Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 287m
Min elevation: 33m
Total Ascent: 399m
Hike overview
The Pretty Beach to Durras Mountain walking track in Murramarang National Park offers a challenging 10-kilometer (roundtrip) journey with significant rewards for hikers seeking breathtaking coastal views and a taste of the park's diverse flora and fauna. This grade 4 hike is estimated to take approximately 4 hours to complete.
The route commences near Pretty Beach campground, where you might encounter lounging kangaroos before heading out on a steady climb. The path winds through coachwood trees and a unique coastal rainforest, offering a refreshing escape into the park's natural beauty. The effort is rewarded upon reaching the summit of Durras Mountain, where panoramic coastal and scenic mountain views unfold before you. Keep your ears tuned for the year-round melodies of eastern whipbirds and wonga pigeons.
Descend from the peak by retracing your steps, or for those with remaining energy, extend your adventure towards the Pebbly Beach picnic area. If the undeniable charm of the region has captivated you, consider cozying up in one of the available cabins at Pretty Beach for a longer stay.
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.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 287 m
Min elevation: 33 m
Total climbing: 399 m
Total descent: -399 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Murramarang National Park.
The Pretty Beach to Durras Mountain walking track lies within the northern precinct of Murramarang National Park. Accessible by car, the trailhead is located at Pretty Beach picnic area. Travelers can reach this destination by turning off the Princes Highway at Termeil. Follow the Bawley Point/Kioloa turn-off and proceed past Kioloa, keeping an eye out for signage directing you to Pretty Beach. Parking is conveniently available at the Pretty Beach carpark near the picnic area.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Batemans Bay, Bawley Point, Kioloa, Maloneys Beach, Malua Bay, Milton, Moruya, Narooma, Nelligen, North Durras, Tomakin, Ulladulla
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.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Murramarang National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.





