📍17 Fantastic Things To Do In Iluka, New South Wales. (2024.)

Iluka Nature Reserve.

9. Enjoy Lovely Ocean Views.
Iluka Bluff Lookout.

As the village’s only formal elevated viewpoint, visiting Iluka Bluff Lookout is a must. This picturesque spot within the Iluka Nature Reserve has lovely southerly views overlooking Yamba and expansive panoramic views of the ocean. That makes it a fantastic place to watch the sunrise and search for whales from the mainland during the migratory whale season between June and October.

10. Go Swimming At Iluka’s Only Patrolled Beach.
Bluff Beach.

From the same car park used to access the lookout, you can also access the pristine sands of Bluff Beach.

What makes Bluff Beach stand out from the numerous other beaches around Iluka as it is the only one that is seasonally patrolled. As it is also naturally protected from the southerly swell by the headland, it has calmer waves, making it the safest ocean-facing beach to swim in the ocean.

11. Explore A World Heritage Site.
Iluka Rainforest Walking Track.

Although the Iluka Rainforest Reserve is only small, it holds international significance because it is the largest remaining naturally occurring rainforest along the New South Wales coastline. While that’s a pretty depressing fact, it’s now a globally recognised world heritage site. And one you can explore.

Sheltered by the thick canopy, the rainforest is much cooler than elsewhere, perfect on a hot day. And keep your eyes peeled for the colourful birds that dart around the straggly trees while watching the 2.6km track between the reserve car park and Long and Crown Road.

Bundjalung National Park.

12. Camp With The Kangaroos!
Woody Head Campground. – $.

Iluka is a small place, so when it comes to accommodation options, there aren’t many. But those who enjoy vehicular camping in its many forms will find that the Woody Head Campground is a fantastic spot to base yourself when exploring the many things to do in Iluka.

Formerly a caravan park, it’s since been taken over by the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and is now part of Bundjalung National Park. But what makes it so great is that it still retains all the hallmarks from its former days, such as flushing toilets and hot showers.

Unfortunately, it also means guests get packed together like sardines to maximise space, which is not the kind of camping experience most people want when staying in a national park. There is zero natural privacy. That said, it has close and easy access to Woody Beach, and the headland is also a gorgeous spot to explore.

Furthermore, it’s abundant with wildlife, namely kangaroos. Gangs of the delightfully adorable endemic animals roam the campground, chomping on the tastiest grass they can find. It’s fantastic to see the wild animals so comfortably close, and it’s not something you’ll likely get staying anywhere else in Iluka, which is why even though the campsites were close together, this is one of my favourite campgrounds I’ve ever stayed at!

13. Enjoy The Pristine Beaches.
Multiple Beaches.

As a massive coastal wilderness that stretches from the picturesque seaside town of Evans Head to Iluka, Bundjalung National Park has significant beach real estate. Luckily, many of them are accessible from the southern part.

The aforementioned Woody Beach is a particular favourite for campers at Woody Head, thanks to its proximity to the campground. It’s also a fantastic family beach, as the headland protects it from the waves.

The other beaches at Bundjalung are typically quieter, and oftentimes, you can enjoy the entire place to yourself. The southernmost end of Shark Bay is another fantastic swimming area if you prefer calmer waters, as it’s also protected from the swells.

Those who enjoy playing in the waves will enjoy the ocean-facing Bluff Beach and Back Beach. There is plenty of space to swim, boogie-board, surf, and engage in just about any wind-powered ocean watersports you can think of.

Just be aware that aside from at the southern end of Bluff Beach during summer, none of the beaches in Iluka or Bundjalung National Park are patrolled, so always be cautious when undertaking such activities.

14. Go For A Beach Drive Day Trip.
10 Mile Beach – Black Rocks.

If you have a 4WD and are looking to explore more of the pristine beaches than your feet can take you, Ten Mile Beach is the place to go. The entrance to the drivable foreshore is at Shark Bay (just west of the Shark Bay Picnic Area), and with miles and miles of unspoilt beach, it’s the perfect way to spend a day. 

But because you can’t drive off the sand, the only option is to walk there unless you have a bike. While it’s quite a way, it’s well worth it. The creek is gorgeous. 

Drive all the way to Black Rocks and discover the stunning coffee-coloured rocks that jut out from the sandy landscape, then get off the beach and head to Jerusalem Creek for a swim or a paddle. 

It also means you can’t stay at the Black Rocks Campground either, but it’s worth heading out for as it’s one of the best things to do in Iluka.

15. Enjoy A Picturesque Paddle Along A Serene Waterway.
Esk River Paddle Route.

If the sound of paddling at Jerusalem Creek sounds enticing but it is too far to venture to, you’re in luck because the other thing Bundjalung National Park is known for other than its beaches is rivers and creeks. 

It has three official water trails to explore. The northernmost one is on the Evans River at Evans Head, the middle one at the aforementioned Jerusalem Creek, and the third is the Esk River Paddle Route, which starts at the Bill Weiley Bridge on the road into Iluka.

Kayaking or canoeing is the best way to experience this serene waterway as it is the lengthiest, untouched natural river system along the north coast of New South Wales and provides exceptional bird-watching opportunities. 

Look for magnificent birds of prey, such as sea eagles and whistling kites in the skies riding the thermals or cormorants on the highest branches of dead trees and lower in the more dense scrub for elusive birds, such as the stunning semi-iridescent kingfishers. The calm waters are also great for stand-up paddleboarding and wild swimming.

Note: The launch point is from a small, hard-to-see road on the eastern side of the bridge out of the town. It is also narrow and looks pretty rough so I advise only going in a 4WD.

16. Discover Bundjalung’s Most Photogenic Hidden Gem.
Middle Bluff.

While there are lots of fantastic things to do in Iluka, one that doesn’t get any attention is Middle Bluff.

It’s the headland between the much more popular Iluka Bluff and Woody Head, but it’s a gorgeous spot no one talks about.

Walk to it from Back Beach or Bluff Beach, or alternatively, take a little-known overgrown track from the Frazers Reef Picnic Area and access it that way.

The headland itself is relatively bare due to extensive sand mining. You can see some relics of those days amongst the shrubs, but there is also a picturesque spot at the top with two ponds and Woody Head in the background.

That’s nothing compared to the landscape further out. The weather and wave-worn rocks are gorgeous by themselves. But with the beaches, Frazers Reef and the headland in the distance, there’s no doubt it’s Iluka and Bundjalung National Park’s most dynamically beautiful location, and it was certainly my favourite find when I visited.