Nadgee Wilderness Walk is a spectacular 55km walk from Merrica River to Mallacoota, with coastal views. It's great for birdwatching, whale watching and camping.
If you're looking for the ultimate coastal hike, Nadgee wilderness walk could possibly be the one. Not for the faint-hearted, it's a four-day 55km hike along untouched pieces of southern NSW coastline from Merrica River to Mallacoota, and well worth experiencing.
In a truly isolated and spectacular environment, you'll discover remote beaches, rugged coastline, tranquil lagoons and shifting sand dunes. As you walk, you'll easily become a birdwatcher - hundreds of seabirds can be seen along the way, such as short-tailed shearwaters, sooty oystercatchers, hooded plovers and gannets.
Eastern water dragons are often seen sunning themselves on warm stones by creeks. And while pods of dolphins often mingle along the beaches, whales can be seen making their annual migration between September and November.
You'll need to be an experienced backpack camper to explore the entirety of this walk. Little Creek Estuary, Bunyip Hole and Nadgee River campgrounds, to name a few, are great places to settle down for the evening. You'll often hear the night-time calls of powerful and sooty owls.
With so many natural wonders to see on Nadgee wilderness walk, this multi-day hike along the south coast of NSW is the ideal antidote to modern life.
- The maximum number of hikers taking the Nadgee wilderness walk is 30 at a time. Maximum group size is eight.
- Please be aware that tracks can be indistinct, difficult to follow, or unmarked in certain places. in heavy rain, Merrica River may flood, making it impassable until the river goes down.
- Record your arrival and departure at the registration station located at the track head facility.
- Clean boots using the boot-cleaning station at Merrica River trackhead before you enter the nature reserve.
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.
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Total distance: 48647 m
Max elevation: 247 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 572 m
Total descent: -623 m
Getting to the trailhead: Nadgee Nature Reserve.
Nadgee wilderness Walk is in the northern precinct of Nadgee Nature Reserve. To get there from Eden:
- Travel south along the Princes Highway for 22.5 km
- Turn left onto Wonboyn Road for 8.7km
- Turn right onto Old Bridge Forest Road for 5.6km (signposted Nadgee Nature Reserve)
- Turn left onto Newtons Road and travel to Merrica River (approximately 9km)
Road quality: Check the weather before you set out as the road to Merrica River trackhead can become boggy when it rains.
Parking: Parking is available at Merrica River trackhead, east of the Merrica River crossing.
Closest towns to this walk: Bemboka, Boydtown, Eden, Mallacoota, Merimbula, Pambula
The natural beauty of Nadgee Nature Reserve has been preserved for centuries, allowing visitors to explore, bushwalk, birdwatch and swim in a pristine coastal landscape.
On the far south coast of NSW is a startling area of untouched beauty. Nadgee Nature Reserve is a haven for those who relish getting back to nature and thrive on peace and quiet. The only sign of life along long stretches of sand might be footprints left by wallabies. Swim in pristine lakes or walk along sandstone cliffs, peering into the coastal heath to see native wrens and little wattlebirds. If you fancy fishing, you're in luck €“ there is superior beach, estuary and lake fishing throughout the reserve.
At Nadgee's north end is the family-friendly town of Wonboyn, close to easy day walks, picnic grounds and tranquil beaches. Further south, experienced hikers can take on the 60km Nadgee€“Howe wilderness walk. At Nadgee you won't be bothered at all by crowds, other than perhaps a pod of dolphins riding the waves.
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Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
3 Reviews on “Nadgee Wilderness Walk (55km)”
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