Located where Moonee Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, Moonee Beach is a laid-back town on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. It boasts a long stretch of sand backed by a nature reserve and views toward the lighthouse-topped South Solitary Island. In the heart of Moonee Beach is a lively shopping centre with a wide choice of eateries.
Things to do in Moonee Beach
Stretching to the north of the town is Moonee Beach, where you can go swimming, surfing or fishing. Keep your eyes peeled for ospreys and white-bellied sea eagles along the Moonee Creek Walk or rent a kayak to explore the waterway at your leisure. At the waterfront reserve, you’ll find a children’s playground, picnic tables and a takeaway serving wood-fired pizzas.
You can embark on a scenic helicopter flight to South Solitary Island, which is home to the most isolated lighthouse in New South Wales. Designed by the colonial architect James Barnet, it was constructed in 1880 and automated in 1975. South Solitary Island’s rocky coastline provides an important habitat for seabirds, with wedge-tailed shearwaters and muttonbirds breeding here.
Alternatively, you can follow the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, which extends for 60 kilometres from Red Rock to Sawtell. It takes in beautiful beaches and lush rainforests within Coffs Coast Regional Park and Moonee Beach Nature Reserve and offers sightings of playful dolphins and migrating whales. Along the way, there are plenty of spots to picnic and swim.
Getting around Moonee Beach
Moonee Beach is around a one-hour drive from Newcastle and Newcastle Airport, which has flights to destinations across Australia. Buses connect to Moonee Beach and the town is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.