Walk Sections
Each section has been divided into 3 to 4 day walks and can be completed in isolation to the full 660km trek. The entire walk traverses twelve national parks and six nature reserves.
1: Royal National Park/Escarpment (Bundeena to Wollongong)
Length: 63km
Duration: 3 days
Start your adventure through Royal National Park, Australia's first and the world's second-oldest. Hike along wind-sculpted cliffs overlooking vast beaches like Marley. Explore the heathlands and waterfalls of Curra Moor before soaking in the serenity of Wattamolla Inlet. Catch big waves at Garie Beach, then delve into history at the heritage fishing shacks of Era Beach and Burning Palms. Trek through lush rainforest up to the escarpment, rewarded with breathtaking coastal views. Watch colorful hang gliders dance on the thermals of Bald Hill. Finally, cycle along the Illawarra Escarpment's scenic trails, taking in the vibrant coastal suburbs of Wollongong.
2: The Illawarra and Kiama Coasts (Wollongong to Gerroa)
Length: 63km
Duration: 3 days
Explore the wonders along this coastline, from the vast Lake Illawarra and birdlife-rich Killalea Wetlands to the unique geology of Kiama. Witness the volcanic formations of Cathedral Rocks and Bombo Headland, marvel at the Kiama Blowholes (if the waves allow), and soak in the historic charm of Kiama. Follow the scenic cliffs south, contrasting green pastures with the blue sea, before reaching the breathtaking view of Seven Mile Beach at Gerroa.
3: The Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay (Gerroa to Huskisson)
Length: 52km
Duration: 3 days
Wander down the long sweeping stretch of sand on Seven Mile Beach; Wade the tidal marshes to reach Comerong Island; Catch the local ferry to cross the Berry Canal; Enjoy the rich mix of dairy farm and bird-filled wetlands of the Shoalhaven River; Hire a boat to cross the broad reach from Anglers Rest to Orient Point; Wander along the shores of Lake Woolumboola, home to hundreds of black swans and other waterbirds; Laze on the brilliant white sand that lines the aqua-coloured waters of Jervis Bay; Hire a boat to cross Currambene Creek and enjoy a beer at the iconic Husky Pub
4: Jervis Bay to Ulladulla (Huskisson to Ulladulla)
Length: 60km
Duration: 4 days
Jervis Bay boasts the "String of Pearls," a stunning collection of white-sand beaches, including Hyams Beach, which claims the title of having the whitest sand in the world [Image of Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay]. Hike through the heathlands of Jervis Bay National Park, marveling at the view of Lake Windermere, a perched dune lake. Follow the coastline, wandering alongside the quiet waters of St Georges Basin before hiring a boat to cross the channel to Sussex Inlet. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Swan Lake, and float your packs across the entry to Lake Conjola (but only at low tide!). After a long stroll down the beach, wade through the entry to Narawallee Inlet (at low tide again), and reward yourself with a coffee at Mollymook. Learn about the Budawang people's millennia-long history on the cultural walk at Ulladulla Head, then cap off your adventure with fresh fish and chips from the bustling Ulladulla fishing fleet.
5: The Murramarang Coast (Ulladulla to Batemans Bay)
Length: 76km
Duration: 4 days
Explore the dramatic coastline south of Jervis Bay. Discover fossils and volcanic wonders at Ulladulla Head, then unwind on the golden sands of Wairo and Tabourie Beaches. Hike through spotted gum forests near Meroo and watch for giant rays at the historic Bawley Point wharf. Uncover Aboriginal history at the Murramarang Heritage Site and listen to the chatter of rainbow lorikeets. Hike Durras Mountain for panoramic views, before relaxing on idyllic Depot Beach and exploring the rock platform. Kayak the tranquil waters of Lake Durras, witnessing the shift from sandstone to rugged metamorphic rock. Finally, savor fresh fish and chips by the water in Batemans Bay.
6: The Eurobodalla Coast (Batemans Bay to Tuross Head)
Length: 57km from
Duration: 3-4 days
Journey south from Batemans Bay, past coves and beach houses, to Burrewarra Point's coastal heath with its panoramic views. Hike or swim the Tomaga River to reach the long, isolated beaches between Broulee and the Moruya River. Explore Aboriginal history on the Bingi Dreaming Track, then marvel at the geology of Bingie Bingie Point before savoring a peaceful break at Tuross Head, nestled between vast lakes.
7: The Eurobodalla Coast (Tuross Head to Bermagui)
Length: 56km
Duration: 3-4 days
Explore the ever-changing coastline south of Batemans Bay. Cruise across Tuross Lake with the rescue squad, marveling at Gulaga's shifting form. Observe waterbirds on Brou and Mummaga Lakes, then admire the sculpted rocks at Duesbury Point. Follow the Wagonga Inlet boardwalk, witnessing both bush and mangroves. At Glasshouse Rocks, see dramatic offshore rock formations. Wander along Jindana's green cliffs and secluded beaches, before relaxing in the protected cove of Mystery Bay. Follow the sandy stretches of 1080 Beach and Wallaga Lake, soaking in mountain views. Learn Aboriginal history at Murunna Point, then take the old coast road past Long Swamp and end your journey in charming Bermagui, a big game-fishing haven.
8: Mimosa Rocks National Park (Bermagui to Tathra)
Length: 44km
Duration: 3 days
Explore hidden gems along the south coast. Follow the forest walkway to dramatic cliff views, skinny-dip at Armonds Beach, and wade to Goelan Head for panoramic views. Unwind at Hidden Valley's fisherman's hut, explore Mimosa Rocks' unique formations, and swim across the entrances of Wapengo and Nelson Inlets. Enjoy the serenity of forests, beaches, and lakes before reaching Tathra's charming historic wharf for a refreshing coffee break.
9: The Sapphire Coast (Tathra to Eden)
Length: 50km
Duration: 3 days
Explore the dramatic south coast, following cliff-top paths with heathland views and hidden bays. Hike Bournda National Park's lakes and lagoons, then unwind in Merimbula with its coastal lake and boardwalk. Swim the Pambula River mouth, wander Pinnacles Beach, and marvel at Quoraburagan's clay cliffs. Delve into the forests of Ben Boyd National Park, explore Curalo Lagoon's wetlands, and end your journey in historic Eden, nestled on Twofold Bay.
10: Beowa National Park (Eden to Wonboyn)
Length: 66km
Duration: 4 days
Explore the scenic Twofold Bay with walks around its rocky edges and the Lighthouse to Lighthouse track. Hike past maroon-colored cliffs and fern-filled forests, keeping an eye out for ground parrots in the heathlands. Take in the views of Disaster Bay before wading to Wonboyn Lake and its peaceful village.
11: Nadgee-Howe Wilderness (Wonboyn to Mallacoota)
Length: 63km
Duration: 3 days
Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Nadgee Wilderness, the most remote part of the South Coast. Hike through forests, heathlands, and along the shoreline, camping for 2-3 nights under the vast sky. Wade across the tannin-stained Merrica River, visit Harry's Hut, and trek through heathlands and sand dunes near Cape Howe. Walk the vastness of Big Beach, detour to Lake Baracoota, and end your adventure with a boat ride across Mallacoota Lake.
For more information and to download GPS sections, visit the Great South Coast Walk website.
The Great South Coast Walk website describes the walk, provides maps, track files, and resources for planning your trek, whether you choose to tackle sections or the entire route. The route was first mapped in 2004 and has been continuously improved thanks to new track sections and better routes, largely suggested by walkers themselves. Therefore, if you plan to use the website's track files, ensure you download the latest versions.
