Ancient middens on the headland at Murramarang

Overview

Murramarang Aboriginal Area is a small coastal reserve on the New South Wales South Coast, about 30km north of Batemans Bay near Bawley Point. It protects Murramarang Point, nearby dunes and part of a lagoon, with the sea on one side and a long sweep of beach on the other. What makes the place stand out is the depth of human history held in a compact, open landscape.

The reserve covers about 60 hectares and contains one of the most important Aboriginal archaeological sites on the NSW coast. Material from the area has been dated to around 12,000 years ago, making it one of the few South Coast sites with evidence reaching back to the late Pleistocene.

Highlights

The setting is a striking mix of headland, rock platform, beach, dune and lagoon. From the point, the coast opens out in both directions, and the exposed edges of the land give the whole area a broad, wind-shaped character that feels very different from the forested parks nearby.

One of the most memorable features is the contrast between the open sand country and the sea. The lagoon north of the headland adds another layer to the landscape, softening the coastline and drawing birdlife into the area. Even without focusing on any single walk, this is a place people remember for its open coastal views and the sense of standing on an old meeting ground beside the water.

Best Time to Visit

Spring is especially appealing, when coastal vegetation flowers and the temperatures are generally mild. Autumn is also a good time for clear days and comfortable conditions along the exposed headland. Summer brings the brightest beach weather, while winter can be crisp and clear, which suits the open coastal setting.

Plants and Animals

Murramarang Aboriginal Area brings together several coastal habitats in a relatively small space, including dunes, lagoon edge, headland and rock platform. That mix supports a changing pattern of birdlife, especially around the shoreline and lagoon, while the intertidal edge gives the place much of its texture and movement.

The vegetation is characteristically coastal, shaped by salt, wind and sandy soils. Wildflowers can brighten the area in season, adding colour to an otherwise tough and exposed landscape.

Culture and Heritage

Murramarang Aboriginal Area has a direct and well-documented cultural connection that is central to the place itself. The reserve protects the largest midden complex on the South Coast, with dense deposits of shell, mammal, fish and bird bone, along with millions of stone artefacts. Archaeological finds include rare bone points and shell fishhooks, showing a long history of occupation and a highly developed fishing economy.

The headland was an important meeting place for Aboriginal people, and the area remains significant today for cultural, educational and recreational use. The lagoon north of the headland is also part of local Dreaming, associated with a serpent involved in the creation of the land.