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Arakwal National Park: A Coastal Sanctuary

Discover Arakwal National Park: Byron Bay's coastal gem with pristine beaches, rich Aboriginal heritage, and diverse wildlife encounters.

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Arakwal National Park, located south of Byron Bay, is a coastal haven co-managed by the Arakwal people and NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. It features a stunning 3km stretch of Tallow Beach, diverse ecosystems, and significant Aboriginal heritage, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty and cultural connection.

A brief summary to Arakwal National Park

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during spring or winter for prime whale watching opportunities as humpbacks migrate along the coast.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced birdwatching and whale spotting experiences.
  • Check for park alerts and closures due to weather or fire danger before visiting.
  • Respect the environment by staying on marked trails and adhering to park guidelines.
  • Tallow Beach is unpatrolled, so exercise caution when swimming due to potential undercurrents.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Byron Bay town center, walk southeast along Lawson Street and Lighthouse Road. Continue onto Tallow Beach Road. Follow Tallow Beach Road to the Cosy Corner carpark, which provides access to the northern end of Arakwal National Park and Tallow Beach. The walk is approximately 3.2km.

  • Public Transport

    From Byron Bay, take local bus Route 601. Alight at a stop closest to Arakwal National Park on Bangalow Road. From the bus stop, follow signs to the park entrance. Check local bus schedules for updated times and routes. A single bus fare costs approximately $3-$5.

  • Taxi

    From Byron Bay, a taxi to Arakwal National Park takes approximately 2 minutes and costs between $9 and $11. Taxis can be booked with GOBYRON or Byron Bay Taxis & Limousines.

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Discover more about Arakwal National Park

Arakwal National Park, a 183-hectare coastal reserve, is located just south of Byron Bay, New South Wales. This unique park is co-managed by the Bundjalung of Byron Bay (Arakwal) people and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), a testament to a historic Indigenous Land Use Agreement reached in 2001. The park's creation marked the first of its kind in Australia, recognizing the deep historical and cultural ties of the Arakwal people to this land. The park encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, including coastal heath, Wallum country, and the pristine 3km stretch of Tallow Beach. This variety provides habitat for numerous bird species and native frog species, including the vulnerable Wallum Froglet and Wallum Sedge Frog. Tallow Beach offers opportunities for swimming, surfing, fishing, and whale watching during migration seasons. Visitors can explore walking trails that wind through the coastal heath and sand dunes, providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse. The park is open year-round but may be closed during adverse weather conditions or fire danger. Arakwal National Park is not only a place of natural beauty but also a significant site for Aboriginal cultural heritage. The Arakwal people's connection to the land is palpable, and their involvement in the park's management ensures the preservation of cultural practices and ecological integrity.

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