Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve

Muttonbird Island is a pristine, natural habitat with stunning views of the coastline and sea. From its beautiful island lookouts this is the perfect place to take in migratory whale watching as well as bird watching.

As a common breeding site for the wedge-tailed shearwater, also known as the muttonbird, this island and protected nature reserve is one of the few accessible places where this bird may be seen and studied up close. As a result the island has become a popular bird watching site. Informative signs about this rare bird are located throughout the island.

During school holidays, discovery tours are held by the Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal People as this island holds historic cultural significance to them. The island’s paved walkway is approximately a one kilometre return trip. The Australian winter and spring months are the best for whale watching from the island’s lookouts at its central high point or at the eastern end of the island.

Muttonbird Island is situated just off the coast of Coffs Harbour and is accessible on foot via a paved breakwater with is located at the end of Marina Drive, near Jetty Park. Facilities on the island include picnic sights, walking trails and lookouts as well as areas for fishing and snorkling.