Trail summary
7,735 Views
Possible 3-day itinerary
Day 1: Pretty Beach to Depot Beach (10km, 3-6 hours)
Start at Pretty Beach (welcome tour optional) and check tides beforehand (low tide ideal). Descend to the beach, following the trail south. Look out for beach kangaroos! Listen for the "Singing Stones" at a small inlet. The track winds through spotted gum forests with ocean views. Enjoy morning tea at Snake Bay, a secluded cobblestone beach. Continue through forests with ocean glimpses. Reach Pebbly Beach (lunch/swim option, picnic facilities). The final leg to Depot Beach (1 hour) follows the beach and headlands (beware of slippery rocks, alternative route over headland available). Ascend the stairs to reach your overnight stay - Depot Beach cabins. Relax, enjoy a hot shower, and unwind on your porch.
Day 2: Depot Beach to South Durras (8km, 3-4 hours)
Day 2 starts with a scenic stroll through spotted gums, burrawangs, and termite mounds. Check tides again. Ascend the headland to Point Upright lookout for panoramic views and assess the Durras Lake crossing. If impassable, return to Depot Beach (mobile reception near lookout, payphone on Fairley Street, or ask staff for help). Descend to the beach for the crossing or walk along the road (3km). Your day ends at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort with an afternoon free to explore South Durras (bistro, pool, ocean swimming).
Day 3: South Durras to Maloneys Beach (16km, 5-7 hours)
The longest but most rewarding day. Head back into the bush through spotted gums, burrawangs, and beautiful bays. The trail leads from South Durras to Oaky Beach. From there, it's less than 2 kilometers to North Head lookout for stunning views (possible whale sightings). Continue to North Head Beach and Yellow Rock Beach (toilets/picnic facilities). The final leg to Maloneys Beach is about an hour. Descend the stairs and be greeted by resident kangaroos, marking your return to civilization. A transfer will take you back to Pretty Beach.
Find out more about the self-guided packages and book at NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Tips
The Murramarang South Coast Walk is classified as Grade 4. While the majority of the terrain is flat and manageable, there are sections with short, steep climbs to be aware of. Hikers will encounter occasional stretches of potentially slippery rock shelves and cobbled beaches. Tidally influenced Durras Lake crossing may also be necessary depending on conditions.
Despite these challenges, the trail is suitable for first-time multi-day walkers and families with older children. However, a good level of fitness is essential. Daily hikes range from 3 to 8 hours, requiring you to carry a backpack with food, water, and necessary safety supplies for the duration of your chosen itinerary.
The Murramarang South Coast Walk is a self-guided, multi-day experience requiring you to be self-sufficient with essential supplies. A waterproof backpack and a dry bag are necessary to carry food for three days and two nights, at least two liters of water, and any required safety equipment.
While potable water can be obtained for refilling at Pretty Beach and Depot Beach, it's important to note that this is tank water and must be boiled before consumption. Day 2 offers a reprieve at the NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, where a bistro is available for meals. However, be aware that there are no water refill opportunities between the NRMA Resort and your final destination at Maloneys Beach, a distance of approximately 16 kilometers. Plan accordingly to ensure you have sufficient water for this final leg of the walk.
Track grade
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.
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.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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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.
