Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park

National Park Coastal national park protecting Indigenous cultural landscapes

Coastal national park on New South Wales’ mid‑north coast protecting long beaches, dunes and littoral rainforest. Visitors surf, walk coastal trails, watch seabirds and learn about Indigenous cultural connections.

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park is a small coastal national park on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, protecting beach, headland and littoral rainforest habitat. It is known locally by its Indigenous name and was previously called South Beach National Park.

The park contains a sandy beach, a rocky headland and remnant littoral rainforest. Short walking tracks and a headland lookout provide coastal views and opportunities for shorebird and coastal vegetation observation.

The area is part of the traditional lands of the Gumbaynggirr people and the park name reflects that cultural connection. The park status preserves both natural coastal habitat and places of cultural significance.

The park sits adjacent to the town of Woolgoolga on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, roughly 15 to 20 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour and directly on the Pacific coastline.

  • Name history: The park carries the Indigenous name Gaagal Wanggaan and was previously known as South Beach National Park.
  • Access: Access is by short walking tracks and headland lookouts, with the nearest town being Woolgoolga.

What to See #

  • South Beach: A sandy shoreline that gives the park its former English name, used for walking, birdwatching and coastal access.
  • Headland lookout: A rocky coastal headland with short walking tracks and lookouts that provide broad views along the coastline and over the ocean.
  • Littoral rainforest: Remnant patches of littoral rainforest and coastal vegetation that the park protects, supporting native birds and plant species.
Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park
-30.6689, 153.0008

How to Get to Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park #

The park is on the Mid North Coast of NSW and is best reached by road from nearby towns such as Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie. Regional buses serve some coastal settlements; a car provides the greatest flexibility for reaching trailheads and viewing spots.

Tips for Visiting Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park #

  • Tide and surf conditions are important along this coast; check local surf forecasts before swimming or entering the water.
  • Respect cultural sites and Indigenous protocols - many South Beach areas in New South Wales have significant Aboriginal heritage and local rules.
  • Early morning is best for tranquillity and birdwatching; late afternoon brings dramatic light.

Best Time to Visit Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park #

Beaches are best in shoulder seasons for calmer crowds and agreeable weather; check local conditions for rips and marine advisories.

Summer
December-February · 20-28°C
Warm water and beach activity; busier with holiday crowds.
Autumn/Spring
March-May, September-November · 15-24°C
Milder temperatures and fewer tourists; good for walking and wildlife viewing.

Weather & Climate near Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park #

Climate

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1443 mm/year), wettest in March.

Air Quality: AQI 35 Good
Best Time to Visit
OctoberSeptemberAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
20° 27°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

162 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
13.7h daylight

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (175 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
20° 27°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

175 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
13.0h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (204 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
19° 26°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

204 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 24°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

164 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
11.2h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm).

70 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
14° 22°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

143 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
10.5h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 20°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.1h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).

74 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 19°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.3h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
10.9h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°
70%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
11.8h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

82 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 23°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.7h daylight

November

November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 24°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
13.5h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
19° 26°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
13.9h daylight

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