Things to see and do in Wooli NSW

Looking for things to do? With the Pacific Ocean, Solitary Islands Marine Park, the pristine Wooli Wooli River and the large Yuraygir National Park on your doorstep, Wooli offers plenty of activities and natural attractions.

🌿 Nearby Attractions (Beyond Wooli – Day Trips & Discoveries)

  • A wealth of other amazing beaches – Explore the surrounding coastline for secluded, surf-friendly, or family-safe beaches.

  • Yuraygir National Park – A spectacular stretch of coastal bushland, perfect for bushwalking, birdwatching, and exploring native flora and fauna.

  • Minnie Water Village – A charming beachside community with beautiful beaches and walking trails.

  • Diggers Headland – Scenic views, walking tracks, and a great spot for spotting dolphins and whales in season.

  • Grafton – Just 35 minutes’ drive away, Grafton offers shopping, cafes, historic architecture, and the famous jacaranda trees (October–November).

  • Coffs Harbour – Around 1 hour and 10 minutes away. Great for major shopping, restaurants, beaches, the Big Banana, and family attractions.

🚗 5–10 Minutes’ Drive from Wooli River Lodges

  • Seasonally patrolled lifeguard beach – Safe swimming with lifeguards during peak seasons.

  • One Tree Beach access – Just a 10–15 minute walk from the lodges.

  • Wooli Wooli River – Ideal for swimming and boating. For the best experience, head to the river mouth at high tide.
    (Fun fact: The Wooli Wooli River is one of the purest waterways in Australia!)

  • Wooli Hotel – A family-friendly bistro with great meals and a relaxed vibe.

  • Village shop (with petrol) – Stock up on essentials and fuel.

  • Bowling Club – Home to a popular Chinese restaurant.

  • Wooli River Boat Hire – Kayaks, canoes, and more available for exploring the river.

  • Various fishing spots – From riverbanks to beachside.

  • Public boat ramp – Launch your own vessel with ease.

  • Wooli Dive Centre – Discover local marine life with guided diving and snorkelling experiences.

🛥️ Local Tours

🤿 Diving & Snorkelling Tours

The Solitary Islands Marine Park, just off our coast, offers an unforgettable underwater experience. Wooli is home to a scuba diving centre and PADI training facility, providing snorkelling and diving tours as well as training for all skill levels. You can also enjoy snorkelling in the Wooli River and at Diggers Camp.
Wooli Dive Centre – www.woolidive.com.au

🎣 Fishing Charters & Whale Watching Tours

Join a local operator for river or deep-sea fishing, or head out on a whale watching cruise during migration season (May to November).
Wooli Deep Sea Tours – 02 6649 7100
Website: www.woolidive.com.au

🌿 River Tours

Explore the pristine Wooli Wooli River with:

  • Private river charters (up to 14 people)

  • Eco-tours

  • Self-drive boats (up to 12 people, no licence required)

Wooli River Explorer – Call Bruce on 0439 409 909
Website: www.wooliriverboathire.com.au

🏄‍♀️ For the Sporty Types

🏊 Swimming

Wooli boasts kilometres of beautiful, unspoilt beaches, with beach patrols during holiday periods. The Wooli Wooli River, one of the cleanest in Australia, features a sheltered lagoon at its mouth—perfect for calm, crystal-clear swimming at high tide. Just north of Wooli, Diggers Camp offers a lovely cove and rock pools to explore.
Guests at Wooli River Lodges also have access to our refreshing on-site pool.

🚶‍♂️ Walking

Take on the Yuraygir walking track that runs between Illaroo and Wooli. This scenic coastal trail offers stunning ocean views, excellent birdwatching, and a variety of native plant communities.
👉 See track details on the National Parks website

🏄 Surfing

Bring your board and ride the waves along the protected beaches of Wooli, Minnie Waters, and Wilsons Headland (best for experienced surfers). There are plenty of surf spots to choose from, depending on the swell.

🎾 Bowling & Tennis

  • Lawn bowls is available at the Wooli Bowling & Recreation Club
    📞 (02) 6649 7525

  • Tennis courts are available at Wooli Tennis Courts
    📞 (02) 6649 7606