boambee Creek. This is a popular beach for fishing and 4WDing. And being leashfree and just over five kilometres in length, the family dog will think it’s the bee’s knees!

For utterly spectacular views in all directions, the Boambee Headland Lookout on the northern side of Sawtell village is hard to beat, and is perfect for whale watching in season.

A favourite day trip is south to the rich coastal and inland rainforests of Bongil Bongil National Park where you can spend time surrounded by nature. Discover hiking and mountain bike trails, calm waterways, abundant wildlife, and countless creekside picnic areas to enjoy.