Woolgoolga Whale Trail

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UPDATE: Please read the Council Resolution of June 8, 2023 - this page will be updated shortly with further information.


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

We now have preliminary designs prepared 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.

* It should be noted that not all community recommendations for design can be achieved. The final design is subject to environmental and cultural heritage assessments/approvals and compliance with engineering, accessibility and construction standards.

The project is funded by a $1.1 million Community Development Grant, through the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

UPDATE: Please read the Council Resolution of June 8, 2023 - this page will be updated shortly with further information.


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

We now have preliminary designs prepared 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.

* It should be noted that not all community recommendations for design can be achieved. The final design is subject to environmental and cultural heritage assessments/approvals and compliance with engineering, accessibility and construction standards.

The project is funded by a $1.1 million Community Development Grant, through the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

  • 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.

Page last updated: 14 Jun 2023, 09:59 AM