Merrica River nature trail is an 8km, grade 4 hike located in Nadgee Nature Reserve, New South Wales. The hike should take around 4 hours to complete.
Hike overview
The area around the river mouth is virtually untouched, and those who explore the Merrica River nature trail will be rewarded by a changing landscape and the joy of discovery.
This is a long walk, so you'll also want to bring your swimmers for a dip where the river meets the ocean - after you've crossed the creek, passed the waterfall and rockpools, and followed the fire trail through the eucalypt forest. Here, you'll also see the vast expanses of beautiful Disaster Bay.
As you're walking, watch for eastern water dragons sunning themselves on stones near the creek or marvel at the hermit crabs feeding on the beach at low tide. Merrica River also has a pair of resident sea eagles who can often be seen patrolling the river and coast for food.
Route and GPX file
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Trail location
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Getting there
Merrica River nature trail is in the northern precinct of Nadgee Nature Reserve. To get there from Eden:Travel south along the Princes Highway for 22.5kmTurn left on Wonboyn Road and follow it for 8.7kmTurn right into old Old Bridge Forest Road and travel for a further 5.6kmThe Merrica River carpark and track head is located across the Merrica River causeway Road quality Check the weather before you set out as the road to Merrica River nature trail can become boggy when it rains. Parking Parking is available at Merrica trackhead facility, east of the Merrica River crossing.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
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About the region
Nadgee Nature Reserve in the South Coast region
Nadgee Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
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
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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.