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.
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.
Total distance: 13239 m
Max elevation: 287 m
Min elevation: 7 m
Total climbing: 526 m
Total descent: -525 m
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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.
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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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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
