Red Rock, Coffs CoastCredit: Destination NSW
Get back to nature on a wild walk
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From short walks to multi-day treks, New South Wales is full of incredible wild walks. Here are five terrific tramps in the state’s north to get you started. Prepare for your adventure by familiarising yourself with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s bushwalking safety tips and Australia’s Walking Track Grading System, and remember to pre-book to camp in NSW national parks.
Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, Coffs Coast
- Distance: 60km one-way
- Time: 3–4 days
- Track grade: 4
Cross golden beaches, hike up rocky headlands and stroll through lush rainforest on one of the most beautiful walks on Australia’s east coast. The Solitary Islands Coastal Walk takes you from Red Rock, at the northern end of the Coffs Coast, down to Sawtell, passing through Coffs Coast Regional Park, Moonee Beach Nature Reserve and Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve along the way.
Meet the resident kangaroos on the Look At Me Now Headland and bring your binoculars for a closer look at humpback whales from May to November. You can camp along the way or, if you prefer more comfort, Solitary Islands Coastal Walk Experiences offers transfers to local accommodations.
Minyon Falls Walking Track, Byron Bay Hinterland
- Distance: 13km return
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Track grade: 3
Walk among waterfalls, wildlife and wildflowers as you wind your way through UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest in Nightcap National Park, 90 minutes’ drive northwest of Byron Bay on the far North Coast. The Minyon Falls Walking Track leads you past the base of the 100m-high waterfall and, if you’re comfortable scrambling over some rocks, you can cool off with a swim at the base before heading back to the car park. Keep your camera ready for possible sightings of koalas, wallabies and goannas en route.
Minyon Falls is also set to become the end point of a four-day walk linking Nightcap National Park and neighbouring Mount Jerusalem National Park, which is expected to be completed in 2022. Known as the Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails project, the new network of tracks will also include areas for cyclists.
Diggers Camp Credit: Destination NSW
Coastline of Diggers Camp on the mid-north coast.
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Diggers Camp Credit: Destination NSW
Coastline of Diggers Camp on the mid-north coast.
Nightcap National Park, Whian Whian Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park, Whian Whian.
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Nightcap National Park, Whian Whian Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park, Whian Whian.
Eagles Nest Walking Track, Northern Tablelands
- Distance: 2.2km loop
- Time: 1–2 hours
- Track grade: 3
The Eagles Nest Walking Track in New England National Park starts 1,563m above sea level at Point Lookout (around 2.5 hours east of Armidale). Enjoy panoramic views over the verdant forest to the Pacific Ocean before climbing down into the Gondwana Rainforest.
See delicate ice sculptures created by water trickling over freezing rocks in winter, colourful wildflowers mingling with snow grass tussocks in spring, and orchids in Antarctic beech trees covered in moss throughout the year. Also keep your eyes peeled for spotted quolls, kangaroos, wallabies, gliders and possums, and when you reach Banksia Point be sure to look for the resident lyrebird. Twitchers will be pleased to know that the park is home to more than 100 other bird species.
Yuraygir Coastal Walk, Clarence Coast
- Distance: 65km one-way
- Time: 4–5 days
- Track grade: 4
Yuraygir National Park, a 70-minute drive north of Coffs Harbour on the Mid North Coast, has the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in NSW, and the Yuraygir coastal walk guides you on a 65km trek inspired by the path of the coastal emu.
Keep an eye out for some of Australia’s most vulnerable wildlife, including the rufous bettong, a rabbit-sized marsupial also known as a rufous rat-kangaroo, as well as coastal emus.
With seven camping spots along the way you could do the whole walk in one stretch — north to south to keep the sun at your back is best — or you could simply choose one section for a day out.
Bald Rock Summit Walking Track, Tenterfield
- Distance: 3.2km loop
- Time: 1–2 hours
- Track grade: 3
Just outside of Tenterfield in the New England region, you can climb the largest exposed granite monolith in the southern hemisphere the easy way or the hard way in Bald Rock National Park. The Bungoona Walk is the slower, more gradual way and includes walking through huge boulders and up staircases made of stone. The Rockface Walk does what the name suggests — it involves a steep climb from the base to the summit, and is best for confident and fit walkers.
Both Bald Rock Summit Walking Track options lead to the same spot on the top of the rock that’s about 200m tall, with sweeping views of the countryside below.
Point Lookout, New England National Park Credit: Richard A Stanley
Scenic views across New England National Park from Point Lookout.
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Point Lookout, New England National Park Credit: Richard A Stanley
Scenic views across New England National Park from Point Lookout.
Red Cliff Beach, Yuraygir National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos relaxing in Yuraygir National Park near Red Cliff.
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Red Cliff Beach, Yuraygir National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos relaxing in Yuraygir National Park near Red Cliff.
More Inspirational Stories
Glasshouse Rocks, NaroomaCredit: Destination NSW
Father and son heading out for a morning surf at Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma.
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Put this glorious stretch of the New South Wales coastline on your holiday radar and drive four hours south from Sydney to discover the charming Eurobodalla region. You’ll have plenty of easy adventures on this laidback coastal getaway stretching from South Durras down to Tilba Tilba on the NSW South Coast. Elevate your visit with these 10 memorable experiences.
Go snorkelling with seals
Experience the unforgettable thrill of snorkelling alongside playful fur seals on a day trip to Montague Island, a protected nature reserve just off the coast of Narooma. Local operators such as Montague Island Adventures can take you on this exhilarating adventure and if you book between November and May you might be lucky enough to share your trip with migrating whales. You can also tour the island’s historic lighthouse and significant Aboriginal sites or seize the rare chance to stay overnight in a lighthouse keeper’s cottage.
Get back to nature with your family
Connect with your loved ones in the inspiring surrounds of Murramarang National Park, which offers a family-friendly taster of the magnificent coastal wilderness in the Eurobodalla region. Children will love the tree stump stepping ‘stones’ at the start of the Durras Lake Discovery Trail, with possible kangaroo sightings adding to the fun. Find the trailhead for the 1.5km loop at the end of Lake Road.
Enter cheese heaven
Feasting on local cheese is a quintessential experience in this historic dairy region, which has been producing quality cheeses since the 1870s. Live out your farming fantasies at the 1950s-style Bodalla Dairy in Bodalla, where fresh milk is produced onsite every morning to make artisinal cheeses with native flavours, as well as traditional milkshakes, great coffees and ice-creams. Stay the night in one the property’s five farm-chic guest rooms.
Sample more delicious cheeses and perhaps join a cheesemaking course at the ABC Cheese Factory further south in the charming surrounds of National Heritage-listed Central Tilba, which offers a living snapshot of 19th-century regional Australia.
Montague Island, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Montague Island Discovery Tours
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Montague Island, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Montague Island Discovery Tours
VIP Private Tours, Bodella Dairy Shed, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
VIP Private Tours design bespoke and exclusive experiences exploring the Eurobodalla region.
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VIP Private Tours, Bodella Dairy Shed, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
VIP Private Tours design bespoke and exclusive experiences exploring the Eurobodalla region.
Be mesmerised by whales
Seeing a whale in the wild is magical, whether it’s your first time or your 50th. The huge marine mammals are at their most playful in the Eurobodalla region from September to November, making this the perfect time to marvel at their aerobatic feats. Bring your binoculars to spot whales from the shoreline at Toragy Point near Moruya (which has the region’s only airport) or on Broulee Island. Or join an action-packed whale watching tour with the likes of Narooma Charters. You might also be treated to a very special whale encounter on a half-day kayaking tour with Region X as you paddle out into open water in search of hidden beaches and azure rock pools.
Sign up for more aquatic adventures
The Eurobodalla Shire is known as the land of many waters, with rivers, lakes and, of course, the ocean to enjoy aquatic adventures such as surfing, diving, fishing, and more. Revel in the accomplishment of learning to surf with Surf the Bay, a mobile surf school based in Broulee; get a buzz catching your own seafood dinner on a fishing trip with Narooma Charters;, and feel anew after an invigorating beach dip at pretty Mystery Bay.
Explore Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden with all your senses
Stop and smell the native flowers in the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, just south of Batemans Bay, where five walking trails weave around a collection of themed gardens. Learn something new on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, a 1km walking path suitable for visitors with limited mobility that reveals the fascinating traditional uses of about 30 Eurobodalla plants. Feel your worries melt away as you wander the gardens, calmed by the trickle of water features and the buzz of the bees. Bring a picnic or grab a wholesome bite at the Mossy on Gardens Café, which overlooks the gardens.
Follow Eurobodalla’s oyster trail
Shuck and slurp to your heart’s content in the Eurobodalla region, which forms part of Australia’s famous Oyster Coast. Look out for these plump delicacies on menus across the region, as well as oyster specialists like the Oyster Shed on Wray Street in Batemans Bay, where you can sample oysters beside the Clyde River where they are farmed. The Oyster Farmers Daughter is an alfresco oyster bar nestled alongside the idyllic Wagonga Inlet in Narooma where you can pair fresh oysters with refreshing cocktails made with local gin.
Narooma Charters Montague Island Tours Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of the Narooma Charters Montague Island Tour boat travelling from Narooma to Montague Island
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Narooma Charters Montague Island Tours Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of the Narooma Charters Montague Island Tour boat travelling from Narooma to Montague Island
Wray Street Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Farmer returning to Wray Street Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay with fresh oysters.
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Wray Street Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Farmer returning to Wray Street Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay with fresh oysters.
Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture
Transform your understanding of the Eurobodalla region’s Aboriginal peoples and their fascinating stories with local Indigenous operator Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness. Its 40-hour Yuin Retreat, named for the region’s Traditional Custodians, begins on the first evening with a traditional welcome, followed by a sunrise ceremony and the option to hike Gulaga (formerly Mount Dromedary) or visit significant sites on the Djirringanj Dreaming Trail. Following a cultural program in the evening, the experience ends with an Aboriginal healing and connection workshop on the final morning, leaving you with a whole new outlook on Aboriginal culture and this storied corner of the country.
Embrace next-level camping and glamping
Deepen your connection to the region’s enriching natural landscapes on a local camping or glamping experience. Soak up the unrivalled seaside location along with the stellar wildlife-watching opportunities at Beachcomber Holiday Park at Potato Point, just south of Tuross Head, where you may be surprised to discover emus are among the menagerie of native animals known to frequent this campground backing onto Eurobodalla National Park.
If glamping is more your style, wake up to sweeping mountain views after a romantic night in a glamping tent at Mountain View Farm in Tilba Tilba. Also tucked in the lush rolling hills of the Tilba Valley is Tilba Lake House, which offers a luxe glamping option as well as four cosy self-contained tiny house stays with views of the lake, ocean and mountains.
Go market-hopping
Get to know the friendly Eurobodalla community at the region’s vibrant markets. Learn about their passion for developing a sustainable local food system as you fill your basket with local goodies spanning vegetables from Old Mill Road Biofarm to McAsh Oysters at the SAGE Farmers Market, held every Tuesday afternoon from 3pm at Riverside Park in Moruya. Find more produce and connect with the local artisans, craftspeople and designers, at the Moruya Country Market on Saturday mornings from 8am, held at the same spot.
Tilba Tilba Lake, Central Tilba Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views across Central Tilba to Tilba Tilba Lake.
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Tilba Tilba Lake, Central Tilba Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views across Central Tilba to Tilba Tilba Lake.
Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness located at Narooma offers an immersive Indigenous experience on-country in Yuin Country.
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Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness located at Narooma offers an immersive Indigenous experience on-country in Yuin Country.