Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 56m
Min elevation: 1m
Total Ascent: 424m
Hike overview
For an enticing sample of Light to Light walk, consider tracing a smaller section of its 30km, from Boyds Tower to Saltwater Creek walking track.
This invigorating walk undulates south past spectacular coastal forest, sandy beaches, rocky bays, sheltered inlets and ocean platforms. Leather Jacket Bay offers a scenic stretch of red rocks, coloured by iron oxide which cemented the sand particles together some 320 million years ago. And, if you're after somewhere small and peaceful, Mowarry provides a picturesque sandy beach where you can go fishing or swimming.
There's plenty of spots along the way to stop for picnics, swimming, fishing, or birdwatching. Flowers bloom in the woollybutt forest during spring. Whales frequent the area from late May to early December, making it a great time for whale watching.
Choose to stay overnight at the remote campsite near Mowarry Point or the popular Saltwater Creek campground. To enhance your visit further, check out the smartphone apps for iPhone or Android to access available audio tours.
Tips
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching or whale watching.
Firewood is not supplied.
If you're bushwalking in this park, it's a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters. Please note that netting and spear fishing are not permitted in the park, and you're not allowed to collect crustaceans and marine animals from the rocks.
Be sure to download the Light to Light walk app for iPhone or Android before you set out. The app offers plenty of information about the area's Aboriginal heritage, plants and animals. You can also download an audio tour and listen to the appropriate sections between Boyds Tower and Saltwater Creek.
There is limited/no mobile reception in this park.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 56 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 424 m
Total descent: -452 m
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Gallery
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Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Beowa (Ben Boyd) National Park.
To Boyd’s Tower picnic area. Boyds Tower to Saltwater Creek walking track is in the southern precinct of Beowa National Park. To get there:Travel south of Eden for 18km along Princes Highway, then turn left on Edrom Road and follow it for 15km.Turn right onto the unsealed Boyds Tower Road, and follow it 1km to the carpark. Alternatively, to start at Saltwater Creek, take the unsealed Green Cape Road, which is a right turn on Edrom Road after 6km. Park entry points Boyd’s Tower picnic area See on map Parking Parking is available at Boyds Tower and Saltwater Creek. Please note, there’s a fee to use this park and a valid sticker should be visible on any vehicle inside the park boundaries.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
About the region
Beowa National Park, formerly Ben Boyd National Park, spans 47km of rocky coastline and sheltered inlets. Located near the whale watching town of Eden on the far South Coast of NSW, its crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
Beowa National Park is separated into 2 areas, split by Twofold Bay. Take your pick from the sparkling lakes and surf beaches in the park's Pambula-Haycock area to the rocky cliffs and beachside campgrounds in the Green Cape area.
Its spectacular sea-carved landscape is a striking display of folded red rock platforms that contrast against the sapphire blue water of the ocean.
Find a place to stay
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: Bega, Bemboka, Bermagui, Candelo, Cobargo, Eden, Merimbula, Pambula, Quaama, Sapphire Beach, Tathra, Towamba, Twofold Bay, Wyndham
Let someone know
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Beowa (Ben Boyd) National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.