Welcome to the Whale Trail Official Opening

New Whale Trail ready to be enjoyed Woolgoolga’s renowned humpback highway is in full swing, and soon both locals and visitors will have a prime vantage point to enjoy the spectacle. The City of Coffs Harbour’s eagerly awaited Whale Trail will officially open with public celebrations at 10:30am on Wednesday, August 7, near the Surf Club. All are welcome.

The $1.1 million enhanced pathway offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and coastline, promising to inspire awe and excitement among all who visit.

“This is the piece that completes a visually stunning jigsaw. The Whale Trail will connect Woolgoolga Beach Reserve with the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk,” said City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos. “It’s a project that will add another wow factor to Woopi, one of the most coveted locations on the East Coast.”

The Whale Trail includes a 1.8-metre-wide concrete footpath, elevated boardwalks, car parking, kerbing, seating, and lookouts. Additional features include increased formal parking, enhancing the safety of the corner of Carrington Street and Pollack Esplanade for both pedestrians and road users, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all.

City Infrastructure Director Andrew Beswick highlighted the project’s challenges and the community’s crucial role in its success: “The natural features of the headland have made this a challenging project, but the best possible result has been achieved after extensive consultation with the community. As well as being a win for residents, the Whale Trail will be a must-do experience for tourists—a place to enjoy fresh fish and chips, million-dollar views, and the chance to watch the many whales that pass by each year.”

The Whale Trail project has been funded by the City of Coffs Harbour and a Federal Government grant.