Iluka Nature Reserve

Iluka Nature Reserve is a protected coastal nature area in northern New South Wales covering about 135 hectares. It is home to one of the last surviving littoral rainforests in the Southern Hemisphere, with a mix of coastal and tropical plants that grow nowhere else in the region.

The reserve received official protection in 1976 and gained UNESCO World Heritage status ten years later as part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. This recognition highlighted the region's global importance for biodiversity and natural science.

The reserve holds deep meaning for Indigenous Australian communities whose knowledge of plants and animals shaped how the land was cared for over time. Walking through the space reveals evidence of this long relationship between people and nature.

The reserve is accessible via well-marked walking trails that wind through the rainforest and coastal areas. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring protection against moisture and insects common in this tropical setting.

The rainforest sits just meters above sea level, creating an unusual blend of ocean and forest environments in a single location. This extreme proximity allows visitors to experience both marine and terrestrial ecosystems within the same walk.