Where

Broken Head Nature Reserve in North Coast

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

1.6km return

Time suggested

30 - 45min

Grade

Grade 2

Entry fees

Park entry fees apply

What to
bring

Sunscreen, hat, drinking water

Please note

Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch or whale watch.

Meander through the lush rainforest and you’ll emerge at this spectacular setting. Overlooking Kings Beach, you can’t find a better spot to sit and contemplate the natural beauty around you. The views are incredible – a wonderful coastal panorama of secluded beaches, rocky coves and dense rainforest.

In winter and spring, it’s a fantastic vantage point to spot migrating whales, and great for birdwatching too. Watch for the clash air and sea wildlife as white-bellied sea eagles dive for food. Also, during this time, the headland bursts with colour when the wildflowers are out.

Take a moment to learn about the Aboriginal story behind Three Sisters, which tells the tale of three sisters who were turned into the rocky outcrops near the headland. Alternatively, you could just stroll along the beach, dip your toes into the glistening blue waters, and enjoy the serenity under a shady tree at the rainforest edge.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Maps and downloads

Learn more

Aboriginal cultural heritage

Broken Head Nature Reserve is co-managed by NPWS and the Arakwal People, acknowledging the cultural significance of this land to Aboriginal People. Three Sisters, previously known as Cocked Hat Rocks, is an important cultural site representing a story about a young Aboriginal woman who was caught in a strong current when swimming in this area. When her sister attempted to save her, they both drowned and were transformed into stone. This story was told to warn children not to swim in the strong and dangerous currents here.

Botanical wonders

Whether you’re a botanist or just a nature-lover, it’s not hard to appreciate the incredible biodiversity at Broken Head. This small reserve protects three endangered plant communities: littoral and lowland rainforest, headland grasses and woodlands. There are 240 different plant species here, 12 of which are threatened in NSW and six in Australia, such as the white lace flower rainforest tree, which you might see standing tall along the entrance road in summer dotted with fluffy white ball flowers.

Rich bird and animal life

Broken Head Nature Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers and animal-lovers. Thanks to the plentiful supply of food on the NSW North Coast, the area is visited by many migratory and nomadic birds, flying-foxes and micro-bats. Three Sisters lookout is a great place for birdwatching and spotting migrating whales in winter and spring. Wandering along the beaches and in the rainforest, you’re sure to meet locals like brush turkeys patrolling the understorey in their search for food. But you might also be lucky enough to spot threatened species like the colourful wompoo fruit-dove, with its spectacular green, purple, and yellow plumage.