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.
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.
Practical information
- 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.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 54 m
Min elevation: 25 m
Total climbing: 32 m
Total descent: -30 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: 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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Batemans Bay, Bawley Point, Kioloa, Maloneys Beach, Malua Bay, Milton, Moruya, Narooma, Nelligen, North Durras, Tomakin, Ulladulla
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 walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Murramarang National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.





