Woolgoolga Whale Trail

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Consultation has concluded

Register to Have Your Say online, or lodge your comments in writing, supplying contact details.

Consultation closed: Thank you to everyone who provided feedback.
Construction for the Whale Trail project commenced 18 March to be completed by June 2024.

Visit Projects and Initiatives to view the concept plan and stay up to date.

Whale Trail Overview

The route between Woolgoolga Beach Reserve to the existing Solitary Islands Coastal Walk is already a popular walk for locals and visitors. Upgrading the walkway will offer greater pedestrian safety, improved accessibility, attract visitors and foster economic opportunities for Woolgoolga.

The concept design is influenced by environmental factors along with other considerations, including accessibility, safety and the key grant requirement that the pathway connects Woolgoolga Beach Reserve with the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.

Where we are up to

The final concept plan has been adopted for the $1.1 million Woolgoolga Whale Trail. Taking into consideration of community feedback received during extensive community consultations.

The City is committed to build the project for visitors and the local community, while protecting the environment.

Consultation closed: Thank you to everyone who provided feedback.
Construction for the Whale Trail project commenced 18 March to be completed by June 2024.

Visit Projects and Initiatives to view the concept plan and stay up to date.

Whale Trail Overview

The route between Woolgoolga Beach Reserve to the existing Solitary Islands Coastal Walk is already a popular walk for locals and visitors. Upgrading the walkway will offer greater pedestrian safety, improved accessibility, attract visitors and foster economic opportunities for Woolgoolga.

The concept design is influenced by environmental factors along with other considerations, including accessibility, safety and the key grant requirement that the pathway connects Woolgoolga Beach Reserve with the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.

Where we are up to

The final concept plan has been adopted for the $1.1 million Woolgoolga Whale Trail. Taking into consideration of community feedback received during extensive community consultations.

The City is committed to build the project for visitors and the local community, while protecting the environment.

Consultation has concluded

  • National Whale Trail initiative

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    About the Federal Government National Whale Trail initiative

    In 2015, the Federal Government National Whale Trail initiative identified Woolgoolga Headland as a key site, one of only 11 in Australia. The aim of this initiative is to develop a national whale watching network to encourage knowledge sharing among locals and visitors on the habits of migratory whales and coastal conservation.

    Council consulted with the local community on a whale watching pathway and viewing stations since 2016. In 2018 Council adopted the Woolgoolga Town Centre Masterplan including an indicative route for the Woolgoolga Whale Trail.

    In 2020 Council explored design options for the new pathway with a Whale Trail Working Group which was coordinated by the Northern Beaches Residents Association (NBRA), including representatives of Woolgoolga Chamber of Commerce and Pollack Esplanade residents.

    The Whale Trail Working Group asked Council to consider enhancing the original concept plan early in 2020. Since then, Council has had several meetings with the working group to identify how to maximise the appeal of the pathway within the existing budget and potential future funding from grants or other sources.