Murramarang South Coast Walk
Murramarang National Park
Overview
Walk the spectacular Murramarang coastline on the Murramarang South Coast Walk, between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay. Connect coastal villages and explore beautiful tall forests, secluded beaches, dramatic rock platforms and crystal blue water.
- Where
- Murramarang National Park in South Coast
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 34km one-way
- Time suggested
- 3 days
- Grade
- Grade 4
- Trip Intention Form
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It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.
- Price
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Prices vary based on the package you choose. Campground only experiences available with no transfers or tour. Cabin packages available including accommodation, welcome tour and transfers.
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Drinking water, sturdy shoes, first aid kit, fuel stove, food supplies, cooking utensils, tent, sleeping bag, clothes for all weather conditions, raincoat, sunscreen, hat
- Please note
- You can choose to do a smaller section of this multi-day walk if you don’t want to complete the full 3 days. There are entry and exit points at a few places along this walk.
- You can book campgrounds and accomodation inside the park or find your own accomodation outside the park.
- You’ll need a moderate level of fitness depending on how you complete the walk.
- You'll need to be well prepared and bring enough food and water.
- You can buy additional food at South Durras.
This walk can be tackled in smaller sections or you can walk the full 3 days staying in campgrounds and cabins along the way. You'll need to book your campgrounds and cabins.
Camping only itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Pretty Beach
Day 1, you arrive at the start of the walk and get prepared for the coming adventure. Go through Bawley Point and stop off for any last minute supplies before arriving at Pretty Beach in Kioloa. Get briefed at the camp office, then set up your tent and settle in for the night. If you have time, you can explore the area with a walk to Snapper Point lookout or Murramarang Aboriginal Area. Your multi-day walk begins tomorrow.
Day 2: Pretty Beach to Depot Beach
Distance: 10km
Time suggested: 3 to 6 hours
Toilets at: Pretty Beach, Pebbly Beach and Depot Beach
Check tides before you set out as it's best to start the walk leading into low tide. Tidal information is available at the Pretty Beach camp office and the Bureau of Meteorology website. Start at the trail head and make your way down to Pretty Beach and south towards your first rock shelf. The park's famous beach kangaroos might be there to see you off. Shortly after you start you will reach a small inlet and you may be lucky to hear the Singing Stones caused by waves pushing through pebbles before going back out to the ocean.
You'll walk up over the inlet and pass a small bench where you can take the entire coast in. The track undulates along the coast in and out of spotted gums with views of the ocean. Have a break for morning tea when you reach Snake Bay, an isolated cobbled beach. Then it's back on the trail through more spotted gum forests with that beautiful ocean on your left and a nice view of where you’ve just walked from.
Arrive at Pebbly Beach for lunch or a swim if you’re keen. Pebbly Beach picnic area has facilities before continuing to your final stop for today—Depot Beach. The track from Pebbly Beach to Depot Beach is around 1 hour along the beach and headlands. In parts you’ll be walking on rock shelf and it can get very slippery so please take extreme caution. If the rock shelf causes concern, there’s an alternative route from Pebbly Beach to Depot Beach over the headland. Details can be found at the information board. The hardest climb of the day is the stairs from Depot Beach to the campground.
Go to the camp office and be briefed before setting up camp at Depot Beach campground. Have a well-deserved hot shower and relax around a campfire with your fellow walkers.
Day 3: Depot Beach to Oaky Beach
Distance: 16km
Time suggested: 6 to 8 hours
Toilets at: NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort and Oaky Beach
Day 3 is the longest day but rewards you with varied scenery. Set off in the early morning to get the most out of today, and check tides before you set out. The first section is through beautiful spotted gums, burrawangs and impressive termite mounds. After a short walk up the headland you'll reach Point Upright lookout.
From the viewing platform you can see day 3 and day 4 stretch out in front of you. You can also see if the Durras Lake crossing is safe to cross. If the lake crossing is under water and unsafe to cross, head back to Depot Beach campground. There's phone reception at the top near the lookout or you can go back down and use the Telstra pay phone on Fairley Street, but the staff at Depot Beach office are there to help.
From Point Upright make your way down the stairs and onto the beach for the lake crossing. It's then around 3km of beach walking or you can choose to avoid the beach and walk along the road if you prefer.
At the halfway point enjoy a well-deserved lunch at the NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort after your beach walk. You should leave before 2pm to get to Oaky Beach before dark. Head back into the bush for more spotted gums, burrawangs and beautiful bays.
When you reach Oaky Beach campground, set up camp underneath the forest canopy. Go down to the beach for a swim and stargaze in the evening.
Day 4: Oaky Beach to Maloneys Beach
Distance: 8km
Time suggested: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Toilets at: North Head campground and Yellow Rock Beach
Day 4 is a nice easy way to finish your journey.
It's less than 2km to North Head lookout where you can see what you’ve accomplished on the previous day. You might be lucky to spot migrating whales. From here, continue around to North Head Beach and then on to Yellow Rock Beach where there are toilets and picnic benches to enjoy.
The final section is about an hour's walk from Yellow Rock to Maloneys Beach. As you reach the trail end going down the stairs at Maloneys Beach, be welcomed back to civilisation by the resident kangaroos.
Enjoy some well-deserved refreshments at Batemans Bay or extend your trip in the national park or surrounding coastal towns. If you want to stay longer in the national park, try booking North Head campground, Yellow Rock Beach House or Judges House.
Cabin package itinerary
Day 1: Pretty Beach to Depot Beach
Distance: 10km
Time suggested: 3 to 6 hours
Toilets at: Pretty Beach, Pebbly Beach and Depot Beach
Join your welcome tour, then check tides before you set out as it's best to start the walk leading into low tide. Tidal information is available at the Pretty Beach camp office and the Bureau of Meteorology website. Start at the trail head and make your way down to Pretty Beach and south towards your first rock shelf. The park's famous beach kangaroos might be there to see you off. Shortly after you start you will reach a small inlet and you may be lucky to hear the Singing Stones caused by waves pushing through pebbles before going back out to the ocean.
You'll walk up over the inlet and pass a small bench where you can take the entire coast in. The track undulates along the coast in and out of spotted gums with views of the ocean. Have a break for morning tea when you reach Snake Bay, an isolated cobbled beach. Then it's back on the trail through more spotted gum forests with that beautiful ocean on your left and a nice view of where you’ve just walked from.
Arrive at Pebbly Beach for lunch or a swim if you’re keen. Pebbly Beach picnic area has facilities before continuing to your final stop for today—Depot Beach. The track from Pebbly Beach to Depot Beach is around 1 hour along the beach and headlands. In parts you’ll be walking on rock shelf and it can get very slippery so please take extreme caution. If the rock shelf causes concern, there’s an alternative route from Pebbly Beach to Depot Beach over the headland. Details can be found at the information board. The hardest climb of the day is the stairs from the beach to Depot Beach cabins.
Go to the office and check-in before heading to your overnight accommodation. Have a well-deserved hot shower, relax on your porch, and watch the night roll in.
Day 2: Depot Beach to South Durras
Distance: 8km
Time suggested: 3 to 4 hours
Toilets at: NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort
Day 2 starts with a beautiful stroll through spotted gums, burrawangs and impressive termite mounds. Check tides before you set out, and then after a short walk up the headland you'll reach Point Upright lookout.
From the viewing platform you can see day 2 and day 3 stretch out in front of you. You can also see if the Durras Lake crossing is safe to cross. If the lake crossing is under water, your pre-booked lake transfer will take you across. If you can't cross, head back to Depot Beach cabins. There's phone reception at the top near the lookout or you can go back down and use the Telstra pay phone on Fairley Street, but the staff at Depot Beach office are there to help.
From Point Upright make your way down the stairs and onto the beach for the lake crossing. It's then around 3km of beach walking or you can choose to avoid the beach and walk along the road if you prefer.
After the beach, your walk for the day ends at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort and you have the afternoon free to explore South Durras.
The resort has a bistro for meals and drinks, and if you’re keen you can go for a swim in the pool or ocean.
Day 3: South Durras to Maloneys Beach
Distance: 16km
Time suggested: 5 to 7 hours
Toilets at: Oaky Beach, North Head campground and Yellow Rock Beach
Day 3 is your longest day, but worth the effort. You’ll start by heading back into the bush for more spotted gums, burrawangs and beautiful bays. The trail will lead you from South Durras along the coastline and down into Oaky Beach.
From Oaky Beach, it's less than 2km to North Head lookout where you can see what you’ve accomplished so far. You might be lucky to spot migrating whales. Once you’re done taking in the views, continue around to North Head Beach and then on to Yellow Rock Beach where there are toilets and picnic benches to enjoy.
The final section is about an hour's walk from Yellow Rock to Maloneys Beach. As you reach the trail end going down the stairs at Maloneys Beach, be welcomed back to civilisation by the resident kangaroos.
From here, your transfer’s available to drive you to Batemans Bay or back to Pretty Beach.
If you’re ready to extend your trip in the national park or surrounding coastal towns, try booking Yellow Rock Beach House or Judges House.
Stay at
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Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/murramarang-south-coast-walk/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Murramarang National Park in the South Coast region
Murramarang National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines - cash and credit cards accepted. Card only at Pretty Beach.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Murramarang South Coast Walk.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
34km one-way
Time
3 days
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
Experienced bushwalkers
Gradient
Gentle hills
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Rough track, many obstacles
Getting there and parking
The Murramarang South Coast Walk spans the entire coastline of Murramarang National Park.
From Sydney:
- Enter the park off the Princes Highway at Termeil.
- Take the Bawley Point/Kioloa turn off.
- Drive past Kioloa and follow the signs to Pretty Beach.
From Batemans Bay:
- Enter the park off the Princes Highway.
- Take the Long Beach/Maloneys Beach turn off.
- Follow signs to Maloneys Beach.
This walk can be accessed at multiple points along the coast including Pebbly Beach, Depot Beach, South Durras, Oaky Beach, North Head and Yellow Rock.
Road quality
- Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- Most roads suitable for 2WD vehicles
Parking
Parking is available at Pretty Beach, Pebbly Beach, Depot Beach, South Durras and Maloneys Beach.
Public transport
Taxis are available from Ulladulla or Batemans Bay. There’s a public bus from Ulladulla to Kioloa near Pretty Beach.
Taxis and ride share are available from Maloneys Beach. There's a public bus from Maloneys Beach to Batemans Bay.
Facilities
There are facilities at many points along this walk.
Amenities
Hot showers and full amenities are located at Pretty Beach and Depot Beach.
Toilets
- Flush toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
Cafe/kiosk
At South Durras.
Carpark
Drinking water
Water is available at multiple campgrounds and picnic areas along this walk. It's tank water so you'll need to boil it before drinking.
Public phone
There's a public phone near Depot Beach.
Showers
- Cold showers
- Hot showers
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Permitted
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Camping
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Learn more
Murramarang South Coast Walk is in Murramarang National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Bird watching
Birdwatchers are in for a treat; the park boasts more than 90 species of birdlife including three owl species, peregrine falcons, sea eagles, gannets, shearwaters, white-faced storm petrels, sooty oystercatchers, eastern yellow robins, satin bowerbirds, the rufous fantail and even a penguin colony. Look for the sea eagles and peregrine falcons soaring above the park’s cliffs and headlands and the rufous fantails and eastern yellow robins in rainforest gullies around Durras Mountain. You’re most likely to see sooty oystercatchers wading around the edges of lake areas.
Native animals
There’s an abundance of wildlife living in Murramarang National Park, but by far one of the highlights is seeing eastern grey kangaroos that spend their days dozing near the beaches and by campgrounds until dusk when they gather to feed. In the moist forests of the park you might see lyrebirds fossicking in leaf litter. Look for the stately, strutting wonga pigeon with its pastel blue-grey back feathers and black dotted stomach. If you don’t see it, you may well hear its repetitive, deep ‘whoop, whoop’ call that carries through the forest.
- Burrawang walking track Burrawang walking track, across Depot Beach Headland, features scenic coastal views, forests and birdwatching in Murramarang National Park, near Batemans Bay.
- Richmond Beach Richmond Beach is one of Murramarang’s hidden treasures. Just 50m from the carpark on an easy walking track you can enjoy picnicking, swimming, snorkelling, fishing and paddling.
Native vegetation
One of the really special things in Murramarang is the forest of majestic spotted gums; it’s one of the biggest continuous stands in NSW. With an understorey of burrawang palms, the forest stretches right down to the ocean and is truly a sight to see. You’ll easily recognise the spotted gums – they have a smooth, dimpled bark which is shed in summer to produce a mottled cream and grey ‘spotted’ appearance.
- Dark Beach walking track Dark Beach walking track leads to a secluded beach with unique rock formations in Murramarang National Park. Ideal for fishing, swimming and snorkelling.
- Depot Beach Rainforest walk Depot Beach marks the start and end of this easy walk through lush littoral rainforest. Go for a swim, surf, snorkel or paddle in the clear waters when you return.
- Rock Platform walk - Depot Beach Rock Platform walk near Depot Beach is a short walk to fascinating rockpools offering excellent birdwatching and scenic ocean views of the South Coast, just north of Batemans Bay.
Rich Aboriginal cultural heritage
Aboriginal people have a long connection with the Country of Murramarang National Park, and this continues to the present day. The south coast headlands have long been a focus for economic life, giving easy access to the food resources of both the sea and the land, and plants within the park provided medicines and shelter. There is much evidence of the past today, including shell middens, tool manufacturing sites and indications of a specialised industry producing bone points and fishing hooks. Take a walk around Murramarang Aboriginal Area, near Bawley Point - there's a complex of middens that are of great cultural value.
- Then and now: Aboriginal culture Aboriginal culture then and now is a Stage 2 (Years 3-4) school excursion in Murramarang National Park, focusing on Geography and History. Through story and creative expression, the life and culture of the local people are shared.
- Then and now: Aboriginal culture Then and now: Aboriginal culture is a Stage 4 (Years 7-8) school excursion in Murramarang National Park, focused on History. Through story and creative expression, the life and culture of the local people are shared.
- Then and now: Aboriginal culture This excursion experience has been updated and is now being delivered in line with the new NSW Department of Education Curriculum. We will be revising this excursion's name and information online soon. Contact your local national parks office for more information about the updated excursion.
- Wasp Head walk This short walk leads to a spectacular view of Wasp Island and passes through historic Aboriginal sites of the area.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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Satin bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus)
With vibrant blue-violet eyes and curious antics, the satin bowerbird is a favourite for bird watching and easy to spot as it forages for food in open forest. Relatively common across eastern Australia, in NSW they’re found in coastal rainforests and adjacent woodlands and mountain ranges.
Plants
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Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)
The blueberry ash is a rainforest shrub which produces blue olive-shaped berries and spectacular bell-shaped flowers, which often appear on the plant together. It is a tall slender shrub or small tree found in rainforest, tall eucalypt forest and coastal bushland in eastern NSW, south-east Queensland and Victoria.
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Black sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis)
The black sheoak is one of a number of casuarina species found across the east coast of Australia and nearby tablelands. Growing to a height of 5-15m, these hardy Australian native plants can survive in poor or sandy soils. The barrel-shaped cone of the black sheoak grows to 10-30mm long.
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Cabbage palm (Livistona australis)
With glossy green leaves spanning 3-4m in length and a trunk reaching a height of up to 30m, the cabbage tree palm, or fan palm, is one of the tallest Australian native plants. Thriving in rainforest margins along the east coast of NSW, in summer this giant palm produces striking spikes of cream flowers which resemble cabbages.
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Wonga wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana)
The wonga wonga vine is a widespread vigorous climber usually found along eastern Australia. A variation of the plant occurs in the central desert, where it resembles a sprawling shrub. One of the more common Australian native plants, the wonga wonga vine produces bell-shaped white or yellow flowers in the spring, followed by a large oblong-shaped seed pod.