Murramarang South Coast Walk

Australia’s answer to the Cinque Terre.

Pebbly Beach, , Murramarang National ParkThe Murramarang South Coast Walk

The Murramarang South Coast Walk project is a 4-day walking trail totalling 39 kilometres of world class, purpose-built trails and associated infrastructure in Murramarang National Park on the New South Wales south coast. The walk will commence near Batemans Bay and traverse a spectacular coastal landscape, connecting with Durras, Pebbly Beach and Kioloa to finish at Bawley Point. The walk will deliver an outstanding immersive visitor experience in one of the most stunning and pristine stretches of coastline in NSW. The diversity of natural landscapes, vegetation and wildlife combines with ancient rock formations and ocean vistas to create many memorable moments for walkers.

What the project involves

The combination of nature and existing overnight accommodation in the 5 villages, presents a very exciting opportunity to create a new multi-day walking experience.

The walker will be able to choose from luxury accommodation in resort villas, affordable beach shacks or cabins, or camp in one of the Parks’ camping areas. The walk is also perfectly suited to be undertaken as separate day walks and includes the creation of a loop walk at Maloneys beach and headland on day 1. This feature will deliver a new attraction for Batemans Bay. 

Originally inspired by local bushwalkers, the walk will promote the culture and heritage of the region and provide broad physical and mental health benefits through access to recreational facilities and the natural environment. Rock pools and secluded beaches with a backdrop of forested hills and spotted gum forest floors smothered in burrawang palms, are just a few of the delights visitors can expect to discover. With only a simple day pack required between overnight stops, the Murramarang walker will encounter the solitude and tranquillity that only immersion in nature can provide.

The 4-day walk will be able to be undertaken as self-guided, or through commercial tour operators offering various levels of assistance to individuals or groups, with NPWS fostering these partnership opportunities. Additionally, the project will provide opportunities to strengthen local and regional partnerships, including working with Aboriginal communities.

The proposed walk has been awarded $3.64 million funding by the NSW Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund program, an initiative of the NSW Department of Industry, that provides funding for infrastructure that supports regional economic growth, creates local employment opportunities, and drives growth in the visitor economy.

Planning for the Murramarang South Coast Walk has commenced, and we are currently working through the design and approvals processes, with the first stages of construction expected to commence in 2019. Construction will be undertaken in a staged approach and is expected to be completed by late 2020.

The Murramarang South Coast Walk project aims to create a new signature multi-day walking experience with the potential to become one of Australia’s favourite walks, supporting an uplift in tourism to the 5 coastal villages it connects - Batemans Bay, Durras, Pebbly Beach, Kioloa and Bawley Point. The project aims to be a key attraction in the region’s tourism industry while encouraging people to protect and love their national parks.

This walk is expected to deliver benefits to the local economy, drawing new visitors to the region in off-peak periods and providing opportunities for tour operators, local specialty provedores, and transport, accommodation and hospitality services.

Our national parks are managed to protect their unique values and provide for sustainable visitor use and enjoyment. This includes providing visitor experiences and, where appropriate, new visitor facilities including walking tracks.

We will conduct independent environmental assessments to examine the significance of any likely environmental impacts of the proposal and consider measures required to mitigate any impacts to the environment. This highlights the need to ensure public visitation and enjoyment is compatible with the protection of conservation values.

The proposed project will undergo further detailed design and assessment to ensure compliance with the park’s plan of management and conservation management plans. Stringent environmental, cultural heritage and cost-benefit assessments, involving our staff, key stakeholders and other experts, will ensure the project meets environmental, cultural and economic aspirations.

The proposed Murramarang South Coast Walk will offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy a superior walking experience along the spectacular coastline of Murramarang National Park and Murramarang Aboriginal Area and will be compatible with the parks' natural and cultural values and the area’s relatively remote settings.

Interpretation through innovative storytelling is one of the most effective ways to enhance a multi-day walk and deliver an ‘experience of a lifetime’ for walkers. Developing rich and engaging interpretation, including opportunities for local Aboriginal guided experiences, will be a key focus with the aim of immersing the walker in the natural and cultural landscape creating respect, a strong connection and sense of place.

Effective community and stakeholder engagement is critical to the success of this project. NPWS will engage with stakeholders and interested community members in a meaningful and timely way. Those interested in the project are invited to register their interest and receive regular updates on the project.

To register your interest in this project please complete and submit the form.

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