Arakwal National Park Tours and Activities

Arakwal National Park featuring a beach
Arakwal National Park showing a beach
Arakwal National Park
Arakwal National Park showing a park
Arakwal National Park


Watch whales on the horizon and shorebirds on the water’s edge as you stroll along the shoreline of this beach reserve stretching south of Cape Byron.

Arakwal National Park is a protected area of golden sands and coastal heathland named for the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land. The Arakwal indigenous community co-manages this beautiful national park that bridges the Cape Byron State Conservation Area and the Broken Head Nature Reserve. Swim in the waves or walk on the soft sands and enjoy views of the uninterrupted horizon of the Pacific Ocean, bordered to the north by the rocky bluff of Cape Byron.

A great place to start is Tallow Beach, the national park’s sandy crown. Wander along the beautiful 2-mile (3-kilometre) beach, which lies between two rugged headlands. Play in the shallows with the kids or swim in the gentle waves. If the tide is right, wax your surfboard and take on the bigger breaks. Another popular pastime at Tallow Beach is beach fishing. Ask a local what fish are biting and learn about the best places to cast a line.

Stretch out on the sand and spot pied oystercatcher birds patrolling the shoreline for mollusks. You might see white-bellied sea eagles and osprey soaring overhead. Look toward the paperbark trees growing from the dunes behind you to try to spot a variety of woodland birds. During spring and winter, Tallow Beach is a prime location for watching humpback whales as they migrate between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Bring along a pair of binoculars for the best chance of spotting these magnificent creatures.

Explore the paths that weave through the dune vegetation and appreciate this haven for Aboriginal cultural heritage and local wildlife. Picnic and restroom facilities are available at the national park’s northern entrance.

Arakwal National Park is about a 10-minute drive from the town of Byron Bay. Reach Tallow Beach via the Cosy Corner picnic area in the Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Use the parking at Cosy Corner for a fee. Tallow Beach is not patrolled, so be careful of undercurrents and rough swells. The national park is open to visitors at all times, except in the case of rough weather or extreme fire hazard conditions.

Plan a trip to see Arakwal National Park

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Arts Factory By Nomads
The Brooklet
Azur Byron Bay

Popular places to visit


Top Arakwal National Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments

Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments

4 out of 5
20-22 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay, NSW
Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments
The Lord Byron

The Lord Byron

3.5 out of 5
120 Jonson Street, Byron Bay, NSW
The Lord Byron
Wollongbar Motel

Wollongbar Motel

3.5 out of 5
19-21 Shirley Street, Byron Bay, NSW
Wollongbar Motel
Discovery Parks - Byron Bay

Discovery Parks - Byron Bay

3.5 out of 5
399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay, NSW
Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
Waves Byron Bay

Waves Byron Bay

4.5 out of 5
35 Lawson Street, Byron Bay, NSW
Waves Byron Bay
Hibiscus Motel

Hibiscus Motel

2 out of 5
33 Lawson St, Byron Bay, NSW
Hibiscus Motel
Glen Villa Resort

Glen Villa Resort

2.5 out of 5
80-86 Butler Street, Byron Bay, NSW
Glen Villa Resort
Arts Factory By Nomads

Arts Factory By Nomads

2 out of 5
Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay, NSW
Arts Factory By Nomads
Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay

Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay

3.5 out of 5
5-37 Broken Head Rd, Byron Bay, NSW
Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Arakwal National Park

Discover the beauty of Arakwal National Park with a variety of activities such as biking along scenic trails, engaging in whale watching during the migration season, and exploring nearby camp sites for a weekend getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of options to immerse themselves in nature, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

Check out Byron Community Market, only 1.6km from Arakwal National Park, offering a vibrant atmosphere with local crafts and fresh produce. If you're up for a drive, Ballina Fair Shopping Centre, located 24.1km away, features a mix of shops and entertainment for the whole family.

Recreation

Byron Bay Golf Course offers a scenic golf experience with stunning landscapes and a relaxed atmosphere, just 3.2km from Arakwal National Park. For wellness and relaxation, visit Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre, located 14.5km away, providing tranquil surroundings for rejuvenation.

Adventure

Embark on the Cedar Walk Trailhead, a scenic hiking trail located 27.4km from Arakwal National Park, where you can immerse yourself in nature's beauty. Similarly, the Platypus Walk and Water Dragon Walk Trailheads offer adventurous hikes with stunning landscapes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Experience a unique night at Brunswick Picture House, a charming cinema 14.5km from Arakwal National Park, perfect for family and romantic outings. Alternatively, enjoy a lively evening at Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club, a vibrant drinking pub 45.1km away, offering great entertainment and a romantic atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Arakwal National Park

Arakwal National Park in Byron Bay offers a delightful mix of attractions for every type of traveller. Enjoy stunning beaches, explore the scenic reserves, and visit the historic lighthouse. Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in various activities, making the most of the park's natural beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Arakwal National Park provides the perfect beach retreat for a memorable holiday experience.

  • Wategos Beach: Nestled just 1.6km from Arakwal National Park, Wategos Beach offers a stunning slice of paradise with its golden sands and clear waters. Perfect for a relaxing day, the beach vibes are excellent for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a picnic with friends and family.
  • Cape Byron Lighthouse: Located 1.4km away, this historic lighthouse stands as a cultural icon of the region. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the coastline and learn about its fascinating maritime history, making it a must-visit site for history buffs.
  • Captain Cook Lookout: Just 805m from the park, this lookout provides a romantic setting for sunset views and is ideal for adventure seekers. The panoramic vistas of the ocean and hinterland make it a perfect spot for memorable photographs.

Best time to go to Arakwal National Park

The best time to visit Arakwal National Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Arakwal National Park falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Arakwal National Park falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January74.7°F (23.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September64.4°F (18.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Arakwal National Park

To save money on your trip to Arakwal National Park, consider visiting during the off-peak months of May to June and August for lower accommodation rates. Booking about a month in advance can yield better deals, and keep an eye out for last-minute offers on sites like Expedia. Tuesdays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use filters to find eco-friendly options and sort by price. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can help you save even more.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Arakwal National Park are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Arakwal National Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Arakwal National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Arakwal National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make use of Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Arakwal National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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