Autumn is a great time to visit the Sapphire Coast and a great time to walk. It’s not too hot. It’s not too cold. And it’s not too crowded. Blue skies, fresh breezes and crisp days are the perfect weather recipe for getting outside and getting back to nature. And what better way than taking a walk. Long walks in our national parks, short walks along our lakes and beaches and lots in between. Here’s just a few of our Autumn faves.
Tick two of the Sapphire Coast’s iconic natural attractions off your list on
this spectacular elevated walk in Bermagui. Begin your walk from the car park at the northern end of
Haywards Beach (Camel Rock Surf Beach) and take the path up the hillside, leading to an elevated trail along the cliff tops. There are two viewing platforms along the way to take in the sweeping ocean vistas and of course, iconic
Camel Rock and
Horse Head Rock. If you would like to extend your walk, you can continue strolling to the northern end of Murunna Point, and along the edge of
Wallaga Lake inlet. The trail is approximately 1.5km one-way.
Follow the ancient steps of the Bundian Way along the
1.8km Story Trail from
Cocora Beach to
Quarantine Bay, with sweeping coastal views and interpretive stories about the people who have walked this trail for thousands of years. Beginning at Cocora Beach, the Story Trail leads through native bushland to a specially built Bunang Ring (ceremonial performance place), gently up Cocora Point and to Budginbro Lookout. From here, follow the Story Trail past Sealers Lookout and along the sand at Bungo Beach, onwards to Brierly Lookout overlooking Rixons Beach, finishing at Quarantine Bay.
Experience an ancient geological wonder unique to the Sapphire Coast along the Pinnacles loop walking track. The vibrant white sands and red gravel clay of the Pinnacles were deposited 65 million years ago, back when the extinction of dinosaurs had just begun. You can reach the spectacular lookout point along a gentle 1.1km loop track which leads through eucalyptus forest and coastal heathland with beautiful ocean views. The Pinnacles is located in Beowa National Park, approximately halfway between Eden and Pambula.
Walkers up for a challenge will love tackling the 9km Kangarutha walking track through Bournda National Park. This coastal trail leads from Kianinny Bay in Tathra to Wallagoot Lake along spectacular headlands, tea tree tunnels, rugged bays and sandy beaches. Some of our highlights include secluded Boulder Bay and Wallagoot Gap, as well as the many chances to encounter goannas, echidnas and white-bellied sea eagles along the way.
Those wanting to go even further can explore the Wharf to Wharf Walk, a 27km walk that leads all the way from Tathra Wharf to Merimbula Wharf which can be walked over a couple of days.
Merimbula's famous boardwalk is an icon of the town, and one of our favourite places for a weekend saunter and coffee. The boardwalk meanders along the foreshore of Merimbula Lake and is popular with families, dog-walkers and runners. Spot pelicans and stingrays whilst oyster farmers tend to their leases for which Merimbula Lake is famous.
Sunny's Kiosk is located at the end of the boardwalk and is a fabulous place to enjoy a well-earned coffee or brekky, or to hire a kayak or boat. The walk is approximately 3.4 kilometres return with parking available at either end.
Haycock Point is located in
Beowa National Park, offering up endless coastal views north and south, as well as plenty of fascinating rock pools to explore. The
Haycock to Barmouth Beach walking track is a pleasant, moderate walk from the headland along the southern shore of the Pambula River estuary, leading to stunning
Barmouth Beach. Native flora and fauna abound, so expect to share the path with wallabies, echidnas and other critters whilst sea birds circle overhead. The trail is approximately 3km one-way.
Travel this
this spectacular walk , which links the Tathra Headland and
Tathra Wharf. Enjoy sweeping ocean vistas and spot dolphins, sea birds and of course whales during the whale watching season. The all-abilities 300m (one-way) pathway features a series of boardwalks and walking paths as well as an elevated viewing
platform, beautifully crafted from reclaimed wharf timbers. And if you end your walk at the Wharf, take a seat and enjoy delicious local produce & coffee with a view. You’ve earned it.
Merimbula has a beautiful new pathway, 900m (one-way) Lake Street Shared Path from Rotary Park to Bar Beach. It is wide enough to accommodate prams, dogs, bicycles as well as walkers, joggers and those just there for the stunning views. The walkway starts at Rotary Park (corner of Main & Cliff Streets) and winds its way along Lake Street, ending at everyone’s favourite place to grab that all important al fresco coffee, Bar Beach.
Balawan (Mount Imlay), is a towering sentinel over Twofold Bay and a
great half-day walk. It’s a challenging climb that rises 600 metres in 3 kilometres. The last 500m follows a rocky, razor-backed ridge to the trig station. From the summit on a clear day you can see Mallacoota in East Gippsland, Victoria in the south, Narooma in the north, and to the southern tablelands in the west.
Take the scenic journey from Mogareeka Inlet all the way to secluded Moon Bay in Mimosa Rocks National Park. The 3km (one-way) walk follows a winding bush trail along the northern side of the Mogareeka, the mouth of the Bega River, before ascending the headland and arriving on the southern shores of Moon Bay. Moon Bay is a small, unpatrolled beach bordered by steep rocky cliffs. Look for goannas, wallabies, spotted gums & burrawangs. Find the track head at the end of Bay Drive, Tathra.