Trail summary
Hike overview
The Southern Headlands Walk between Narrawallee and Burrill Lake offers a stunning mix of coastal scenery, pristine beaches, native flora, and inviting local cafes, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore and unwind.
Stretching 20 kilometres through the Shoalhaven, New South Wales, this grade 3 walk typically takes around six to seven hours to complete. The route showcases some of the most picturesque parts of the NSW South Coast, a region known for its welcoming seaside communities, excellent coffee, and breathtaking beaches.
In January 2025, Shoalhaven City Council upgraded and connected existing paths to create a continuous walking trail from Narrawallee Inlet to Blackburn Head at Burrill Lake. The walk primarily follows established tracks, including the Narrawallee Foreshore Walk, South Pacific Walk, Gari Bagan, One Track for All, and Coomee Nulunga Cultural Walk. These connections offer flexibility, allowing walkers to tailor their journey by extending their route or choosing shorter sections. While much of the walk follows existing paths, new signage highlights fresh perspectives along the way.
A key feature of the trail is its passage through sections of the Sydney Basin’s Bangalay Sand Forest, an endangered ecological community characterised by its sandy understory and towering eucalyptus botryoides. This unique environment, found only in coastal dunes and subcoastal hills of southern NSW and eastern Victoria, is a highlight for nature lovers.
The walk features ten of Shoalhaven’s most scenic beaches, including Narrawallee, Jones, Mollymook, Golf Course Reef, Collers, Ulladulla Harbour, Corcoran Cove, Rennies, Racecourse, and Burrill. It also incorporates significant existing tracks such as One Track for All, Gari Bagan, Coomee Nulunga Cultural Walk, Narrawallee Foreshore Walk, and the South Pacific Walk. Hikers can explore areas of Bangalay Sand Forest, view 270-million-year-old fossils near Ulladulla Harbour, and spot migrating whales, dolphins, and endangered bird species along the route. The trail also passes two Holiday Haven Tourist Parks in Ulladulla and Burrill Lake, with convenient access to shops, cafes, public toilets, and picnic areas.
For those planning to complete the full 20 kilometres, a car shuffle is recommended—leaving one vehicle at the walk’s endpoint and using another to return to the start. However, shorter sections are easily accessible for families or visitors wanting a more relaxed experience, such as the walking trails and lookout at Ulladulla Lighthouse.
The Southern Headlands Walk complements other well-known tracks in the region, including the Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track in Morton National Park, the Murramarang South Coast Walk from Pretty Beach, and further south, the Light to Light Walk in Beowa National Park.
Tips
- Plan Your Transport: If you're tackling the full 20km walk, a ‘car shuffle’ is the best option. Leave one car at the endpoint and use a second vehicle to drive walkers back to the start. This ensures an easy return without needing to retrace your steps.
- Explore Shorter Sections: If a full-day hike isn’t on your agenda, shorter sections of the walk are perfect for families or those wanting a taste of the scenery. Highlights include the Ulladulla lighthouse trails and the many headland lookouts along the route.
- Stay Along the Trail: For those turning the walk into a short getaway, Ulladulla Holiday Haven offers accommodation on a stunning headland near the halfway point, while Burrill Lake Holiday Haven is conveniently located near the southern trailhead at Blackburn Head.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 48 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 473 m
Total descent: -443 m
Getting there
The best place to begin the Southern Headlands Walk is at Narrawallee Inlet, the trail’s northernmost point. The drive takes around three hours if coming from Sydney, and you’ll find free parking along Narrawallee Inlet Road. For those coming from the south, Burrill Lake marks the southern end of the walk, with parking available at both the East and Western Arm picnic areas. Given the one-way nature of the trail, a ‘car shuffle’ is the most convenient option—leaving one vehicle at the endpoint and using a second car to return to the starting location ensures a hassle-free finish to your hike.
Photo gallery
Main image: Shoalhaven City Council
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Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
About the region
Just two hours south of Sydney (160 km) and two and a half hours from Canberra (200 km), Shoalhaven is a diverse region offering stunning coastal beauty, rich cultural experiences, and endless outdoor adventure. With 70 per cent of the area covered in national parks, there are countless bushwalks, hikes, and scenic trails to explore, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
From the white-sand beaches of Jervis Bay to rugged cliffs, towering forests, and rolling hinterlands, the region caters to all fitness levels. Whether you prefer a short coastal stroll or a challenging bushwalk, Shoalhaven’s varied landscapes provide a perfect setting. The temperate climate ensures comfortable conditions year-round, with refreshing sea breezes in summer and crisp air in winter, making every season ideal for exploring the great outdoors.
Shoalhaven’s vibrant culture adds another layer to the experience. Annual food, wine, and arts festivals celebrate local talent, while fresh farm-to-table produce, boutique wineries, and artisanal markets make for a delicious way to unwind after a day on the trails. Cafés and restaurants serve up fresh seafood, locally roasted coffee, and regional delicacies, offering a true taste of the area.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the many waterways for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and surfing, while on land, hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding provide endless adventure. The region’s diverse terrain ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a peaceful nature escape or a more physically demanding walk.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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.
1 Review on “Southern Headlands Walk (20km)”
Thanks to Restart NSW funding, Shoalhaven City Council has been able to connect and upgrade existing paths to create a 20km walking route from Narrawallee Inlet to Blackburn Head at Burrill Lake. You can read the full press release here: https://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/News-and-feedback/News-and-media/News/Spectacular-addition-to-south-coast-walks
If you’re tackling the full 20km walk, a ‘car shuffle’ is the best option.
Check out this new walk