Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 54m
Min elevation: 25m
Total Ascent: 32m
Hike overview
The Depot Beach Rainforest walk within Murramarang National Park offers a short but captivating glimpse into a rare and endangered ecological community. This easy 700-meter loop hike, suitable for most fitness levels (grade 3), takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and is ideal for visitors seeking a taste of the park's unique natural beauty.
The trail commences at the Depot Beach picnic area, where the towering green rainforest meets the pristine white-sand beach. As you embark on the walk, imagine yourself transported back millions of years when this lush rainforest blanketed the entire region. Few pockets of littoral rainforest remain in Australia, making this a precious conservation area.
The well-maintained track features stepping-stones and sections where you'll balance along logs, making it a fun and engaging experience, particularly for children. Upon completing the loop, you'll arrive back at the beach, where the crystal-clear waters invite you to cool off with a swim, try your hand at surfing or snorkeling, or simply relax with a paddle.
Tips
- It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
- The Depot Beach campground has an office with information about the park, and staff are available most days during holiday periods.
- You can have a picnic by the sand at Depot Beach.
Gallery
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Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 54 m
Min elevation: 25 m
Total climbing: 32 m
Total descent: -30 m
A note about sharing
Each trail on this site has been personally mapped and documented to support the hiking community across Australia. While some hike descriptions include information from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal work in curating, refining, and improving the details. Please don’t republish this content elsewhere (including AllTrails) without acknowledging Trail Hiking Australia as the source. This site is a free community initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Batemans Bay, Bawley Point, Kioloa, Maloneys Beach, Malua Bay, Milton, Moruya, Narooma, Nelligen, North Durras, Tomakin, Ulladulla
Getting to the trailhead in Murramarang National Park.Accessible by car, the Depot Beach Rainforest walk is situated within the central precinct of Murramarang National Park. To reach the trailhead, travelers can depart from the Princes Highway, turning east onto Mount Agony Road at East Lynne. Follow this road for approximately 5 kilometers before turning right onto North Durras Road. Continue along until you see Depot Beach Road, where you should turn left. Take the second road on the left to arrive at the Depot Beach picnic area carpark. Here, you’ll find convenient parking for your visit.
About the region
Murramarang National Park, a nature lover's paradise, stretches along 44 kilometers of dramatic coastline on the NSW south coast, near Batemans Bay. Here, visitors can camp under the shade of spotted gum trees that grow right down to the oceanfront, creating a stunning backdrop for a year-round escape. The park offers a variety of activities. Hike or bike along the trails, explore the cliffs and headlands, or relax on pristine beaches. Take a dip in the ocean, go surfing, or cast a fishing line for your dinner. Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos and the abundant birdlife that call the park home.
The park is particularly famous for the multi-day Murramarang South Coast Walk, a spectacular 3-day adventure for experienced hikers. But there are options for all fitness levels. Explore the Durras Lake discovery trail, perfect for a family outing with children, or rent a canoe to paddle around the calm waters of Durras Lake. Whether you're looking for a day trip or a longer stay, Murramarang National Park has something for everyone. Choose from a variety of camping options, including caravan and motorhome sites with amenities, or book a cabin for a more comfortable stay.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Murramarang National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
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.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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.