Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park National Park

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.

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.

• 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.