Are you yearning for a day in nature, surrounded by the sights and sounds of beautiful native plants and trees, wildlife and the sea?
You’ll find it all and more in the tranquil Murramarang National Park which follows the coastline from Long Beach, just north of Batemans Bay, all the way to south of Ulladulla.
Murramarang National Park is home to one of the largest and most important Aboriginal sites on the coast, and is a migration destination for the critically endangered swift parrot which breeds in Tasmania and heads north for food and warmth in winter.
There is so much to see and do in Murramarang National Park, you’ll be hard pressed to fit it all into a single day. But if you can spare the time during your next trip to the South Coast, here is one way to spend the day…
Take a bike ride through Murramarang National Park
The South Durras course is a peaceful loop ride through Murramarang National Park on a well compacted gravel road, perfect for beginners and families.
Starting at Corilla Street in South Durras, the trail will take you around the park to North Head lookout and back to South Durras. Along the way you’ll see towering gum trees and luscious ferns, with a superb view of the coast from the lookout.
For those who want something a little more challenging, there are many moderate to difficult mountain biking trails that start at Lakesea Caravan Park and lead to North Head.
If you don’t have your own bike, simply hire one from Batemans Bay Cycles.
Picnic at Wasp Head
All that cycling is bound to work up an appetite so when you arrive back at South Durras, follow Banyandah Street and veer left onto Wasp Head Road. From there you can walk or cycle along the Wasp Head walking track to the picturesque Wasp Head picnic area.
This quiet spot offers great views and birdwatching opportunities, and there are picnic tables or plenty of grassed areas to roll out a rug.
Enjoy the scenic coastal sights and views across to Wasp Island, and be on the lookout for whales, sea eagles and the majestic peregrine falcons.
Wasp Head is also home to ancient geological sites where you can literally see evidence of a transition from a glacial to a non-glacial period. Explore sculpted sandstone cliffs, amazing rock formations, clusters of shellfish fossils, boulders of petrified magma, and pools of sedimentary conglomerate rock.
Explore the coastline and go for a swim or snorkel
After lunch, head north for a stroll along the coastline past Mill Point and towards Mill Beach. Journey to the coves at Wobbegong Bay and discover rock pools brimming with sea life, before finishing with a swim at Cookies Beach which is famous for its crystal clear water and calm seas.
If you want to head south from Wasp Head instead, take the 2 hour walk down the coast to North Head. The first trail you’ll come across is the Dark Beach walking track. This leads through Murramarang National Park past unique rock formations to a secluded beach perfect for swimming, fishing and snorkelling.
Journey further south to Myrtle Beach walking track, which will take you through natural bushland to another isolated beach ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Here you can also experience breathtaking sandstone cliffs, as well as Wagonga Ordovician rocks which date back an impressive 500 million years.
Further south from Myrtle Beach is Richmond Beach (a great place to stop for afternoon tea and another swim), and then the Oaky Beach walking track which leads to another remote beach just out from the Murramarang National Park.
Stay the night at North Head Campground
At the southern edge of Murramarang National Park is North Head. Here you’ll find a campground, lookout, and tranquil rock pools for a memorable snorkelling experience in sapphire waters surrounded by an abundance of sea life.
You can stay at the campground if you book ahead, and enjoy falling asleep under the stars to the sounds of waves and wildlife.
If you want to stay near Murramarang National Park but not at the campground, you’ll find accommodation at:
To learn more about Murramarang National Park to help plan your day trip or next holiday, visit Explore Eurobodalla.