Wooli

On the water 

With the river and the ocean surrounding the town, Wooli is a popular fishing destination. Cast a line into the estuary or from the beach or charter a vessel from Wooli River Boat Hire to explore the tranquil waterways. Fish species living in the river include blackfish, luderick, flathead, mulloway, tailor, mangrove jacks, whiting, bream and mullet. 

The calm waters of the estuary are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. As you glide, keep an eye out for stingrays and turtles beneath you, kangaroos on the banks, and yellow-tailed black cockatoos soaring overhead. 

Stand-up paddleboarding, Wooli - Credit: My Clarence Valley

In the water 

Wooli Beach curves 6.6km from the breakwater north to Wilsons Headland. Waves crashing to shore at the southern end of the sand, near the breakwall, are reliably good, attracting surfers year-round.  

From May through November you’ll likely spot whales breaching offshore, with Wooli Dive Centre getting you close to the action on scenic cruises, as well as diving and snorkelling expeditions in the surrounding Solitary Islands Marine Park. 

Wooli Dive Centre, Solitary Islands Marine Park - Credit: My Clarence Valley

The ocean enveloping the Solitary Islands – just a 20-minute boat trip away – is a wonderland for 90 species of hard coral and 550 types of reef fish. The best way to appreciate this vast marine bounty is with your head underwater, so jump overboard to dive and snorkel with tropical and subtropical fish. 

Snorkelling, Wooli

Coastal hikes 

Nature reigns supreme back on land as well, as Wooli is almost completely surrounded by Yuraygir National Park, stretching from Yamba in the north to Red Rock in the south. The park is home to 65km of striking cliffs, rocky headlands and beaches backdropped by wildlife-rich forest, heaths and wetlands.  

You can also spot whales in season, plus dolphins and turtles year-round, from the 3km Wilsons Headland walking track, which hugs the coast and leads you past blissful beaches and quiet coves, inviting you to cool off with a swim. 

Wilsons Headland, Clarence Valley - Credit: Jessica Robertson/DPIE

Where to stay 

Solitary Islands Resort and Wooli Holiday Park are great family options, each overlooking the river. You’ll find powered sites at both resorts as well as cabins and villas at Solitary Islands Resort, which also has mini golf, free canoes, swimming pools and a jumping pillow. 

Wooli Hotel Motel has six quiet and comfortable rooms that sleep up to six, and is a great spot for food and drink, with a leafy beer garden. Nearby, just north of Wilson’s Head Diggers Camp and Boorkoom Campground offer off-grid camping in beautiful surrounds. 

Boorkoom Campground, Yuraygir National Park - Credit Jessica Robertson/DPE 

Getting there  

Wooli is a 6.5-hour drive north from Sydney or a four-hour drive south from Brisbane. You can also fly into Ballina Airport and hire a car for the one-hour and 50-minute drive south.