National Whale Trail initiative

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.