Munjip Trail (15km)

The Munjip Trail follows the Eurobodalla coastline for around 15 kilometres, linking Batehaven near Batemans Bay with McKenzies Beach near Malua Bay. It’s a walk that moves easily between bushland and shoreline, shifting from quiet coastal forest to open headlands, beaches and rock platforms. At times the ocean feels close and exposed, at others it disappears behind vegetation, only to return again with a different character. The result is a varied and engaging walk where the landscape is constantly changing.

The name Munjip reflects the spirit of the trail. In the local Dhurga language it means walking together, a phrase shared by Walbunja custodian Aunty Loretta Parsley. That sense of connection carries through the entire experience. This is not just a coastal walk, but a journey across Country, shaped by the stories, culture and ongoing presence of the Walbunja people. Along the track, artworks created by local Walbunja artists and students from Batemans Bay High School offer moments to pause and reflect, each piece grounded in a deep relationship with place.

As you move along the trail, the natural environment is just as compelling. The coastline reveals its geology in layers of rock platforms and headlands, while the surrounding bush supports a mix of coastal flora and wildlife. There are plenty of quiet places to stop, look out across the water, and take in the rhythm of the coast. It is a walk that encourages you to slow down and notice what is around you, rather than simply moving from one end to the other.

Although the full route can be completed end to end, it also lends itself well to shorter walks. Sections can be explored in a couple of hours, making it accessible for those who prefer a more relaxed outing. Many walkers choose to organise a car shuffle, as there are access points at Surf Beach, Observation Point, Wimbie Beach, Mosquito Bay, McKenzies Beach and Malua Bay.

The track is graded at a moderate level and suits most ages and fitness levels, though some bushwalking experience helps. Expect uneven surfaces, short steep sections and stretches with steps. Conditions can vary depending on weather and tides, particularly around the rock platforms and exposed sections.

Observation Point offers a memorable starting point, with wide views across Batemans Bay, the Clyde River and out to the Tollgate Islands. At the southern end, McKenzies Beach provides a quieter finish. It’s an undeveloped stretch of coast, popular with locals, where the trail meets the sand beside a distinctive whale tail sculpture. With no facilities on site, it retains a simple, unspoilt feel that suits the character of the walk.

Whether you choose to complete the full distance or explore it in sections, the Munjip Trail is less about ticking off kilometres and more about spending time in a place that blends landscape, culture and story in a way that feels grounded and genuine.