Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 49m
Min elevation: 27m
Total Ascent: 39m
Hike overview
Nestled within Murramarang National Park on the NSW South Coast, the Durras Lake Discovery Trail offers a delightful 1.7-kilometer loop hike suitable for families with children. This easy grade 3 trail, taking roughly 45 minutes to complete, winds through a scenic environment boasting majestic spotted gum trees and pockets of rare, protected rainforest. Informative displays along the path detail the history of the forest and past logging practices, highlighting the importance of conservation.
The trail caters to youngsters with playful stepping stones, a lookout tower for panoramic views, and a log walk to test their balance. Keep your eyes peeled for vibrant birdlife like crimson rosellas and New Holland honeyeaters, or spot the park's resident kangaroos and red-necked wallabies.
For a longer exploration, connect with the adjoining Lake Walk for further Durras Lake views. Alternatively, find a shady spot under the spotted gums and enjoy a relaxing picnic amidst the beauty of the national park.
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
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
- Check the weather before you set out as the road to Durras Lake Discovery trail can become boggy when it rains.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 49 m
Min elevation: 27 m
Total climbing: 39 m
Total descent: -40 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 Durras Lake Discovery Trail lies within the central precinct of Murramarang National Park on the NSW South Coast. Travelers can reach the trailhead by turning off the Princes Highway at East Lynne and following Mount Agony Road for roughly 5 kilometers. Take a right onto North Durras Road and continue until reaching Lake Road. Look for signs directing you to the carpark at Lake Road entry point. Parking is conveniently available here, allowing you to easily commence your exploration of the trail.
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.
Gallery
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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.





