As you prepare to walk on Country that people have cherished for thousands of years, start your journey with a moment of stillness. Take a long, slow breath. Look around. Listen…
munjip trail Coastal headland walk
Munjip Trail spans Eurobodalla’s coastal headlands from Batehaven, near Batemans Bay, south to McKenzies Beach, near Malua Bay.
At around 15km end-to-end (18km if you venture to every lookout), the Munjip Trail offers a chance to immerse yourself in ecosystems of both land and sea, geology, flora, fauna and cultural heritage. Among it all is the artwork and stories of the Walbunja people, members of the world’s oldest continuing culture.
The trail passes through a variety of landscapes including bushland, bays, beaches, headlands, and rock platforms. Along the way you’ll find striking coastline views and peaceful places from which to look out to sea and artwork encouraging you to look within.
Are you ready to venture further? Let this trail awaken all your senses as we walk together.
Walking together
The Munjip Trail stretches 15km along the Eurobodalla coast, from Batehaven to McKenzies Beach. Winding through bushland, beaches, headlands and rock platforms, it offers stunning views and peaceful spots to pause and reflect.
Have you wondered what Munjip means?
“Everybody is a friend to this place… Munjip means walking together, let’s go in dhurga language.” – Aunty Loretta Parsley, Walbunja custodian.
Along the way, explore the rich land and sea ecosystems, cultural heritage, and the stories and artworks of the Walbunja people, custodians of the world’s oldest living culture. Ready to explore? Let the trail awaken your senses as we walk together on Country.
The stories behind Munjip
Watch this series of short videos to learn more about Munjip and the geological, environmental and cultural stories behind the trail.
Trail Highlights
Suggested short walks
Break down the Munjip trail into manageable short walks that you can cover in just a couple of hours.
Whether you are doing the entire trail or one of the shorter options, we recommend doing a car shuffle. Parking is available at Surf Beach, Observation Point, Wimbie Beach, Mosquito Bay, McKenzies Beach, and Malua Bay.
Try these theme-based walks to suit your mood or inspiration.
Artsy Start
Walk the northern section, from Observation Point to Surf Beach and explore Indigenous art along the way.
Discover murals and carved message poles each telling its own unique story.
Take in views of Snapper Island and the Tollgates while passing beautiful beaches like Sunshine Bay and Denhams Beach.
End your journey with a coffee or lunch at Surf Beach.
- Car drop off: Surf Beach and Observation Point
- Distance: 4.3km
Cultural Beauty
The walk from Wimbie Beach to Mosquito Bay takes you through some culturally rich landscape like Grandfathers Gully.
It’s mostly a bush walk with a few steep sections and plenty of scar trees to keep things interesting.
At the end, enjoy lunch at Mosquito Bay or go for a quick dip.
- Car drop off: Wimbie Beach and Mosquito Bay
- Distance: 4.3km
Pretty Scenic
Starting at our southern trail head of McKenzies Beach, the walk to Malua Bay is a perfect whale watching route for those who want a taste of the Munjip Trail rather than the whole meal.
This section has incredible views and lookouts, and geological formations millions of years old. Make sure to walk all the way out to Pretty Point!
- Car drop off: McKenzies beach and Malua Bay
- Distance: 3.2km
artist engagement
Munjip Trail features five local Walbunja artists and students from Batemans Bay High School, sharing cultural stories through artwork along the trail. The art reflects deep connections to Country, honouring traditional practices local to Walbunja Yuin Country.
Take the time to explore and appreciate each piece, which all celebrate enduring cultural connection to place and the ties between community, story and Country.
featured artists of Munjip trail
Leanne Brook
Leanne’s work Mirida-wara, two sea eagles – featured on trailhead signage, captures the powerful symbolism of the white-bellied sea eagle, a totem for the trail.
Nigel Stewart
Nigel’s mural artworks Gadu – Umbarra – Gadu Dreaming at Malua Bay Park depict a mullet run and cultural gathering practices within the yarning circle.
Bronwen Smith and Gavin Chatfield
Their collaborative mural work ‘Celebrating Community’ at Caseys Beach highlights the ongoing importance of community connection to land and sea.
Natalie Bateman
Natalie’s mural work titled Wimbie Beach within the yarning circle, is a vibrant tribute to marine life and family traditions.
Timeika Reena Slockee
Timeika’s privacy screen installation Gadu Gurrad – Coastline Connections, reflects natural coastal patterns and spiritual ties to Country.
Batemans Bay High School
The student project features timber message poles along the trail, embodying unity and shared storytelling through a collaborative community effort.
Enrich your experience with a cultural tour
Muladha Gamara
Strengthening Yuin Culture.
Cultural Tours, youth programs and dance and ceremony bookings are available for the visitor of our region to enjoy.
Our Grandfathers Gully tour is a life changing experience on Walbunja Country. Learn about Traditional bushfood, medicine, land management practices and methodologies. Experience a traditional smoking ceremony, dance ceremony, flavours and tools. Understand ancient landmarks and stories on this epic 5-hour journey.
South Coast Seaweed
Reconnecting people with Aboriginal knowledge and raising awareness about conservation, and the vital role seaweed plays in our environment.
Learn how First Nations people across Australia have traditionally used seaweed for food, medicine, ceremony, and sustainability.
We also dive into the science and environmental benefits of seaweed — from its role in climate resilience to providing critical habitat for marine life.
More cultural tours in Eurobodalla
Ngaran Ngaran Cultural Awareness Tours
Dwayne is a Yuin-Ngarrugu descendant with connections to the Yorta-Yorta, Dja Dja Warrup, Watchabolic and Gunai language groups. Through ten years of dedication helping Indigenous men regain connection, healing and growth, he believes the idea to Bring Back The Warrior develops humility and a much needed voice. He also is the founding director of Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness, co-founder of Mirritya Mundya Indigenous Twist and a member of the NSW Aboriginal Tourism Operators Council.
Southbound Escapes
Connect to country and learn from traditional owners of the Yuin Nation.
Yuin Culture has been handed down by word-of-mouth through language and song for thousands of years from generation to generation by those chosen within the community. Traditional Owners with their Elders’ permission, share their stories offering a range of experiences highlighting the importance of “Country” and looking after it for future generations.
Nar-OO-ma Aboriginal Cultural Tours
Join us aboard our custom-made tour boat and experience Narooma like you never have before – through the eyes of its first inhabitants, the Walbunja people of the Yuin Nation.
Learn about hunting and gathering the region’s unique bush tucker, watch traditional Aboriginal dances to music as old as the land itself, spot wildlife and understand the rich cultural heritage of the region that continues today.
things you should know before walking Munjip trail
Trail Responsibility
Safety and enjoyment on Munjip Trail are your responsibility.
Be well-prepared and accountable for yourself and anyone with you. The trail goes through bushland – do check for fire bans during high fire danger periods.
Expect natural obstacles like slopes, uneven ground, steps, rocks, branches, soft sand, and wildlife, including snakes. Beaches are unpatrolled and may have strong rips or sudden drop-offs.
Mobile coverage varies, but Munjip Trail has fairly good reception, depending on your service provider.
Carry a first aid kit, enough food and water, and tell someone your plans before setting out. Keep your dog on a lead and pick up after it.
Walk safely and enjoy the experience.
Safety
This grade 3 trail is suitable for most ages and fitness levels and some bushwalking experience is recommended. Tracks may have short, steep hilly sections, rough walking surfaces and many steps, and the trail is maintained to Australian standards by our Parks team.
Look for signs as the trail passes through different landscapes including bushland, bays and beaches, headlands and rock platforms. Along the way you’ll find striking coastline views and peaceful places from which to look out to sea and artwork encouraging you to look within.
Trail Etiquette
While the trail is an opportunity to connect with nature, please exercise etiquette as you pass by private properties please stay on the marked trail and supervise children at all times. Tread lightly on your journey, respect the environment and be mindful of native plants and animals.
Toilets
Public toilets are available at various locations along Munjip Trail; Casey’s Beach (North and South), Surf Beach, Lilli Pilli, Mosquito Bay, Malua Bay Park.
Parking
You can opt to complete the walk in stages. Check the suggested walks on this page for ideas. We recommend doing a car shuffle, as cars can be parked at Surf Beach and Observation Point, Wimbie Beach and Mosquito Bay, McKenzies and Malua Bay. Car parking is available at most beaches along the walk – check the trail map for all locations.