Mangroves Archives - Destination's Journey

27 June 202320 June 2023

Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk

Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk

Located in the Kuring-gai Chase National Park, access to the Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk will cost $12.00 per car for a day. This will cover you for any other parts of the National Park you visit on that day too. The fee allows you to use the picnic areas and walking tracks in the area, which are well maintained by NSW Parks and Wildlife. Payment can be made at the entry gate as you drive in.

Our first stop was Empire Marina, where the still morning are provided amazing reflections on the water of the boats and surrounding forest. After this we drove to the southern end of the Bobbin Head picnic area, where the boardwalk starts.

View from Empire Marina to the picnic grounds

Boats at Empire Marina Bobbin Head — View from Empire Marina to the picnic grounds

The Boardwalk

The boardwalk meanders through the mangroves and there are information signs to help you learn more about the environment and plenty of opportunities to see the mangroves and crabs up close. Because it was low tide when we went, we didn’t see any crabs, only the openings to their burrows.

The boardwalk is 552 meters long and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Along the way we had more amazing reflections in Cockle Creek as well as views of the mangroves.

The track continues into the forest as Gibberagong Track, which we followed for a short distance to get more views over the creek.

This was a great little walk with amazing views. We were the only ones there during our visit early on a winter morning, but in summer it is very busy.

Suspension bridge through the mangroves Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk — Suspension bridge through the mangroves

Metal sculpture of Cunningham's Skink Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk — Metal sculpture of Cunningham’s Skink

Cowan Creek Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk — Cowan Creek

Eroded sandstone Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk — Eroded sandstone

Trees growing in the sandstone on the river bank

Brush Turkey Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk — Brush Turkey

View over Cowan Creek Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk — View over Cowan Creek

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

18 February 202310 February 2023

Swansea Boardwalk New South Wales

Swansea Boardwalk

Only opened in late 2022, the new 230m long Swansea Boardwalk is a great way to experience Lake Macquarie and the mangrove forest. Located near Swansea New South Wales it is easily accessible with a newly upgraded carpark. Access onto the boardwalk is wheelchair friendly, with the boardwalk being flat its entire length.

The Boardwalk

At only 230m, this is a very short walk, however the views are amazing. Being able to walk through the mangroves and not getting you feet wet and muddy is great. You are able to see into mud flats at low tide and see into the forest.

As you walk the views over the lake are great. At the end of the walk, you can see over the Lake to Wangi Wangi and the old decommissioned power station. A small dirt track continues from this point along the Swansea Channel for those who want to extend their walk.

The boardwalk — The Boardwalk passing through mangroves

The Swansea Boardwalk passing through mangroves — The Boardwalk passing through mangroves

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on

21 January 202319 January 2023

Urunga Lagoon Footbridge

Located in Urunga on the NSW mid-north coast, the Urunga Lagoon Footbridge is a 1km long walkway through mangroves to the Pacific Ocean. Commencing in 1988, construction continued in three stages, until final completion in 2010. This wheelchair friendly walk is a great way to experience the coast from a sheltered lagoon to mangrove swamps and the surf of the Pacific Ocean.

Getting There

Urunga is a 90 minutes drive north of Port Macquarie, or a 30 minute drive south from Coffs Harbour. The small carpark near the caravan park quickly becomes full, but we were luck and found a spot straight away.

Facilities

A toilet block and change rooms allow you to change before and after swimming. Showers also let you wash the sand and salt water off before you leave.

When we visited, a coffee van was selling refreshments and snacks, which was great as we bought some and relaxed before walking on the footbridge.

Urunga Lagoon Footbridge

At around 1,000m long and flat this is an easy walk, which also makes it popular. Families were having a great time, with kids jumping off into the water and swimming around. Remember to check the tides and water depth though, as the area is not patrolled by lifeguards.

Around 300m into the walk, a second path diverges to the right into the mangroves. Badly damaged, this section is closed while awaiting repairs.

Walking along the footbridge, we had a great view of the Urunga Lagoon and surrounding mangrove forest. Extending as far as the mouth of the Bellingen River, the footbridge finishes on a surf beach where you can see the Pacific Ocean.

What Did We Think?

This was a great place to sit and relax and then have a nice easy walk. We came here after visiting the Urunga Wetlands Boardwalk. This is a good order to do them, as there are no facilities at the wetlands and access to the water is not allowed. Doing them this way would let any kids have a swim, go to the toilet or buy some drinks and snacks.