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Dammerels History Walk
Attraction
Park alerts
Moonee Beach Nature Reserve
2 current alerts · Checked 14 Oct 2026, 1:05 am
- Elsewhere in the parkClosed areas
Moonee Creek south bridge (Caravan park to Green Bluff access) closed
Moonee Creek (Sugar Mill Creek) Bridge is closed as the bridge was removed due to damage. A new bridge will be built in its place, please see below link for details.
The bridge crossing provides access:
- to Reflections Holiday Park
- from Moonee south to Coffs Coast Regional Park, Green Bluff and Sapphire North.
If you are planning to do the Solitary Islands coastal walk please reroute:
- west along Moonee Beach Road to the south-west corner of the shopping centre
- south along new concrete path on eastern side of Pacific Highway
- south onto southern end of North Solitary Drive
- east onto North Sapphire Road to the beach access at Beachstone Cafe.
Green Bluff is still accessible from the south via Rutile trail, off Ivory Circuit in North Sapphire.
Reflections Holiday Parks Moonee manages this bridge and is contactable on 02 6653 6552.
Read more about the bridge replacement. https://www.crownland.nsw.gov.au/projects-and-public-notices/projects/moonee-beach-pedestrian-bridge
About
When the Dammerel family took the job as full-time operators of the signal station here in 1884, they could not have known what lay ahead over the next 40 years. Apart from extremely hard work, which the daughters took on as well, the family had their fair share of tragedy, mishap and love stories.
Dammerels history walk is a short easy stroll with a superb view out to Solitary Islands, named by Captain Cook. Learn all about the workings of an historic 19th century lighthouse with a kerosene light and the signal station that provided its only link to the mainland. Hear the story of the Dammerel family and of the collision in 1886 of Keilawarra and Helen Nicoll. Only two bodies of the 48 who died in the accident washed ashore, and their graves are on Dammerels Head.
Watch for wildlife like grazing eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, goannas and pythons. Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenic views and this fascinating portion of Australian history.
The walk at a glance
Moonee Beach Nature Reserve · Coffs Coast Regional Park · North Coast
Dammerels history walk is a short, easy stroll taking in historic sites, scenic views and the pioneering heritage of South Solitary Island. Whale watching and birdwatching is recommended.
- Difficulty
- Grade 2 · Easy
- Distance
- 1.9km return
- Time
- 30min - 1hr
- Accessibility
- Medium
What to bring
- Drinking water
- Hat
- Sunscreen
Plan your walk
Access, facilities and practical details.
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Get in touch
Website
Visit websiteCoffs Harbour office
02 6652 0900npws.coffscoast@environment.nsw.gov.au4/32 Edgar St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
Where you'll be
Dammerel Crescent
Emerald Beach NSW 2456