Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the captivating Pretty Beach to Snake Bay Circuit in Murramarang National Park, New South Wales, a 13km Grade 5 hike boasting rugged coastal terrain and secluded beaches. Starting and ending at Pretty Beach Picnic Area near the town of Cockwhy, this challenging 4-5 hour circuit weaves through rocky shelves submerged during high tide, requiring careful planning and weather consideration. For an extended adventure, the trail connects to the Pebbly Beach track and includes a rewarding climb up Durras Mountain, offering exceptional views. Don't forget to refresh with a swim at Snake Bay and enjoy a well-deserved beach picnic.

Length:

13km

Duration:

4-5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 287m

Min elevation: 7m

Total Ascent: 526m

Start: Pretty Beach Picnic Area

End: Pretty Beach Picnic Area

Murramarang National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Cockwhy

From state capital: 267km

Latitude: -35.56784518763588

Longitude: 150.3667696780195

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

Similar

Region

7,688 views

Hike overview

The Pretty Beach to Snake Bay Circuit via Durras Mountain offers a challenging but rewarding 13-kilometer (roundtrip) hike for experienced walkers within Murramarang National Park. This grade 4 circuit is estimated to take approximately 4-5 hours to complete and demands careful planning due to challenging terrain and variable conditions.

The initial leg from Pretty Beach follows the coastline southward, traversing potentially slippery rock shelves and secluded beaches. These sections are submerged during high tide, so meticulous attention to tidal forecasts and weather conditions is essential. The track is inaccessible during mid to high tide and unsafe in poor weather or during large swells.

Reaching Snake Bay provides a welcome respite. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters and savor a picnic lunch on the beach, ensuring your return coincides with the next low tide.

For those seeking a longer adventure, the well-marked Pebbly Beach to Snake Bay walking track connects here. The popular circuit option then continues via Durras Mountain, offering a loop back to Pretty Beach.

South of Snake Bay, approximately 75 meters from Clear Point, you'll encounter the junction with the Mount Durras track. This section combines the physically demanding yet rewarding climbs of the Pebbly Beach to Durras Mountain and Pretty Beach to Durras Mountain tracks. Allow ample time – 4-5 hours – to complete the entire 13-kilometer loop in either direction.

Tips

Gallery

Add your photos

Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!

Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.

Walk map and GPX file

Pretty Beach to Snake Bay Circuit (13km)

Total distance: 13239 m
Max elevation: 287 m
Min elevation: 7 m
Total climbing: 526 m
Total descent: -525 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Batemans Bay, Bawley Point, Kioloa, Maloneys Beach, Malua Bay, Milton, Moruya, Narooma, Nelligen, North Durras, Tomakin, Ulladulla

Getting to the trailhead in Murramarang National Park.

Accessible by car, the Pretty Beach to Snake Bay walking track lies within the northern precinct of Murramarang National Park. Travelers can reach the trailhead by turning off the Princes Highway at Termeil. Follow signage directing you towards Bawley Point/Kioloa. After passing Kioloa, continue following signs to Pretty Beach. The route comprises a mix of sealed and unsealed roads, suitable for standard 2WD vehicles in all weather conditions. Convenient parking is available at the Pretty Beach Picnic Area.

Get there with Google Maps

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 trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Murramarang National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

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.

Explore safe

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.

Packing checklists

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.

Let someone know

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

Reviews

Pretty Beach to Snake Bay Circuit (13km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Suggest an edit

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.

Acknowledgement of Country

Pretty beach to snake bay circuit (13km)

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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Pretty Beach to Snake Bay Circuit (13km)