Light to Light walk hugs the coastline between historic Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lightstation. It's one of the best walks on the far south coast of NSW. The views are stunning and ever-changing - from heathland to forest, tea tree groves to banksia woodlands, and sheltered coves to towering red-rock platforms. Plus, with so many seafront vantage points, you can spot seals, seabirds and whales. Enjoy a small section of the walk - most sections of this walk are easy - or embark on a self-guided, multi-day hike, stop overnight and have a swim at the beach campgrounds.
The walk is exceedingly scenic, taking in stunning wilderness, spectacular beaches and some beautiful views as well as fascinating indigenous history. Please note that some of the infrastructure of the walk was damaged by the fires of late December 2019 and some areas remain closed.
The walk is best done as a three-day hike, and you can do it self-guided, providing all your own gear, food and camping equipment. The campgrounds along the walk are equipped with picnic tables, barbecues, and toilet facilities.
Light to Light Walk three-day itinerary
Day 1 – 13km
Begin the coastal trek from Boyds Tower, built in 1847, where you'll likely spot seals and seabirds all year round and migrating humpback whales during the season from May to November. Head for Saltwater Creek Beach to cool down with a swim and arrive at the secluded Saltwater Creek campground as the sun strikes the headland and colours the trees. Those staying at the Green Cape Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages will be transferred for the night.
Day 2 – 9km
Day two starts back at Saltwater Creek. Head off for Bittangabee Bay where you can follow a trail through banksia groves, past sheltered covers and beside russet-red rock shelves. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Bittangabee Bay and then stop to explore the Bittangabee Bay Ruins. As the campground here was destroyed in the fire, Sapphire Coast Guiding Co., will transfer walkers back to Saltwater Creek (if doing the camping hike) or back to Green Cape Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages.
Day 3 – 8km
From Bittangabee Bay, set out for Green Cape Lighthouse along a trail that was traditionally travelled by lighthouse keepers laden with supplies. Visit the Lye-e-Moon Cemetery that holds 70 of the 71 lives lost when the Lye-e-Moon was shipwrecked off the lighthouse in 1886. The body of the 71st passenger, the mother of Australia’s only Saint, Mary MacKillop, was taken back to Sydney. Stroll along the walkway to the Green Cape lookout to admire the landscape.
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.
Take appropriate weatherproof clothing, insect repellant and sufficient food and water (you'll need around 6 litres per person per day).
If you choose to walk the track in sections, consider car pooling ahead of time.
While the track offers easy walking along a well-marked route, it does cover some remote country - it's a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch and whale watch along the way
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
Total distance: 31511 m
Max elevation: 66 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 774 m
Total descent: -808 m
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Boyd’s Tower is in the southern section of Beowa National Park. To get there: Travel south from Eden on the Princes Highway for 18km. Turn off at Edrom Road and follow it to the turn off near the end of the road.
Green Cape Lightstation is also in the southern section of Beowa National Park. To get there: Travel south from Eden on The Princes Highway for 18km. Turn off at Edrom Road and follow it for 6km. Turn right onto unsealed Green Cape Road and follow it for 21km
Road quality: Check the condition before setting out as some of the roads within the park can become boggy when it rains.
Parking: Parking is available at Green Cape Lightstation and Boyds Tower walking track. Parking is available at a number of points along the track, including Saltwater Creek and Bittangabee campgrounds and at Boyds Tower.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
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Beowa (Ben Boyd) National Park
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Beowa (Ben Boyd) National Park
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Beowa (Ben Boyd) National Park
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Beowa (Ben Boyd) National Park
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
